Image source, SNSDundee captain Simon Murray returns from suspension but Joe Westley remains out for another 10 weeks.
Hearts will assess whether new winger signing Islam Chesnokov could feature and Landry Kabore is back from international duty.
Ageu, Sander Kartum, Oisin McEntee, Calem Nieuwenhof and Finlay Pollock are unavailable.
Image source, SNSDundee's fine form make them a more difficult opponent on Sunday, says Hearts manager Derek McInnes.
The Scottish Premiership leaders visit Dens Park to face a side on a three-match winning run.
Their manager, Steven Pressley, has faced criticism during this season but McInnes is pleased the 52-year-old has enjoyed an upturn in form.
"I was a bit annoyed a few months into the season, a few weeks into the season there was this constant jumping on him and it's too early to judge anybody at that stage," said McInnes.
"I'm pleased that good work's been done, he's just knuckled down. It's not been easy for him and I love seeing when a manager goes through a tough time and comes out the other end.
"Ultimately, I've still got to win a game but there's good work being done, sometimes in this league you come out against teams who are in poor form like Livi struggling for a result on Saturday getting into Saturday's game but they've been competitive.
"And then you're playing Dundee and you're playing them when they're in a really good run of form, particularly after a derby win when you've got that city rivalry and they win a derby game they'll be feeling brilliant about themselves going into the game. So, we're well aware that that's an added difficulty for us and an added plus for them."
Image source, SNSDundee manager Steven Pressley has overseen three successive wins
Former Dundee United and Hearts manager Robbie Neilson suggests Dundee are the "form team" in the Scottish Premiership as they look to make it four wins on the bounce.
Before the 1-0 win over Falkirk on 27 December, Dundee had won just three of their previous 18 matches and looked like they were already being dragged into a relegation fight.
Over the festive period they've won three games in a row, including last weekend's Dundee derby at Dundee United, and welcome league leaders Hearts to Tynecastle on Sunday.
"I know Steven very well and speak to him pretty regularly and when he came in at the start of season they were trying to find a way to be defensively stable," Neilson told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"They got it a little bit and then they started to have one or two decent results and he felt maybe they could get a little bit more possession so he changed, they lost a couple of games and decided they needed to go back to being defensively solid.
"They've gone back to being a lot more defensively solid, which has given them a base to then go and win games. They're starting to take their chances as well now. It's very difficult to get a natural goal scorer because they're so expensive so you're, you're never going to have a high conversion rate of chances.
"Dundee are going through a period where they're scoring their goals, yes, but they're being so much more defensively solid - a lot more solid at set plays, a lot more solid out of possession and in possession.
"It's great to see for Steven because after a difficult start to the season, now they look like the form team."
Image source, SNSHearts' Cammy Devlin has made 92 tackles in the Premiership this season, at least 42 more than any other player. He has also recorded 51 interceptions, at least 14 more than anybody else.
Dundee have lost six of their past eight league meetings with Hearts (W2), most recently losing 4-0 in November.
Hearts have won five of their past seven Premiership visits to Dundee (L2), most recently a 6-0 win in February 2025, which was their biggest winning margin in the competition since January 2016, when they also beat Motherwell 6-0.
Dundee have won their past three league games, last winning four in a row in the top flight in May 1999 under Jocky Scott.
Hearts have won four of their past five league games, losing the other 3-2 to rivals Hibernian in December. Hearts had only won one of their previous six league fixtures prior to this (D4 L1).
Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSManager Steven Pressley says Dundee have "nothing to be scared about" as he challenged his side to continue their "outstanding" form by taking Premiership leaders Hearts' scalp.
Last weekend's 1-0 derby win over Dundee United made it three wins in a row for Pressley's men, who are up to ninth place, nine points clear of the relegation play-off spot.
"Nothing gives you greater confidence than winning games of football," Pressley said.
"And to win three over that festive period was outstanding work from the players. They'll take a great deal of confidence from that.
"I also told them that sometimes in football you don't enjoy these moments enough and they have to enjoy them. They don't come around every day.
"There's always that voice in your mind saying, be careful, there's something not particularly good around the corner. But they've shown that whatever's around the corner, they can deal with.
"They've responded to some really difficult moments this year and time and again have come back from disappointment. So they've got nothing to be scared about.
"They need to enjoy this period, but at the same time, not taking our foot off the accelerator because we've got another huge game on Sunday at Dens. It's a game that we want to get some form of result from."
Hearts have suffered with just two defeats in 20 league games this season and Pressley says it will take an "outstanding performance" from his side to add to that tally.
"Hearts are the real deal, to be honest," he said.
"And for us to get anything from the game on Sunday, for a Dundee team to win against a table-topping team, it's going to take an outstanding performance.
"But they have demonstrated that."
Image source, SNSDundee have renewed their interest in signing Celtic right-back Colby Donovan on loan after failing to secure the 19-year-old during the summer transfer window. (Glasgow Times), external
Dundee, who have 10 senior players out of contract this summer and have made an offer to centre-half Luke Graham, must avoid another summer of upheaval, head coach Steven Pressley has warned. (The Courier), external
We asked for your views on what business Dundee need to do in January.
Here's what some of you said:
Gary: Realistically we need to hang on to players as much as bring in. Cover/competition for all areas of the park would be welcomed but any potential sales (from the first team) need to be put off until the summer I think, they're only just starting to build up a head of steam. Although we can do with loaning out a few to make room.
George: Dundee need some experienced people to lead the youngsters, Lyall Cameron would be a good start. There are lots of experienced campaigners in the lower leagues who would jump at the chance of being moved to the Premiership.
Ewan: Would like to see a goalie coming in to give competition for Jon McCracken. Craig Gordon might be an unrealistic shout, but could suit both parties ahead of the World Cup. Drey Wright has done a great job at left-back, but someone to release him would help. Another winger to provide cover for Tony Yogane and Cameron Congreve. Swapping out Emile Acquah for another striker would be ideal. Finally, getting Luke Graham tied down on a longer deal would better any signing.
John: I would like either a good left/right full-back. Then give Wright a settled position on either flank. Unlike some I'm not sold on the recent centre-half pairing. Too slow. But they have got better to be fair.
John S: Hard job moving players on. Aaron Donnelly is too good not to be playing. The other fringe players have hardly come off the bench. Stephen Kingsley from Hearts does not play every week but he is experienced, a dead-ball specialist.
Roberto: Nineteen goals for in 21 league games, we need another striker.
Jimbo: RB, LB, midfield cover and at least another body up top as Simon Murray hasn't quite hit the heights he expects of himself. Ashley Hay is now coming on to a game but Acquah has offered hee-haw.
Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face Hearts on Sunday.
Here are the main points:
The Dens boss is "delighted" with last weekend's derby victory at Tannadice which "brings a lot of happiness" to fans and players.
Pressley feels his side showed "real character" and had to "dig deep" in the 1-0 win over Dundee United and is "really proud of the players' performance".
The manager praises the "outstanding work" of his squad to secure three victories in a row, adding "nothing gives you greater confidence than winning games of football".
Pressley is urging his players to "enjoy these moments because they don't come around every day," and knows his players "can deal with whatever's round the corner".
"They've got nothing to be scared about" but Pressley warns they "can't take their foot off the accelerator".
After a good run, the Dundee boss is urging his team to "show consistency" in upcoming games.
Pressley says Hearts are "the real deal" and stresses for Dundee to get anything from Sunday's game "it's going to take an outstanding performance" but believes his players have shown they can do that.
On January business, Pressley has a "number of targets we're trying to bring in" and hopes over the coming days and weeks there are deals to be done.
While Dundee are keen to bring in players for now, with Pressley stressing "we are far from safe this season, 22 points gets you relegated," he insists if there's an opportunity to sign up-and-coming talent in the January window he will jump at it.
Team news: Joe Westley is still about 10 weeks away but "everybody else is okay" for Sunday.
Image source, SNSManager Steven Pressley believes it would take a huge offer to persuade Dundee to sell Luke Graham as the 21-year-old centre-half attracts interest from Premiership rivals and clubs in the English Championship. (The Courier - subscription required), external
Image source, SNSDundee manager Steven Pressley hopes there will be both comings and goings at the club in the near future.
Former Albion Rovers forward Joe Bevan arrived from Burnley last week and goalkeeper Harry Sharp has joined Montrose on loan, with Pressley keen to do more business.
"We've got a number of targets that we are trying to bring in and hopefully over the coming days and weeks we can find the solutions," he said.
"But equally I've spoken about the necessity for certain players to move out and seek consistent first-team football.
"That would be the ideal situation where we had some of the players moving out and also certain individuals coming in and improving the squad."
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
When the manager of the season awards are handed out at the end of the campaign, it is unlikely Steven Pressley will be under consideration.
But if he can continue the Dark Blues' recent revival and their gradual climb up the table, it will be a job deserving of a special mention.
Why? Well, it isn't a stretch to say he has been fighting against the tide ever since his surprise arrival at Dens Park last summer, mainly because his appointment didn't go down well with the bulk of the support.
So it has felt like he has constantly been having to try to win the fans over, and there are signs in recent weeks that tide is turning.
Performances have steadily improved and the best way to get doubters on your side is by getting positive results, something his team have started to do.
He has also had to completely rebuild the Dundee squad – never ideal, but a task arguably more onerous when you are coming back cold to Scottish football after more than a decade away.
I have seen the good and bad of Dundee this season, but I have witnessed more of the good over the past few weeks.
Their derby triumph over United means it is three consecutive top-flight wins for Pressley's team – a feat the club last achieved 12 years ago.
That in itself highlights the fact the consistency has long been a problem for Dundee.
But if Pressley can find it – as it looks like he is beginning to do – then his team may start looking at what is above them in the table, rather than having to make worrying glances in the rear-view mirror.
So far in the January transfer window Dundee have signed 21-year-old winger Joe Bevan from Burnley.
What other positions need strengthened as the Dark Blues bid to keep their new-found momentum going?
Who would like to see signed - and should anybody be moved on?
Tell us here.
Ethan Hampton
Fan writer
Dundee have recorded three straight victories in the Premiership for the first time since 2014. It's taken a while, but the majority of fans have begun to warm to Steven Pressley.
From the victory over Falkirk, he figured out our strongest line-up which in turn has propelled us up the league. We are now nine and 13 points away from Kilmarnock and Livingston in the bottom two spots.
Yan Dhanda looks completely at home and in his element, while the partnership of Luke Graham and Billy Koumetio is beginning to show real cohesion at the heart of the defence.
Ethan Hamilton, our most consistent performer this season, also seems to have stepped up another level in recent weeks.
We dominated against Kilmarnock, and then the narrow scorline in the derby greatly flattered Dundee United.
Across both games we created a good number of chances, a far cry from the stale attacking efforts earlier in the season.
Ashley Hay has cemented himself as a cult hero with his derby winning goal and you can't say he doesn't deserve it.
For weeks he's been winning duels, chasing shadows and had no luck in front of goal. He terrorised Bert Esselink at Tannadice and the ball is firmly in his court to nail down his place as Dundee's starting striker.
The team look to have a real togetherness and things are finally beginning to click. With a strong January window we could climb further up the table as both Aberdeen and United are within touching distance.
For the moment, we're riding the high of derby delight. Dundee have made amends for their lacklustre performance in the previous meeting with United.
Last Saturday there was only one team who were first to every ball, fighting for the badge and above all winning the match.
Dundee defender Billy Koumetio, 23, says Saturday's derby win at Dundee United was a thank you to manager Steven Pressley. (Courier - subscription required), external
Image source, SNSAshley Hay (Dundee): An outstanding display from the 22-year-old English forward, who followed Steven Pressley up north from Brentford. A derby goal winner following up his goal in the previous match against Kilmarnock.
Dundee managing director John Nelms reveals they will receive a sell-on fee if in-form midfielder Josh Mulligan leaves Hibernian. (Courier - subscription required), external
Highlights: Dundee Utd 0-1 Dundee
Watch highlights as Dundee edge out their city rivals to claim a derby victory at Tannadice.
Available in UK only
We asked for your thoughts following Dundee's 1-0 derby win over Dundee United at Tannadice. Here are a selection of Dark Blues fans' views...
Gary: A great result, taking down another couple of statistics hanging over Dundee this season. Strong performances all over the field against an admittedly poor side, with standouts in various positions. Hopefully, we can bring in other players to strengthen but they've got to use these wins as motivation to improve further.
Iain: Always good to get three points at Tannadice! Thought we really deserved our win. Brilliant finish by Ashley Hay. Ethan Hamilton was immense. If only Steven Pressley would show some emotion with the fans! He doesn't engage at all.
Ewan: Ashley Hay took his goal well and gave us something to hold on to. The back line were outstanding in the second half. Some brave defending and bodies on the line to secure the win and keep the clean sheet. Not quite giving Pressley freedom of the city, but signs of improvement and a great start to 2026.
Mark: Could have been three or four. Best defensive performance of many a year. Sir Steven Arise. One team in Dundee.
Rob: Excellent performance. Thought Hamilton was awesome today and despite all United's possession McCracken only really had one (outstanding) save to make in the second half.
Craig: Bizarrely negative tactics by Goodwin and deserved dark blue win. Ash Hay was brilliant as was the hugely talented Tony Yogane and Billy Koumetio. Solid Dundee. Well done Elvis.
Dave: United put on the pressure towards the end, but Dundee deserved it. Fantastic performance from the Dark Blues.
John: Jim Goodman said he thought his side were the better team in the first half. What game was he watching? The second half was mostly United, but they were pretty useless in the last third. It was a good defensive display in the second half from Dundee and Jon McCracken's save was amazing.
Albert: Exceptional performance by Dundee. Surely the boo boys will get off Pressley's back now.
Iain: Suppose our manager's motto is "a little less conversation, a little more action". If he keeps this form up, we can put our hound dog, first half of the season behind us! Let's see if we can get a top-six finish!
John: Another great three points. Pity we did not hit target more but let's not dwell on that. Again no failures in the side and some players are getting better. There may be more sticky times and the final five games will be vital like last season.
Iain: Been a painful season thus far for Dee fans but praise where praise is due. Presley and his dark blue team have taken 9/9 points in past three games and achieved this by playing with an impressive commitment to the cause. Great to see and giant relief to us fans! Good to at last be looking up and looking forward to remainder of season. Well done Elvis…
Walter: To a man I thought we were outstanding today, I can't honestly remember seeing a Dundee side defend so bravely for a full 90 minutes. Ash Hay was tremendous and none of the United four central defenders could handle him. Drey Wright was excellent also, he just seems to thrive wherever on the pitch he is deployed. Ethan Hamilton was outstanding again as was the defence too. A real all-round team performance that a lot of Dundee fans might not be used to seeing. Hopefully, we do though! Lots of people including myself completely wrote us off at the start of the season and with some of the abject performances produced, you could understand that. To go from that, to where we are now is fantastic and something few saw happening. I really hope that we continue to kick on and improve week on week and we don't end up having to look over our shoulders again.
John: Hats off to Pressley: three wins in a row, derby win up the road and a clean sheet! He's beginning to win me over and I'm sure many others too. A good tough game, whole team were great, good going forward and defended really well! More of the same please.
Lammy: Absolutely magnificent today. Every player, coaching staff and manager , take a bow. Wonder what the boo boys are thinking tonight? Team starting to gel. Let's hope they keep it going. It's been a very merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year. 'Mon the Dees.
Johnny: Sometimes you just need to say, 'fair play Pressley'.
Daniel: Just want to say all in all a massive and great three points for Dundee and credit to the squad and management today! Wasn't the best looking performance by all means at all but what won Pressley and Dundee that game today was total and utter work rate, first to the ball and if not won it straight back and the fight and determination from the squad was unmatched. It's all about how we progress from this run of games won and hopefully this is now Pressley getting his way of playing across the squad and putting his touch on things that's been long awaited from the Dundee Fans!
John: About time some folk gave credit to Hamilton, Wright. Both stood out again today and at least one was a Pressley signing. Big Billy and Graham improving but need to clear that ball a bit better.
Boab Ralph: Absolutely ecstatic, not a failure out there. Billy and Luke were fantastic as were the rest of the team. What a superb week it's been for Elvis and the boys along with myself and fellow Dees. Bring on the Jambos.
Ashley Hay's cool finish earned Dundee a hard-fought derby win over Dundee United at Tannadice in the Scottish Premiership.
Image source, SNSDundee manager Steven Pressley tells BBC Scotland: "It was really difficult to pick out any individual in that performance.
"It was an incredible team performance, filled with unity, team spirit and real quality at times.
"We knew we would have to endure some difficult moments, we'd have to stand up to the game and do the dirty side well. They did that to exceptional standards.
"There were some good opportunities [for more goals], but I'm just pleased we managed to get that result. I'm delighted for our supporters. We're starting to show shoots of recovery.
"We knew coming into this game - we're on the back of two really important results - but we know the importance of this game. It was a pivotal game and I couldn't be prouder of the players.
"They are an amazing group. It's been a difficult season and they have helped me get out of my bed at times.
"I love working with them - every day they want to be better and they are beginning to find their way. Hopefully this is the start of something good.
"I know there will be moments where you have setbacks, but as long as we stay strong, hopefully we can build something."
Image source, SNSDundee United boss Jim Goodwin is likely to be selecting from an unchanged squad.
Pan Camara (hamstring), Ross Graham, Ryan Strain (both groin) and Isaac Pappoe (knee) are still out.
Dundee could hand a debut to new signing Joe Bevan if his paperwork is finalised in time.
Skipper Simon Murray remains suspended, Cameron Congreve is a doubt and Joe Westley (ankle) is out but Finlay Robertson and Clark Robertson return after injury.
Image source, SNSDundee United have won two of their past three Scottish Premiership meetings with Dundee (L1), as many as their previous 10 prior (W2 D5 L3). The Tangeries could win back-to-back Dundee derbies in the competition for the first time since January 2015.
Dundee won their last away league visit to Dundee United 4-2 in March last season, but haven't won successive away Dundee derbies in the top flight since May 1999.
Dundee United have won their first game in January in both of their past two years as a Premiership side, including a 2-1 win over rivals Dundee in 2025 (also 1-0 v St Johnstone in 2023).
Dundee have lost their first January game of a calendar year in the Premiership in each of their past three such matches, last winning their January year opener in the competition in 2019 (2-1 v Hearts).
Dundee have won their past two league games, last winning three in a row in the top flight in October/November 2014.
