Hearts vs Dundee: Betting Odds & Prediction

Hearts host Dundee in Edinburgh on Saturday as the visitors look to qualify for European football next season. 

The home side secured a 3-2 win at the same venue back in January, but Dundee have already recorded two wins over their opponents this term. Kick-off is set for 3pm UK time at Tynecastle Park.

Recent Form 

Hearts

A win over Celtic in mid-December had kickstarted a run that saw Hearts pick up 28 points from an available 30, setting them on course for their best league finish in eight years. Recent weeks have been slightly tougher for the Jambos though, who have recorded only 12 from 27 since. They now come into this game with a draw away to Kilmarnock (0-0) and defeat away to Celtic (3-0) in their last two outings. 

Their home record is solid; Hearts boast a 53% winning ratio at Tynecastle Park. The same can be said for their attacking potency, with their 46 goals this season being only the sixth highest in the league, 21 of which were scored by talisman Lawrence Shankland. Other players will need to contribute if they are to better their average of 1.53 goals scored at home.

However, their defensive record makes for much better reading. Hearts have conceded only 37 goals in 35 games this year, with an average of 0.94 per home game. Having kept clean sheets in 47% of games as host, manager Steven Naismith will feel confident his team can keep most sides out.  

Dundee

Tony Docherty’s side have been one of the surprise packages of the campaign, securing a top six finish in their first season back in the top-flight. Despite a good year overall, recent weeks have been a struggle for Dundee, who have failed to win any of their last five matches.

Sitting in sixth, they find themselves four points behind St Mirren in fifth, and will need to improve away from home in the final weeks if they are to secure a place in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. So far, they have only managed to win a measly 24% of their games on the road.  

They have not struggled for goals, netting an average of 1.35 in away games, and have managed an impressive 16% shot conversion rate, which better than both Celtic and Rangers.  

The problem lies in their defence; they are joint-second for most goals conceded with 59. Dundee have also managed just four clean sheets on the road so far. 

Prediction

Neither side come into this fixture in great form, but Dundee’s defensive record in away matches, combined with Hearts’ solidity, makes the Edinburgh side favourites to secure the three points.

OddsNow's Pick: Hearts to win (7/10 @ Betway)