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

Two teams at opposite ends of the Scottish Premiership table will compete on Wednesday as third-placed Hearts will host Dundee, who currently sit at the bottom of the league.

The Dark Blues are without a victory since the start of December in the league, and they are currently eight points adrift of safety.

Match preview

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Hearts were dealt a heavy defeat during their most recent outing, being beaten 5-0 by Rangers at the weekend, which is a result that they will be keen to respond to this week.

The loss saw the gap between the two teams be extended to 16 points, making it hard for the Jambos to break into the top two this season, with the focus now being placed on retaining their third place.

They have a 10-point advantage on Motherwell right now, which is something that they will be hoping to maintain, adding some pressure onto Wednesday's performance.

After two games without a victory or a goal, Robbie Neilson will be hoping to guide his team back to winning ways, but they have had mixed results against Dundee this season.

They shared the points at the start of the season when they first met, but Hearts did take a victory on their most recent meeting, with Jamie Walker scoring the only goal of the game.

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Dundee were defeated at the weekend in a crucial relegation battle against Ross County, despite the fact they originally took the lead through Zak Rudden, with the Staggies coming back to win 2-1.

Vontae Daley-Campbell ended up being sent off in the final minute of the game as well, adding further misery to the situation as the club continue to fight against the threat of relegation.

The Dark Blues find themselves bottom of the league right now, and with eight points between them and safety, there is a lot of pressure on the squad to start picking up some results.

James McPake needs to push his team back into form, and after nine games without a victory, the team will be hoping to get back on track in order to start putting pressure on those above them.

However, Dundee have only won a single match away from home this season, which is something that will make things difficult for them heading into this fixture.

Team News

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Alex Cochrane and Aaron McEneff both made their return to the starting lineup against Rangers with Neilson opting to shake things up when it comes to his first XI.

Liam Boyce will continue to be a threat up front, and he should retain his place in the squad as well, while the team will continue to push on with three at the back.

Rudden made an impact with his first start for Dundee at the weekend, finding the back of the net, and that is something that should see him retain his place in the team.

Daley-Campbell will be missing due to suspension, which will force at least one change at the back, while Charlie Adam was also dropped down to the bench on Saturday.

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Gordon; Moore, Sibbick, Kingsley; Cochrane, Devlin, Baningime, Atkinson; Boyce, McEneff, McKay

Dundee possible starting lineup:

Legzdins; Kerr, Sweeney, Fontaine, Elliot; Adam, Byrne, McGhee; McGinn, McMullan, Rudden

We say: Hearts 1-0 Dundee

Dundee have got a lot to play for in this particular game, with the squad running out of time in order to fight for their survival in the division.

However, Hearts have the stronger team, and the club have been in good form since the winter break, which should see them earn three points here.