The Scottish Cup seems to start earlier and earlier each year and it seem strange to be talking about competitive club football this weekend, but that is exactly what we have. The pace of these games is often a little slower than a regular game as teams get up to speed, but they are certainly more competitive than the friendlies we will see English clubs taking part in over the weekend. The first game of the Scottish Cup takes place on Friday night, and sees Hearts host Dundee United.

Clubs in the League Cup are split into groups and play each other before seeing who will progress to the knockout round when the competition gets underway properly. There is no huge benefit from starting off fast and you will often see teams work their way into the competition and get stronger as the weeks go on and they become fitter, so that does mean that those who are betting should tread cautiously in the first couple of weeks.

Having said that, I will be backing Hearts to get off to a winning start on Friday night. Looking at the teams who are in the competition at this stage, Hearts are one of the better teams and one who will be expected to be around the top of their group. They should be around mid-table in the Scottish Premiership this coming season if things go to plan for them, and that gives them a class advantage here. Dundee United are in the Championship and although they came close to promotion last season, the fact is that they are a league below Hearts and I think that is going to tell here.

Hearts vs Dundee United Betting Tips

This isn’t a game to get too involved in, but it is competitive club football, something we have all missed over the past few weeks. This game pits Hearts up against Dundee United, who are in a league below and I think it gives Hearts a golden chance to get off to a winning start in this competition.

I don’t expect either team to be anywhere near their best or fully fit here, but the slight class advantage that Hearts have can really pay off and I am backing them to pick up a win in their season opener.

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