Preview: Hearts vs. Dundee United - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts, meanwhile, are aiming to continue their unbeaten start to the season after picking up four points from their opening two games.

Match preview

After finishing in third place last season, Hearts will be looking to enjoy another successful campaign this time around.

The early signs are positive for Robbie Nielson's side, who have opened the season with a victory over Ross County and draw against local rivals Hibernian.

Goals from Alan Forrest and Barrie McKay guided Hearts to a 2-1 win on the opening weekend of the season before they turned their attention to last Sunday's Edinburgh Derby.

For the majority of the contest, it seemed as though Hearts would leave Easter Road with the bragging rights after Lawrence Shankland gave his side the lead, but Martin Boyle's late equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time denied the visitors all three points.

They may have been unable to win last weekend, but Hearts will be hopeful of clinching a victory on Sunday against a Dundee United side that they have beaten in three of their last four league meetings.

Meanwhile, Dundee United will need to pick themselves up from a disastrous evening in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

After beating AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in the first leg of their qualifying tie, the Scottish side would have travelled to the Netherlands in buoyant mood, but in a whirlwind first half, they shipped five goals.

AZ added to Dundee United's misery with a couple more goals in the second period, condemning Jack Ross's side to a 7-0 defeat that will leave them bereft of confidence ahead of Sunday's encounter.

As well as failing to deal with AZ Alkmaar's attacking threat, Ross will also be concerned that his side have failed to score in consecutive games.

They will now turn their attention back to league action where they are aiming to collect their first win of the Scottish Premiership season after drawing 1-1 with Kilmarnock before losing 1-0 to Livingston in their opening two games.

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

Dundee United form (all competitions):

Team News

After being forced off against Ross County, Nathaniel Atkinson was fit enough to feature for Hearts as substitute last weekend, and the right wing-back could be brought into the starting lineup for Sunday's contest.

Toby Sibbick could also return to the side, with Neilson set to opt for a back three that will also include Craig Halkett and Kye Rowles.

After scoring in the Edinburgh Derby, Shankland will retain his place in the frontline, and the former Dundee United striker will be aiming to score against his former club.

As for Dundee United, they are expected to be without the services of Peter Pawlett due to an Achilles tendon injury.

Summer signing Aziz Behich had a debut to forget on Thursday after being one of three players that were taken off at half time, and he could be replaced in the starting XI by Scott McMann.

Glenn Middleton was one of the players introduced at the break against AZ Alkmaar, and the winger could be brought into the lineup for Sunday's encounter.

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Gordon; Sibbick, Halkett, Rowles; Atkinson, Grant, Haring, Cochrane; Forrest, McKay, Shankland

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Birighitti; Smith, Edwards, Mulgrew, McMann; Sibbald, Levitt; McGrath, Harkes, Middleton; Fletcher

We say: Hearts 2-1 Dundee United

Although Hearts were denied a derby day victory, they will be pleased with four points from their opening two games, and we think that they will record their second win of the season against a Dundee United side who will be low on confidence after Thursday's performance.

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