Preview

Dundee United look to end a disappointing year on a high when they travel to Tynecastle to face on-form Hearts on Wednesday evening. By Michael Blackley While 2014 started well with United trouncing rivals Dundee 6-2 in an electrifying derby at Tannadice, there has been little reason for Arabs to cheer since then, with the entire calendar year only producing another seven league victories. While United entered the year with realistic hopes of success in the two cup competitions and the league, no United fan is in any doubt that the early months of 2016 will be all about the relegation battle. With last weekend’s match against Motherwell at Tannadice falling victim to the torrential rain, results elsewhere meant United slipped 10 points adrift at the bottom of the table. However, head coach Mixu Paatelainen feels his team has looked much better in recent weeks, with a more solid look to the side restricting the chances opponents have been able to create. United have also looked more dangerous in attack, and scored two goals in one league match last time out – for the first time since matchday two in the league. The arrivals of defender Gavin Gunning and midfielder Guy Demel have helped provide the more solid look to the starting eleven, and United have also been boosted by confirmation that Japanese international goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima will arrive in Dundee in the coming days – although the match against Hearts is likely to come too soon for him to be involved. There were plenty positives to take from United’s last match, when the side twice went ahead at Inverness only to be denied three points by the hammer blow of an equaliser in the fourth minute of injury time. United will face an on-form Hearts in Wednesday evening’s match, with the hosts on a high after digging in to grab a point against champions Celtic on Sunday, courtesy of a very late equaliser. With derby rivals Dundee next up this weekend, United will be desperate for a  good result as they attempt to turn their season around. Thanks to Hearts’ one-year exile from the top league, this will be United’s first visit to Tynecastle since March 2014, when goals from Brian Graham and Nadir Ciftci secured a 2-1 victory for the Tangerines. Earlier this season, however, Hearts edged a tight game 1-0 at Tannadice. United do, however, have a decent record in Gorgie in recent years and it has been three years since their last defeat. As they look to put a miserable year behind them and tee up a resurgence in 2016, three points would be just the tonic Arabs need ahead of the Hogmanay celebrations on Thursday evening. Come on United! Supporters please note that the United allocation for this game is completely sold out. Also, fans are reminded that derby tickets must be collected by 3pm at the Tannadice Ticket Centre tomorrow, 31 December.  A small number of Main Stand Stand tickets are still available at present.