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Recommended bets
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Hearts have won three of their last four meetings with Dundee United, including a 5-2 victory when they met at Tynecastle in November. However, the Jambos have only won five of their last 17 visits to Tannadice.
Under 2.5 goals is 8/11.
Draw and under 2.5 goals is 10/3.
Ellis Simms is 5/1 to break the deadlock and 7/4 to add to last weekend’s rocket with a goal here.
Match preview
It’s already been a fantastic season for Heart of Midlothian and it could end up being an astonishing campaign for the side from the capital.
Last weekend, amazing strikes from Ellis Simms and then Stephen Kingsley saw Hearts beat Edinburgh rivals Hibs 2-1 at Hampden.
This is Hearts’ third Scottish Cup Final in four seasons, but they’re aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2012.
Back in the Premiership, Robbie Neilson’s side are currently unbeaten in six, winning four of those, after another derby win a fortnight ago.
Andy Halliday’s brace helping his team come from a goal down to beat Hibernian at Tynecastle, this time 3-1.
This result means Heart of Midlothian are guaranteed to finish third in the Premiership, which is vitally important in terms of European football.
Next season, Hearts are guaranteed to play eight games in UEFA competition, a Europa League play-off round tie followed by six group matches.
Even if they lose that two-legged tie at the end of August, they’ll drop into the Europa Conference League, which is massive for the club financially.
So, essentially, Hearts’ last five league games are inconsequential, but the whole squad are playing for cup final team places.
1987 UEFA Cup Finalists Dundee United meanwhile are also trying to get back into Europe for the first time in a decade.
The Tangerines were also in derby action last time out, racing into a 2-0 lead against Dundee; Nicky Clark and Charlie Mulgrew scoring.
After that latter, a stunning free-kick, went in, Tannadice was delirious, but their rivals actually fought back to snatch a 2-2 draw.
Despite this disappointment, Tam Courts’ side have only lost one of their last ten, so are in the top six and actually sit fourth.
The Arabs need to finish fourth or fifth to ensure they’ll feature in Europa Conference League qualifying come July/August.
Who will come out on top at Tannadice?
Dundee United team news
It’s no coincidence that Dundee United’s form slumped when Tony Watt got injured and has picked up again since his return.
The big-money January signing will continue to lead the line, alongside Marc McNulty, with Nicky Clark in behind.
Heart of Midlothian team news
Both centre-backs Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley went off injured at Hampden last weekend, joining John Souttar and Michael Smith in the treatment room.
If all four of those players are out, this leaves Robbie Neilson’s side extremely short of centre-back options.
At the other end of the park, winger Gary Mackay-Steven is fit again so could face the side with whom he first made his name.
Scottish Premiership table:
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