Dundee host Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday looking to build on impressive results against the Old Firm and their rivals United in the cup. Hearts arrive in good spirits, having had a largely successful winter transfer window and taken 10 points from 12 in their last four games. While their victories over Motherwell and Dundee United were built on successful defending, they had to outscore Kilmarnock last weekend in a 3-2 victory.

Dundee have performed roughly to expectation this season, sitting three points away from the Top 6 despite losing their star player McCowan to Celtic. Their games have been extremely entertaining so far, and their average goals per game of 3.4 is the highest in the whole division. Despite having conceded 41 goals, their goal difference is only -4 as they have been extremely effective going forward. Only Rangers and Celtic have scored more in the Scottish Premiership this season and Hearts will do very well to keep a clean sheet in Dundee on Saturday.

Looking over the last 6 league matches, Dundee's average goals per game has been up at 3.5. Their 3-3 draw with Celtic last time out epitomised their style of play this season, with an enthralling end to end game resulting in lots of goals. The average total xG has been 2.85 in these matches, indicating effectiveness going forward but a leaky defence. Hearts last six has seen an average xG of 2.59 per game, with Hearts logging 1.43 of this. The arrival of Elton Kabangu has brought much needed pace and firepower, and it took him just 7 minutes to bag against Killie last week. Key striker of last season Shankland is in line to make a return to the squad and may benefit from the pressure being shared among more forwards.

Our analysis suggests that Dundee will look to start quickly and disrupt Hearts, with 7 first half goals from the Dees in their last six competitive matches. Dundee will be missing CB Koumetio, while CBS Shaughnessy and Portales as well as full backs McGhee and Larkeche are being phased back in from injury. Hearts are without key CBs Kent and Halkett, and could potentially be starting two new January signings in the heart of defence in McCart and Steinwender.

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