Hearts will be aiming to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they travel to Kilmac Stadium to face Dundee.

The Dark Blues are just two points above the relegation zone and have lost their previous two fixtures, which they will be keen to turn around.

Match preview

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Dundee's recent run of impressive performances saw them win a trio of games in their previous seven fixtures, but that has come to a halt recently.

They head into Saturday's game on the back of three losses against Ross County, Rangers and Hibernian, which has seen them slip down the league table.

The Dark Blues faced the Hibees at the weekend where a Paul McMullan own goal saw them defeated 1-0, with Ryan Sweeney being sent off in the 93rd minute, which added insult to injury.

James McPake's team have been stronger in front of their fans this season as only one of their four victories took place on the road, which will provide confidence to the squad on Saturday.

They will also be aware of the fact they did take a point from the previous meeting with the Jambos this season when an 83rd-minute goal from Jason Cummings helped rescue a 1-1 draw.

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Hearts currently sit third in the SPL, but with 15 points now separating them and Rangers, their immediate focus must be on retaining that position.

Dundee United have been catching them up as of late, which is largely down to the inconsistent results that Robbie Nielson's team have been providing.

Across their previous six fixtures, they have lost three and won the other half, having failed to pick up consecutive victories within that period.

However, after being beaten by Rangers 2-0 last weekend, in a game that saw Josh Ginnelly be sent off, the Jambos will be hoping that recent run will continue.

Hearts have been impressive away from home this season, securing eight victories, scoring 26 times in the process, which is a record only the Old Firm rivals can beat, showcasing the attacking qualities that they have.

Team News

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Dundee will be without Sweeney on Saturday as his suspension begins, which will force at least one change to the starting lineup and that could lead to Corey Panter being given a chance.

It is also unknown whether or not Charlie Adam will feature in the team after he was arrested earlier this week for drink driving, with McPake yet to comment on the matter.

Hearts will also have to make a change from the team that began the loss to Rangers due to discipline problems, with Ginnelly set to drop out.

Meanwhile Beni Baningime is likely to continue his spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury which he has yet to fully recover from.

However, with Liam Boyce having recently returned to the squad, the Jambos will be confident that they have a goal in them if the chance arrives.

Dundee possible starting lineup:
Legzdins; Kerr, Fontaine, Panter, Marshall; McGhee, Anderson; McCowan, McGowan, McMullan; Mullen

Hearts possible starting lineup:
Gordon; Moore, Souttar, Halkett, Kingsley; Haring, Devlin; Mackay-Steven, McKay, Woodburn; Boyce

We say: Dundee 1-2 Hearts

The form of Hearts has been hit and miss as of late, but on paper, they do have a stronger squad heading into this fixture, which does make them the favourites.

Dundee are fighting for their survival in the SPL and certainly will not go down easily in this match, but this is one that the Jam Tarts should be able to see out.

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