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

Dundee will continue to search for their first victory of the 2023-24 Scottish Premiership campaign when they host Hearts on Sunday.

The visitors have made a strong start to the campaign with a victory and a draw, but three points this weekend could potentially lead them to the top of the division.

Match preview

After kick-starting the new season with a draw against Motherwell, Dundee were unable to follow up on it when they traveled to face St Mirren.

The Buddies took an early lead due to a Joe Shaughnessy own goal, and even though Josh Mulligan did get on the scoresheet for Dundee, it was not enough as they fell to a 2-1 loss.

With Tony Docherty's men having already been knocked out of the Scottish League Cup the team did get to rest last weekend, which is something that their opponents did not get.

With extra time to prepare for this particular fixture, Dundee should have plenty of fitness in their legs, which could be a major advantage on Sunday.

However, with only a single point on the board right now, there is a risk that a defeat could end up with the Dark Blues bottom of the league, something they will be keen to avoid.

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On the other hand, the visitors could wrap up this weekend at the top of the division if other results go in their favour and they are able to secure three points.

Hearts have been impressive so far in the Scottish Premiership, particularly from a defensive standpoint as the Jambos are yet to concede a goal.

Frankie McAvoy's men have also impressed in other competitions as well, having knocked Rosenberg out of the Europa Conference League while also progressing in the Scottish League Cup last weekend by defeating Patrick Thistle 4-0.

The Scottish League Cup game created yet another clean sheet while also proving their attacking qualities as well, but Hearts do head into this weekend on the back of a midweek defeat.

The Jambos faced PAOK in their latest Europa Conference League play-off match and despite Lawrence Shankland scoring in the ninth minute they did end up losing the first leg of the match 2-1.

Team News

Trevor Carson was able to overcome an injury concern to feature in Dundee's last performance, and he is likely to retain his place in goal on Sunday.

Mulligan should also be rewarded with another starting opportunity after finding the back of the net during their last outing.

Hearts made a lot of changes to the team in midweek as Stephen Kingsley, Nathaniel Atkinson, Cammy Devlin and Liam Boyce all came into the lineup, and they could end up retaining their places.

However, the Jambos do also boast a long injury list with Craig Gordon out with a broken leg, while Craig Halkett is also on the sidelines due to a knee issue.

On top of that, Peter Hairing has an ankle problem, while Finlay Pollock has been missing due to an unspecified issue, but Beni Baningime is closing in on a return to full fitness.

Dundee possible starting lineup:

McCracken; Mulligan, Shaughnessy, Ashcroft; McCowan, Boateng, McGhee, Cameron, Beck; Robinson, Bakayoko

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Clark; Atkinson, Kingsley, Rowles, Cochrane; Sibbick, Nieuwenhof; Oda, Boyce, McKay; Shankland

We say: Dundee 0-2 Hearts

Dundee have struggled so far this season, having been knocked out of the Scottish League Cup while failing to secure a victory in the SPL, and that difficulty could continue this weekend.

The visitors have been thriving in all competitions so far, and that is something that will likely be reflected in the result.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.