Hearts will look to take a massive step in sealing a top-six finish as they welcome fifth-placed Dundee United to Tynecastle on Sunday afternoon.
Hearts returned from the international break suffering a 3-0 defeat at Celtic Park, on an afternoon where our man Mark correctly backed Daizen Maeda to score.
That result means Neil Critchley’s side has fallen eight points city-rivals Hibs in third, but, more importantly, at the minute, they are just one point clear of both Motherwell and St Mirren, who are both breathing down their neck for a top-six spot.
Whilst that’s two defeats from their past three Premiership matches, The Jambos have won seven of their past 11 (W7-D1-L3), only suffering losses to each of the top-three and drawing away at fourth-placed Aberdeen on an afternoon they missed a penalty to win it.
Dundee United, on the other hand, bounced back from their derby defeat at home to Dundee just before the international break, as they ground out a 0-1 victory in the Highlands last Sunday to all but seal a top-six finish.
That result was much needed, as Jim Goodwin’s side had previously lost five of their last seven Premiership matches (W1-D1-L5) and seven of their past 10 (W2-D1-L7) before that success up in Dingwall.
How the bookies view it: Jambos favourites to boost top-six hopes
The bookies have Hearts favourites to take a giant step in securing a top-six finish, with BoyleSports making them 4/6 favourites to secure all three points.
The same firm has United as 7/2 outsiders, whilst the draw is 11/4.
Head to head: Home is not where the Heart is
In both previous meetings between these two sides in the Premiership this season, the away team has won 0-1, with Dundee United winning in the capital back at the start of September, whilst The Jambos won at Tannadice at the turn of the year.
Players to watch: Elton to continue scoring
January signing Elton Kabangu has made an immediate impact since signing on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise, with the Belgian bagging eight goals for the Edinburgh club.
By some distance, Sam Dalby is Dundee United’s leading scorer this season, with the on-loan Wrexham forward banging in 13 goals.
Predicted line-ups:
Hearts will once again be without defenders Craig Halkett, Frankie Kent and Stephen Kingsley.
Dundee United will be without defender Emmanuel Adegboyega, who will still be serving a suspension following his straight red in their defeat to Dundee before the international break, whilst fellow defender Declan Gallagher is a doubt.
Hearts: Gordon, Steinwender, Neilson, Milne, Forrester, Baningime, Devlin, Penrice, Shankland, Wilson Kabangu
Dundee United: Walton, Graham, Sevelj, Strain, Ferry, Trapanovski, Stephenson, Middleton, Docherty, Sibbald, Dalby
Anything else catch the eye?
Despite contrasting fortunes last weekend, it is actually Hearts who come into this clash in the overall better form, with The Jambos winning seven of their previous 11 Premiership contests (W7-D1-L3).
Neil Critchley’s hosts have also won four of their last five (W4-D0-L1) and six of their past eight in front of their supporters (W6-D0-L2) – with both losses coming against Rangers (2nd) and Hibs (3rd) – and I’m backing them to be too strong for a Dundee United side that has lost seven of their previous 11 Premiership contests (W3-D1-L7).
Hearts have found the back of the net in each of their last 13 Premiership fixtures in front of their supporters – notching 2+ goals in three of their past four and five of their previous eight – and I’m also backing them to bag another double against a Dundee United defence that has shipped 16 goals across their past eight matches in the Scottish top flight.
This Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Dundee United will be played on and kick off at 14:30. Check below for our tipsters best Hearts vs Dundee United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
GambleAware