Defender set to miss Hearts

Dundee United continue to chase third place and a possible Champions League qualifying place when entertaining Hearts in an early 12.30pm kick-off at Tannadice.

But they are expected to be without defender Gavin Gunning, who suffered a shoulder injury in the recent win at St Johnstone. Robbie Neilson is favourite to move across into the middle of defence. Garry Kenneth has resumed training following his hamstring problem but unlikely to feature again this season.

"It's fair to say that Hearts could have won every one of those games [against United] this season," manager Peter Houston admitted to BBC Scotland. "They've all been extremely close with just the odd goal deciding two of them so I'd expect this one to be along the same lines.

"We're just taking one game at a time and not really thinking too far ahead in terms of what a win might mean," he continued. "Right after we beat St Johnstone last weekend our thoughts turned immediately to Hearts and how we can go about hopefully getting another three points."

Striker Craig Beattie [heel] and midfielder Mehdi Taouil [back] are both in contention for the visitors while Jamie Hamill and Adrian Mrowiec remain sidelined. Ian Black is still struggling with a hernia condition and Stephen Elliott considered doubtful.

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