Steven Pressley in Hearts prediction amid January transfer window as Dundee gain boost ahead of Jambos clash

Steven Pressley reckons Hearts are going to take some serious stopping if their title ambitions are to be thrown off course.

The former Jambos captain is now manager of fellow Premiership side Dundee, who have won their last three matches including a derby against Dundee United, and host Derek McInnes’ team on Sunday. Pressley has watched on as the Jambos sit six clear at the top of the league and they go hunting their next three points at Dens Park this weekend.

Having signed right-back Jordi Altena and winger Islam Chesnokov this winter already, Pressley insists the January transfer window will see Hearts become a greater title force, with a good manager in McInnes at the helm. He’ll be taking what he feels is a smart route to trying to obtaining a shock win for Dundee.

Steven Pressley on Hearts title chances

Pressley said: "Hearts are serious title challengers and they're going to take a bit of stopping. They're a very organised team, a team that knows what they're about. They have stability and a very smart operator in Derek McInnes. He understands what's required at a club like Hearts.

"So I think they've got a lot of good things in place. And there's a real confidence about them. They are physically strong as well, which is required for this league. They're also a team that's not conceding goals just now. They're robust. They will recruit in January, they've already brought in players and they're going to get stronger.

"And of course a big tool of theirs is that they have the support right behind them just now. They've already sold out the away end at Dens Park on Sunday. So they've got that positive energy behind them. We'll definitely respect them. With it being a home game, I think we have to show an intent to try and win that game but, at the same time, being smart around how we do that.

Dundee boost ahead of Hearts clash

"It's difficult at present to change certain players as well because they've been doing so well. Whether we change formation or not will depend on the personnel. But it's a good situation to be in."

One addition Pressley will have to his ranks is Simon Murray who is back after a ban. He added: "Simon had two or three days away with his family, which was good for him. But he was seen running the streets of Dundee. He just can't help himself! I said to him to go away and relax, but he just can't do it."

McInnes said ahead of taking Hearts to Tayside: “Sometimes in this league, you come up against teams who are in poor form, like Livingston, going into last Saturday's game, but they were still competitive, then you play Dundee, who are on 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.”