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

After winning their first game of the season at the weekend, Dundee shall be attempting to continue their momentum when they travel to Tynecastle Park.

21 Oct 2021, 18:17 · Sports Mole

However, if The Dark Blues want to secure consecutive victories, they will have to be the first team to defeat Hearts this season in the Scottish Premiership.

Match preview

Hearts remain the only undefeated team in the league as they sit in second place, just one point behind Rangers, who they will be hoping to put pressure on again this weekend.

Robbie Neilson's squad faced the Gers on Saturday and they had to fight hard in order to keep their run going, with a 90th-minute goal from Craig Halkett securing a point as the game finished 1-1.

The Jam Tarts are having an impressive season following promotion after the 2020-21 campaign, with only one team in the league having conceded fewer than them at the moment.

Hearts have also been improving in the attacking department across their past five games, scoring eight times, which they will be hoping to continue against one of the weakest defensive teams in the Scottish Premiership.

Dundee have leaked 17 goals in the first nine fixtures of the season, with only Ross County having let in more than them, and considering the fact that Hearts could finish the weekend as the league leaders, they will be set to push this weekend.

The visitors were also part of the Scottish Championship last year, and they earned promotion via the playoffs, yet they have not adapted to the top flight as well as their opponents.

The Dark Blues have only won once so far, but that victory did take place in their most recent outing, meaning they should have extra confidence for this weekend.

Dundee defeated Aberdeen thanks to goals from Leigh Griffiths and Luke McCowan, which pushed them away from Ross County by more than just goal difference.

James McPake's squad could escape the relegation zone completely on Saturday if other results go their way as they are just a point behind Livingston, with a victory having the potential to take them as high as ninth.

However, they will need to improve on their recent form against Hearts in order to do that, as Dundee only managed one victory against them last season across their three encounters.

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

Hearts form (all competitions):

Dundee Scottish Premiership form:

Dundee form (all competitions):

Team News

Hearts will continue to be without Jamie Brandon as he rehabilitates from a cruciate knee ligament rupture; however, it was recently revealed he should be returning in January.

Jamie Walker and Aaron McEneff were not even able to make the squad at the weekend, despite being fully fit as Hearts have a strong group with very few injury issues at the moment.

John Souttar was back from injury against Rangers and he was immediately brought back into the team, which is something that is likely to continue.

Neilson will be unable to watch his team from the sidelines this weekend after receiving two yellow cards during the draw against the Gers, with the Hearts boss now being suspended for Saturday's fixture and the following two games after that.

McPake was also red carded at the weekend, but he does not have a suspension currently, as the Dundee boss shall be having a hearing with the Scottish FA in November.

However, they will have the leadership and experience of Charlie Adam in midfield as he was able to return for the recent victory against Aberdeen.

Danny Mullen also returned to the squad at the weekend, although he was not used from the start following his recent ankle injury.

Hearts possible starting lineup:
Gordon; Souttar, Halkett, Kingsley; Smith, Baningime, Devlin, Cochrane; Woodburn, McKay; Boyce

Dundee possible starting lineup:
Legzdins; Kerr, Ashcroft, Sweeney, Marshall; McGhee, Adam, Byrne; McCowan, McMullan, Griffiths

We say: Hearts 2-0 Dundee

While Dundee stepped up in their most recent outing and showcased what they are capable of, this is going to be a hard fixture for them to follow that up.

Hearts are on a roll at the moment and with the pressure firmly on Rangers at the top of the table, they should not slip up in this particular game.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data

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