Dundee’s only point against Hearts last season came at Tynecastle, so there is hope for optimism the Dens Park team can get something out of the Premiership game this weekend when Paul Hartley’s men travel to the capital.
The Tele takes a look back at the three games last season which proved to be close encounters against the eventual third-placed team.
Dundee 1 Hearts 2 — August 8, 2015
A Kane Hemmings header after five minutes got Dundee off to a flyer but their downfall was not capitalising on the early goal which ended up costing them.
Chances for McGowan, Harkins and Holt were all passed up as they only showed a one-goal advantage for all their endeavours at the interval.
The introduction of winger Sam Nicholson early in the second half seemed to change things for Hearts.
His cross soon after coming on was handled by James McPake and the resultant penalty was dispatched by Juanma.
The Spanish striker then scored his second and Hearts’ winner seven minutes later after a good run and shot.
Dundee never really recovered after that and were left to rue the missed opportunities in the first half.
Hearts 1 Dundee 1 — November 21, 2015
In front of a sell-out crowd at Tynecastle, Dundee came away with a credible draw against Hearts, who were sitting in second place in the league.
The home team had the bulk of possession and deservedly went in front after 24 minutes when a Callum Paterson cross was finished by Arnaud Djoum.
The Dark Blues were kept in the game by Scott Bain who had some terrific saves which held the Jambos at bay in the first half.
The second half continued in the same manner but, against the run of play, Dee substitute Rory Loy broke the offside trap and scored from 16 yards to level the game.
It was Loy’s seventh of the season and the first goal Hearts had conceded in seven hours of play.
Both teams had chances to win the game near the end with Dundee’s Greg Stewart and Hearts’ Paterson coming closest.
Some inspired goalkeeping and resilient defending made this a good point to take home from Edinburgh.
Dundee 0 Hearts 1 — March 12, 2016
In what was an end-to-end match, Hearts came out victors by a solitary goal at Dens Park.
The visitors were the first to threaten early on through Jamie Walker and Juanma but, as the Dark Blues grew into the game, they looked the more likely to score.
Darren O’Dea came close with a header from a corner and then a good run and cross by young full-back Cammy Kerr was nearly turned into his own net by Hearts defender Alim Ozturk.
In the second half, Dundee started very well with the influential Paul McGowan in the thick of things.
He twice went through on goal with goalkeeper Neil Alexander saving once and the next shot going past the post.
The Dark Blues were made to rue these missed chances. In the 53rd minute, Walker latched on to a long ball and rounded keeper Scott Bain to put Hearts in front.
Dundee continued to press for an equaliser but were unable to find the back of net.
A frustrating afternoon for Dundee where Hearts were made to defend resolutely to win the three points.
All three of the games were close calls and if Dundee are to take anything from Tynecastle on Saturday they will have to take their chances and defend resiliently.
