Preview: Dundee United vs. Hearts - prediction, team news, lineups

Dundee United will make their return to Scottish Premiership action this weekend when they take on Hearts at Tannadice Stadium.

The hosts arrive following a prolonged break due to their match against Livingston last weekend being postponed, while Hearts make the trip fresh from a victory over Kilmarnock last Saturday.

Match preview

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Dundee United find themselves bottom of the Scottish Premiership and will be hoping to prove a point against Hearts as they commence the second period of the season.

The Terrors have accumulated just 12 points so far, though they have a game in hand on Ross County and Kilmarnock as Liam Fox aims to improve their league standing.

Dundee United have faced real difficulty keeping the ball out of the net in 2022-23 and have conceded 31 goals in the league, giving them the unwanted title of having the worst defensive record in the division.

Nevertheless, there is still time for Dundee United to turn it around and they could still go on to have a decent season if Fox can build some momentum over the coming weeks.

Saturday against Hearts would be an ideal start, as Dundee United could potentially move out of the relegation zone with three points at Tannadice.

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On the other hand, Hearts arrive in a much better run of form and have put themselves in contention for a tilt towards qualifying for the European slots under Robbie Neilson.

The Jambos sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership ranks and have lost just one of their last five matches going into Saturday against Dundee United.

Last time out, Hearts comfortably defeated Kilmarnock 3-1, courtesy of a double from Lawrence Shankland and a strike from Josh Ginnelly.

Several of their senior players have also returned from injury, meaning their league standing is more accurately reflective of the quality of their squad.

Moving ahead, Hearts could potentially move into third in the table with a win against Dundee United if other results fall their way.

Team News

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Dundee United could be without Peter Pawlett for the visit of Hearts due to the midfielder sustaining a calf strain in a friendly against Swansea earlier this month.

Charlie Mulgrew may be available for the matchday squad as he looks to have got over the worst of a hamstring injury that has kept him out for several matches.

Aziz Behich will be ready to take to the field following his time at the World Cup with Australia, while Steven Fletcher is expected to spearhead the attack.

For the visitors, both Beni Baningime and Liam Boyce are sidelined through long-term cruciate ligament injuries and will not participate at Tannadice.

Stephen Humphrys is a doubt for the clash owing to an ankle injury, while Gary Mackay-Steven will spectate due to problems with his foot.

Peter Haring is also ruled out through a concussion issue, meaning Cammy Devlin is almost certain to retain his place in midfield.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Birighitti; Smith, Edwards, Graham; Freeman, Sibbald, McGrath, Levitt, Behich; Fletcher, Middleton

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Gordon; Smith, Kingsley, Halkett, Cochrane; Devlin; McKay, Halliday, Snodgrass, Ginnelly; Shankland

We say: Dundee United 0-1 Hearts

In a game with permutations at both ends of the table, we expect a tightly fought affair as both sides try to attain an important three points for differing reasons.

On this occasion, Hearts will do just enough to squeeze a victory at Tannadice and will strengthen their bid for continental qualification.

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