Hearts will look to bounce back from more European disappointment in midweek as they welcome Dundee United to Tynecastle in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon.
The Jambos appointed Wouter Vrancken as Derek McIness’s successor, but it’s been a difficult start for the Belgian, as he saw his side beaten 6-0 on aggregate by Sturm Graz in the second round of Champions League qualifying, before losing their Premiership opener in agonising fashion at Pittodrie – on an evening both of my selections landed.
Things would go from bad to worse for the Gorgie outfit on Thursday night, as they were thrashed 6-1 in Lisbon by Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League third-round tie – on an evening I also landed a 19/20 winner.
Jim Goodwin was openly disappointed that his side failed to make it back-to-back top-six finishes last term, as they finished in seventh position.
However, they made a positive start to the new campaign, as they held Rangers to a 1-1 draw at Tannadice last Friday in their Premiership opener – on an evening I backed the Terrors +1 Asian Handicap at 39/40.
How the bookies view it: Hearts unconvincing favourites
Despite losing all four of their matches in all competitions this season, Hearts are favourites to claim all three points, with bet365 pricing a home success at 8/13.
Dundee United are 15/4 to inflict a fifth consecutive defeat under Wouter Vrancken, whilst the draw is 10/3.
Head to head: Three unbeaten for the Jam Tarts
Hearts were unbeaten against Dundee United last season, with their last meeting finishing in a 0-3 success at Tannadice at the end of January.
However, Dundee United did leave the capital with a point on their last visit to Tynecastle.
Players to watch: Lachlan’s luck to continue?
Lachlan Rose scored the opening goal of the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season, as he bundled home against Rangers last Friday night.
The ex-Newcastle Jets frontman has now scored in three consecutive matches for the Terrors and is an appealing 11/4 to continue his hot streak.
Predicted line-ups:
Hearts will be without Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley, Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Ageu due to injury, whilst Stuart Findlay is suspended following his red card against Aberdeen last weekend.
Dundee United appear to be nearly at full strength, with only youngster Miller Thomson missing.
Hearts: Reus, Altena, McCart, McEntee, Milne Spittal, Guendouz, Kyziridis, Miller, Braga, Kabore
Dundee United: Walton, Rawlins, Iovu, Forbes, Ferry, Sevelj, Agyei, Tait, Randall, Rose, Sapsford
Anything else catch the eye?
Dundee United caused Rangers plenty of problems in their 1-1 draw at Tannadice last Friday, and will fancy their chances of exploiting Hearts’ vulnerable backline that has already shipped 14 goals across their four matches in all competitions this term.
However, Jim Goodwin’s men kept a solitary shutout on their travels last season – with that coming at near-neighbours Dundee at the end of last August – meaning they are now without a clean sheet in each of their last 17 away matches in the Scottish Premiership, shipping 2+ goals in 12 (71%) of those.
That means goals seem the sensible way to approach this clash, with Over 2.5 Goals paying 8/11 at bet365, whilst Both Teams to Score is priced at a juicier 4/5.
Interested in why both teams scoring is such a strong angle? Check out our Masterclass on BTTS and sharpen your match-reading game.
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