Heart of Midlothian prepare to host Dundee United in a Scottish Premiership clash with a history of away wins dominating recent encounters. The last home victory for Heart of Midlothian in this fixture came in February 2023 (3-1), while five of the past six meetings have seen the away side triumph, with the exception of a 1-1 draw at Tynecastle in November 2025.
What are the recent trends?
Dundee United arrive unbeaten in their last three away games against Heart of Midlothian, facing a different manager each time (Steven Naismith, Neil Critchley, Derek McInnes). Meanwhile, Heart of Midlothian have lost their past two league games and are aiming to avoid a third consecutive defeat, a streak last seen in August and September 2024 when they suffered five losses in a row. The last time Heart of Midlothian started a season with two defeats was in 2009-10 under Csaba Laszlo.
Defensive struggles for Dundee United
Dundee United have not kept a clean sheet in their last 17 away Premiership matches, with their most recent shutout coming in a 2-0 win at Dundee in August 2025. Since the start of last season, they have the fewest away clean sheets in the league (1).
Key players to watch
Michael Forbes of Dundee United was a standout performer on Matchday 1, winning eight aerial duels-second only to Rangers' Emmanuel Fernandez (15). Forbes also led his team in headed clearances (7) and successful passes (32) during their 1-1 draw with Rangers. Heart of Midlothian, however, will be without Ageu, Craig Halkett, Malachi Faga-Walcott, and Stephen Kingsley due to injuries.
Heart of Midlothian finished the 2025 season atop the Premiership with 70 points (21W-7D-5L), scoring 58 goals and conceding 28 (+30 goal difference). They enter the new season just one point clear of Rangers.
