Today's Opponents

Ahead of tonight's game versus Hearts, columnist Joe James takes a look at the opposition. Nickname: The Jambos Manager: Robbie Neilson 2014-15: Championship Winners Their season so far... Since gaining automatic promotion from the Scottish Championship last season, Hearts have, as a whole, continued their Ladbrokes Premiership 2015-16 campaign in a similar vein of form - currently sitting in third spot above St Johnstone whilst trailing second place Aberdeen by nine points. Other than a slight blip in form during the tail end of August and the beginning of September, the Jambos have managed to consistently perform to a high standard this season, collecting important results such as the 0-0 draw with Celtic at Parkhead, the 4-0 thumping of Partick Thistle at Firhill, as well as, most recently, a last minute Osman Sow wonder-strike snatching a point in a 2-2 draw at home to Celtic last Sunday. Who to watch out for.. Throughout this season, the versatile Callum Paterson has proved to be a vital cog in the Hearts defence. Paterson, who was called up to the national side during various internationals last season, is an aggressive, no-nonsense defender with a good aerial presence. He's also shown an improvement in his attacking ability throughout this season with his ability to whip in a dangerous cross from wide, whilst chipping in with three goals and four assists in all competitions. Last meeting... The sides last met in mid-October, Paatelainen taking charge of United for the first time. Despite it being a closely contested match with little to separate the sides, it was the Jambos who took home the three points from Tannadice - Juanma Delgado converting from the penalty spot after 16 minutes, when the referee blew the whistle for a spot-kick after Blair Spittal was judged to have knocked over the pacey Sam Nicholson inside the box. The squad.. Goalkeepers: Alexander, Hamilton, Gallacher Defenders: Paterson, Augustyn, Ozturk, Oshaniwa, Rossi, McGhee Midfielders: Djoum, Gomis, Walker, Buaben, Nicholson, King, Pallardo, Anderson, Swanson Forwards: El Hassnaoui, Sow, Delgado, Reilly Last three meetings... United 0 - 1 Hearts Hearts 1 - 2 United United 4 - 1 Hearts 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.