Hearts vs Dundee United preview

Scotland flag 2026/2027 Premiership, Scotland
Tynecastle Park Sun, 9 Aug - 2:00 PM
Premiership
HeartsHEA
4 0
Dundee UnitedDUD
Full Time Sun, 9 Aug 2:00 PM
Round 2 1st Phase
Tom Renaud - 4'
Calvin Miller - 12' (P)
Josh McPake - 67'
Goal
|

CONTEXT

Hearts secured a 4-0 victory over Dundee United with a halftime score of 2-0. The stronger team maintained control despite recording 42 percent possession against the visitors 58 percent. Expected goals measured 2.44 for Hearts and 0.81 for Dundee United producing a differential of 1.63. The result proved consistent with these underlying metrics as Hearts claimed the win. No red cards occurred during the contest leaving the flow undistorted. A significant deviation of 100 percent was noted for the home side. Efficiency levels stayed in line with projections across both halves. The match demonstrated clear alignment between performance indicators and the final outcome.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Hearts recorded a significant structural deviation of 100 percent from pre-match indicators.
  • Efficiency shift: Efficiency shift remained in line with projected team performance.
  • xG alignment: xG alignment confirmed consistency between metrics and the 4-0 result.
  • Market alignment: Market alignment held true according to available indicators.
  • xG expectations: xG expectations stood at 2.44 for Hearts and 0.81 for Dundee United.
  • Event impact: Event impact centered on Hearts converting opportunities into four goals.
  • Red card distortion: Red card distortion was absent as no cards were issued.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
K. Clancy
K. Clancy
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
C. Drummond
C. Drummond
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
S. Anderson
S. Anderson
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
D. Graves
D. Graves
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Hearts W. Vrancken
W. Vrancken
VS
Dundee United J. Goodwin
J. Goodwin
1.86
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.4
1.67 i
Last 6 Opponents
Aberdeen Rank: 63 L
Celtic Rank: 83 L
Falkirk Rank: 65 W
Motherwell Rank: 71 D
Rangers Rank: 76 W
Hibernian Rank: 71 W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1 i
Last 6 Opponents
Rangers Rank: 79 D
St. Mirren Rank: 63 D
Livingston Rank: 53 D
Aberdeen Rank: 61 L
Kilmarnock Rank: 63 L
Dundee Rank: 63 W
3
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
3 - 1 - 2
2

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
73.82
63.49
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Hearts
Dundee United
Power Score
73.82
63.49
League Position
4
11
Global Rank
176
468

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Hearts — Opponent-weighted form score
Dundee United — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Hearts Dundee United

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Hearts

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Dundee United

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Hearts ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Dundee United
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
32.50
22.07
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
22.07
32.50
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Hearts +1.11 Efficiency Index
vs
Dundee United -1.11 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Hearts
Dundee United
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Hearts
vs
Dundee United
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Hearts Dundee United
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
36%
11%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
1.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
+0.12 vs -0.09
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Hearts Dundee United
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
11%
36%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 1.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.09 vs +0.12
Hearts
Dundee United
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Hearts
vs
Dundee United
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Hearts Dundee United
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Hearts 0.36
Dundee United 0.18
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Hearts Dundee United
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Hearts 0.00
Dundee United 0.12
Hearts
Dundee United
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • HEA had peak pressure around 13'.
  • HEA started the game with stronger pressure.
HEA Pressure DUD Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: HEA reached the top pressure at 13' (95.30).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 6 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Hearts HEA Home
6 matches
Dundee United DUD Away
Match Record
3
Wins
2
1
Draws
1
2
Losses
3
Goals
8
Goals Scored
5
5
Goals Conceded
8
+3
Goal Difference
-3
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-10T07:46:21+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 4-3-3
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Aug 09, 2026, 02:00 PM
Competition
2026/2027 Premiership, Scotland · Round 2 · 1st Phase
Stadium
Tynecastle Park
Capacity
19852
Attendance
18602
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Kevin Clancy
Colin Drummond
Scott Robert Anderson
Daniel Graves

Statistics

Possession
HEA
45%
DUD
55%

Top Statistics

4 Goals 0
4 Big Chances Created 0
2 Shots 4
33 Dangerous attacks 56
42 Possession 58
7 Corners 2
10 Free kicks 11
1 Yellow Cards 2

Match Overview

79 Ball Safe 76
1 Penalties 0
10 Goal Kicks 6
9 Goal Attempts 5
5 Substitutions 5
30 Throwins 27
1 Hit Woodwork 0
14 Successful Headers 20
3 Assists 0
1 Injuries 0
21 Dribble Attempts 23
9 Successful Dribbles 10
43 Successful Dribbles Percentage 43

Attacking

74 Attacks 131
3 Big Chances Missed 0

Possession

66 Long Passes 46
351 Passes 494
272 Successful Passes 401
77 Successful Passes Percentage 81
10 Key Passes 10
30 Successful Long Passes 15
45 Successful Long Passes Percentage 33

Defensive

0 Saves 3
21 Tackles 26
15 Interceptions 14
55 Duels Won 67

Build-up

15 Total Crosses 14
4 Accurate Crosses 3

Discipline

4 Offsides 1
11 Fouls 11

Lineup

Referee : Kevin Clancy

Starting XI ▼

1
Beau Reus
Beau Reus Goalkeeper
6.6
5
Jamie McCart
Jamie McCart Defender
8.26
6
Oisin McEntee
Oisin McEntee Defender
7.14
7
Calvin Miller
Calvin Miller Defender
7.77
23
Jordi Altena
Jordi Altena Defender
6.67
2
Christian Borchgrevink
Christian Borchgrevink
Defender73'
6.56
10
Cláudio Braga
Cláudio Braga Midfielder
7.54
21
James Wilson
James Wilson
Attacker84'
6.49
12
Tom Renaud
Tom Renaud Midfielder
7.6
22
Tómas Bent Magnússon
Tómas Bent Magnússon
Midfielder64'
6.71
15
Josh McPake
Josh McPake Midfielder
7.98
74
Rogers Mato
Rogers Mato
Attacker72'
6.46
16
Blair Spittal
Blair Spittal (C) Midfielder
6.94
29
Sabah Kerjota
Sabah Kerjota Midfielder
6.73
77
Amadou Ba-Sy
Amadou Ba-Sy Attacker
6.75
11
Pierre Landry Kaboré
Pierre Landry Kaboré
Attacker64'
6.47
Referee : Kevin Clancy

Starting XI ▼

1
Jack Walton
Jack Walton Goalkeeper
5.93
3
Bert Esselink
Bert Esselink Defender
6.51
11
Will Ferry
Will Ferry Defender
6.52
18
Michael Forbes
Michael Forbes Defender
6.25
23
Joshua Rawlins
Joshua Rawlins Defender
6.15
5
Vicko Sevelj
Vicko Sevelj Midfielder
6.62
8
Panutche Camara
Panutche Camara
Midfielder73'
6.79
10
Dylan Tait
Dylan Tait (C) Midfielder
6.93
12
Emmanuel Agyei
Emmanuel Agyei Midfielder
6.44
9
Zachary Sapsford
Zachary Sapsford
Midfielder46'
6.55
15
Lachlan Rose
Lachlan Rose Attacker
6.38
93
Idjessi Metsoko
Idjessi Metsoko
Attacker60'
6.69
21
Jesse Randall
Jesse Randall Attacker
6.61
20
Neil Farrugia
Neil Farrugia
Attacker73'
6.68
77
Daniel Bennie
Daniel Bennie Attacker
6.58
7
Mehdi Merghem
Mehdi Merghem
Attacker60'
6.71

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
James Wilson → Cláudio Braga
10th Substitution
84'
Event
Christian Borchgrevink → Jordi Altena
7th Substitution
73'
73'
Event
Panutche Camara → Vicko Sevelj
8th Substitution
73'
Event
Neil Farrugia → Jesse Randall
9th Substitution
Event
Rogers Mato → Josh McPake
6th Substitution
72'
Event
Josh McPake
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
67'
Event
Pierre Landry Kaboré → Amadou Ba-Sy
4th Substitution
64'
Event
Tómas Bent Magnússon → Tom Renaud
5th Substitution
64'
60'
Event
Mehdi Merghem → Daniel Bennie
2nd Substitution
60'
Event
Idjessi Metsoko → Lachlan Rose
3rd Substitution
Event
Cláudio Braga
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
56'
46'
Event
Zachary Sapsford → Emmanuel Agyei
1st Substitution
1ST-HALF
43'
Event
Lachlan Rose
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
Event
Amadou Ba-Sy
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
19'
Event
Calvin Miller
Left foot shot / 1st Penalty
12'
11'
Event
Daniel Bennie
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
Event
Jamie McCart
Penalty awarded
10'
Event
Tom Renaud
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
4'

Match Commentary

87
Update Update
Match ends with a score of 4-0.
86
Attempt Attempt
Neil Farrugia takes a left-footed shot but misses.
84
Attempt Attempt
Joshua Rawlins takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
81
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
79
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
75
Attempt Attempt
Claudio Braga takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
75
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
73
Substitution Substitution
Panutche Camara is substituted on for Vicko Sevelj.
73
Update Update
On comes Neil Farrugia, and Jesse Randall goes off.
73
Update Update
Christian Dahle Borchgrevink comes on for Jordi Altena.
72
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
72
Update Update
Offside.
72
Update Update
Offside.
67
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot on goal! Joshua McPake takes a right-footed shot.
67
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Joshua McPake scores, making it 4-0 with an assist from Claudio Braga.
64
Substitution Substitution
Tomas Bent Magnusson is substituted off for Tom Renaud.
64
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 4-0.
63
Update Update
Offside.
60
Substitution Substitution
Idjessi Metsoko is substituted for Lachlan Rose.
60
Update Update
Mehdi Merghem replaces Daniel Bennie.
59
Attempt Attempt
Zachary Sapsford takes a left-footed shot but misses.
58
Attempt Attempt
Sabah Kerjota takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
58
Attempt Attempt
Calvin Miller takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
56
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Claudio Braga takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
56
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Claudio Braga scores to make it 3-0, assisted by Sabah Kerjota.
54
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Claudio Braga scores to make it 3-0, assisted by Sabah Kerjota.
48
Attempt Attempt
Lachlan Rose takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
46
Substitution Substitution
Zachary Sapsford is substituted for Emmanuel Agyei.
43
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Lachlan Rose receives a yellow card.
36
Attempt Attempt
Daniel Bennie takes a right-footed shot but misses.
34
Attempt Attempt
Lachlan Rose takes a shot with his head, but it's blocked.
34
Attempt Attempt
Lachlan Rose takes a shot with his head, but it's blocked.
34
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
33
Attempt Attempt
Claudio Braga takes a right-footed shot that hits the post.
32
Attempt Attempt
Amadou Ba Sy takes a shot with his right foot, but it's saved.
32
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
27
Attempt Attempt
Dylan Tait takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
27
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
26
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
24
Update Update
Offside.
19
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Amadou Ba Sy.
17
Update Update
Offside.
12
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Calvin Miller takes a left-footed shot and scores.
12
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Calvin Miller scores with a left-footed shot.
11
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Daniel Bennie receives a yellow card.
10
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal in the penalty shootout! Calvin Miller scores, making it 2-0.
9
Attempt Attempt
Claudio Braga takes a shot with his head, but it's saved.
9
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
8
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
8
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
7
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
7
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
4
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Tom Renaud takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
4
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Tom Renaud scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Claudio Braga.
2
Update Update
Offside.
1
Update Update
Kick-off has occurred!

CONCLUSION

The 4-0 result reflected Hearts dominance as the stronger side throughout the fixture. Possession favored Dundee United yet failed to translate into meaningful chances given their lower expected goals total. Alignment between expected goals and actual outcome underscored the home side efficiency in front of goal. Absence of red cards ensured uninterrupted play allowing structural patterns to develop fully. Significant deviation by Hearts highlighted their ability to exceed baseline projections. Efficiency remaining in line supported the view that the scoreline represented genuine performance rather than anomaly. Overall the contest illustrated how underlying metrics can accurately forecast results when teams execute within expected parameters.