Explore Coral’s detailed preview for Dundee United vs Hearts in the Premiership game week 2 match at Tannadice Park. Stats, odds, predictions, and line-ups for the 15:00 BST kick-off.
Match Details
Fixture: Dundee United vs Hearts
Date: Saturday, 09 August 2025
Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Venue: Tannadice Park
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Our predictions for Dundee United vs Hearts
Dundee United’s 2-2 draw against Falkirk in Game Week 1 showcased attacking promise, with Panutche Camara shining, but exposed defensive frailties on artificial turf. Their Europa Conference League qualifier vs Rapid Vienna (07 Aug 2025) highlights ambition, but injuries to Ross Graham and others, plus Derry’s suspension, may disrupt their flow.
Hearts’ strong start under Neil Critchley, 2-0 win over Aberdeen, suggests attacking depth with Lawrence Shankland’s clinical finishing. United’s home advantage at Tannadice will make it tight, but Hearts’ form should secure a narrow victory.
Dundee United’s 2-2 draw at Falkirk highlighted their attacking potential, with manager Jim Goodwin calling it a “fair outcome,” but defensive issues persisted. Their League Cup win (2-0 vs UNA Strassen) secured a Conference League qualifier vs Rapid Vienna, but injuries to Graham, Strain, Trapanovski, and Ferry, plus Derry’s suspension, pose challenges. Last season’s 4th-place finish shows promise, but they must organise their defence to counter Hearts’ attack at Tannadice.
Recent Results:
(D) 2-2 vs Falkirk (03 Aug 2025, Premiership)
Hearts
Hearts reportedly opened 2025/26 with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen, with an own goal and Stuart Findlay’s strike, backed by 48.3% possession and 3 shots on goal. Under Neil Critchley, their attacking depth, led by Shankland, makes them favourites, though their away form (2 wins in 12 vs promoted sides) is a concern. New signings like Jamie McCart bolster their defence, but injuries and suspensions may test their depth.
Recent Results:
(W) 2-0 vs Aberdeen (04 Aug 2025, Premiership)
Head-to-Head Record
Hearts 0-1 Dundee United (06 Apr 2025, Premiership)
Dundee United 0-1 Hearts (05 Jan 2025, Premiership)
Hearts 0-1 Dundee United (01 Sep 2024, Premiership)
Hearts 3-2 Dundee United (Feb 2024, Premiership)
Recent encounters show a balanced rivalry, with Dundee United winning two and Hearts two in the last four. Three of these matches were decided by a single goal, suggesting a tight contest at Tannadice.
Team News & Injury Report
Dundee United
Out: Ross Graham (hamstring), Derry (suspended).
Doubtful: Ryan Strain (injury), Kristijan Trapanovski (hamstring), Will Ferry (injury).
Available: Panutche Camara, Kevin Holt, Declan Gallagher.
Hearts
Out: Craig Gordon (shoulder), Yan Dhanda (suspended).
Available: Zander Clark, Jamie McCart, Lawrence Shankland, Elton Kabangu.
Dundee United’s 3-5-2 prioritises defensive stability with Holt and Gallagher, while Camara drives the midfield. Dalby and Adegboyega will target Hearts’ defence on the counter, but injuries and Derry’s suspension may limit options at Tannadice.
Hearts’ 4-2-3-1 balances defence and attack, with Shankland’s finishing and Kabangu’s pace exploiting United’s injury-hit backline. Clark starts in place of the injured Gordon, while Devlin and Spittal control midfield.
Key Battles & Players to Watch
Panutche Camara (Dundee United) vs Cammy Devlin (Hearts): Camara’s midfield energy will face Devlin’s tenacity, shaping the game’s tempo.
Sam Dalby (Dundee United) vs Jamie McCart (Hearts): Dalby’s finishing (10 goals in 2024/25) will test McCart’s defensive resolve.
Panutche Camara (Dundee United): His dynamism could spark United’s attack at Tannadice.
Lawrence Shankland (Hearts): His clinical finishing (4 goals in last 4 Premiership games) will be key for Hearts.
