Prediction: Hearts vs Dundee – Soccer News

Verdict: Hearts win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to extend on their domestic purple patch on Tuesday night, Hearts will welcome a struggling Dundee to Tynecastle.

Hearts

Starting with the hosts, while Hearts might have eventually fallen short last season in their bid to punch a famous European ticket, the Jambos are enjoying another domestic romp this time around. Extending on their Scottish Cup adventure over the weekend as they secured a 2-1 victory away at Spartans, Steven Naismith’s side find the mood around Tynecastle at a real high. Opening the New Year with another 2-1 win against Livingston, the Edinburgh-based outfit are unbeaten in all of their previous six domestic appearances across all competitions. Likewise, sat in pole position to claim a bronze medal finish among Scotland’s elite this season, Naismith’s side have also collected 13 points from their last five Premiership showdowns. Although Hearts might have failed to collect back-to-back domestic victories at Tynecastle so far this year, Tuesday’s hosts will be smelling a major opportunity here.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective injury issues, Hearts will be unable to call upon the duo of Liam Boyce and Australia international Cameron Devlin on Tuesday night. However, returning from an ankle injury while on Scottish Cup duties over the weekend, 29-year-old Jorge Grant could make a first Premiership start since December 16th.

Continuing on what has been a real domestic flurry this season and notching 18 strikes across all competitions so far this season, Scotland international Lawrence Shankland will have a leading role to play at Tynecastle.

Dundee

As for the visitors, while some in Dundee’s camp might still be dreaming of the chance to book a top-half finish in 2024, Tony Docherty’s men are in the midst of a recent wobble. Last seen over the weekend crashing out of the Scottish Cup following a routine 2-0 loss away at Kilmarnock, the Dark Blues have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. With their recent issues underlined by a 3-0 drumming at the hands of defending champions Celtic on Boxing Day, Tuesday’s guests have also continued to show some glaring defensive issues. In fact, the one-time Bristol City has seen his squad muster just a sole domestic clean sheet since the start of November. While Dundee might have snatched a 1-0 victory when they welcomed Hearts to Dens Park back on August 27th, Docherty’s side are rightfully tipped as an underdog contender here.

Team News

Once again missing out against Kilmarnock over the weekend and still dealing with a recent muscle injury 27-year-old Juan Portales is seen as a major doubt on Tuesday night. Likewise, limping off on Saturday afternoon after picking up a first half blow, former Leyton Orient goalkeeper is not expected to feature.

Handed a full Scottish Cup rest over the weekend, ex-Motherwell shot-stopper Trevor Carson will return between the sticks here. Despite bagging just a single strike in his previous seven appearances, 28-year-old Amadou Bakayoko will spearhead Dundee’s charge.

Key Factors to Consider

When Tuesday’s opponents met for their reverse Premiership matchup on August 27th, Dundee picked up a 1-0 victory at Dens Park.
However, the Dark Blues have recorded just a single victory from any of their last seven domestic appearances across all competitions.
Hearts have collected 13 points from their previous five Premiership appearances.
Scotland international Lawrence Shankland has scored 18 goals across all competitions so far this season.
Dundee have conceded at least a pair of goals in four of their last five showdowns away from Dens Park.

Conclusion

Enjoying what has been a real domestic flurry on either side of opening the New Year, Heats should be smelling a real opportunity here. Collecting 13 points from their previous five Premiership appearances and dreaming of the chance to pinch a famous European ticket, a struggling Dundee should be bracing themselves for another stern examination. Crashing out of the Scottish Cup over the weekend following a routine 2-0 loss against Kilmarnock, we are backing a home victory here.