Dundee United vs Dundee Predictions

Dundee United vs Dundee predictions for this Scottish Premiership clash. Dundee United will host Dundee at Tannadice Park on Sunday in the first Dundee derby of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Scottish Premiership | Aug 4, 2024 at 1.30pm UK Tannadice Park

Dundee United vs Dundee Predictions

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Can Dundee United Extend Their Derby Dominance Over Dundee?

In the eagerly awaited first Dundee derby of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season, Dundee United will host their local rivals at Tannadice Park. Dundee United, having topped the Scottish Championship last season, are poised to make their mark in their return to the top flight. Meanwhile, Dundee, who finished sixth in the Premiership, are eager to start the season on a high note.

Match Preview

Dundee United’s resurgence has been notable since their relegation from the Premiership at the end of the 2022-23 season. Under the guidance of manager Jim Goodwin, they clinched the Championship title with 75 points, scoring 73 goals and conceding just 23. This robust performance made them the best offensive and defensive team in the division. Since the conclusion of last season, Dundee United have continued their strong form, winning five of their seven fixtures, including key League Cup matches.

Dundee, on the other hand, ended the 2023-24 Scottish Premiership regular season with 42 points. Although their offensive capabilities were decent, scoring 49 goals, their defensive frailties were evident as they conceded 68 times, ranking near the bottom of the league in terms of goals allowed. Despite this, they managed to stay clear of relegation and have shown impressive form in pre-season, winning seven of their last eight matches, including a dominant 6-0 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the League Cup.

Team News

For Dundee United, new signing Jort van der Sande could make his debut after joining the club on July 25. Other recent additions, including Vicko Sevelj, Kristijan Trapanovski, and Jack Walton, are also in line for potential appearances. However, right-back Ryan Strain is a doubt due to a hamstring injury sustained against Stenhousemuir.

Dundee have their own set of challenges and opportunities. Striker Simon Murray, a former Dundee United player, will be keen to impress against his old club. New loan signing Ziyad Larkeche could make his debut, while Sebastian Palmer-Houlden, who scored twice against Inverness, is pushing for a start. Unfortunately, Joe Shaughnessy remains sidelined with a long-term injury.

Expected Lineups

Dundee United Possible Starting Lineup: Walton; Gallagher, Sevelj, Graham; Sibbald, Middleton, Holt, Ferry; Babunski, Van der Sande, Trapanovski

Dundee Possible Starting Lineup: McCracken; Portales, Astley, McGhee; Ingram, Cameron, McCowan, Sylla, Larkeche; Murray, Palmer-Houlden

Dundee United are expected to field a balanced side with a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh talent. Their midfield, orchestrated by Sibbald and Holt, will be crucial in maintaining possession and creating opportunities. Up front, Van der Sande's debut could provide the spark needed to unlock Dundee's defence.

Dundee will likely rely on the attacking prowess of Simon Murray and Palmer-Houlden to penetrate Dundee United's defence. Their midfield and defensive setups will need to be particularly vigilant to avoid conceding early goals.

Key Duels and Areas of Decision

The central midfield battle will be pivotal in determining the flow of the game. Dundee United's Sibbald and Holt will be crucial in dictating the tempo, while Dundee's Cameron and Sylla must ensure they disrupt their rhythm. On the wings, the matchup between Dundee United's Middleton and Dundee's Ingram could also be decisive.

Gameplay Analysis

Dundee United will likely aim to control possession and apply pressure through their wide players and attacking midfielders. Their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack will be key to breaking down Dundee's defensive lines. Dundee, conversely, might adopt a more counter-attacking approach, looking to exploit any gaps left by Dundee United's advancing players.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Teams

Dundee United's Strengths:

• Strong defensive organisation, evidenced by their low goals conceded in the Championship.
• Creative midfield with players like Sibbald who can unlock defences.
• Solid home record, particularly in derby matches.

Dundee United's Weaknesses:

• Potential over-reliance on new signings to make an immediate impact.
• Vulnerabilities in defending set-pieces, which Dundee could exploit.

Dundee's Strengths:

• In-form attackers like Simon Murray, who has been prolific in recent matches.
• Resilient and adaptable game plan, capable of adjusting to in-game dynamics.

Dundee's Weaknesses:

• Defensive fragility, as highlighted by their high goals conceded last season.
• Inconsistent performances away from home.

Managerial Analysis

Jim Goodwin (Dundee United): Goodwin's tactical acumen and ability to motivate his squad have been pivotal in Dundee United's return to the Premiership. His strategic use of new signings and focus on solid defensive play have laid a strong foundation. However, his record in the Premiership with Dundee United has been mixed, and he will need to prove his mettle against top-flight opposition consistently.

Tony Docherty (Dundee): Docherty has instilled a fighting spirit within Dundee, leading them to impressive pre-season results. However, his tactical rigidity and occasional lapses in defensive organisation have been points of contention. To challenge Dundee United, Docherty will need to ensure his team maintains concentration and executes his game plan effectively.

Betting Angles

Given the attacking form of both teams and their defensive weaknesses, betting on goals could be a prudent angle. Markets such as "both teams to score" and "over 2.5 goals" might offer value. Dundee United's strong home record and Dundee's goal-scoring form also suggest potential in markets like "home win with both teams scoring".

Predictions

Best Bet: Draw and Both Teams to Score

Considering the offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities of both Dundee United and Dundee, a draw where both teams score appears a highly plausible outcome. Dundee United have been prolific in front of goal, demonstrated by their impressive tally of 73 goals in the Championship last season. Their attacking play, combined with their strong form in pre-season, suggests they will likely find the net. However, their defensive frailties, evidenced by recent performances, mean they are also prone to conceding.

Dundee, meanwhile, have shown significant attacking improvement, scoring 18 goals in their League Cup matches. Despite their defensive issues, Dundee’s ability to score, particularly through key players like Simon Murray, means they will likely breach Dundee United's defence. This balance of attacking prowess and defensive weakness on both sides underpins the prediction of a high-scoring draw.

Correct Score Prediction: Dundee United 2-2 Dundee

The forecast of a 2-2 draw aligns with the expectation that both teams will score while neither will dominate completely. Dundee United’s robust attack, led by new signings eager to impress, is expected to find the back of the net multiple times. Their midfield control and forward movement should create several scoring opportunities.

However, Dundee’s recent goal-scoring form, with players like Simon Murray in fine form, suggests they too will capitalise on any defensive lapses. Dundee United’s defensive vulnerabilities, combined with Dundee’s attacking efficiency, make a 2-2 draw a likely outcome. Both sides are expected to exploit each other’s weaknesses, resulting in a high-scoring and evenly matched encounter.

Goalscorer Prediction: Simon Murray to Score Anytime

Simon Murray’s recent performances highlight his goal-scoring potential, making him a strong candidate to score in this derby. Having scored five goals in his last two appearances, Murray is in excellent form and poses a significant threat to Dundee United's defence. His familiarity with the Tannadice Park, having played for Dundee United in the past, gives him an added advantage.

Murray’s positioning, finishing skills, and ability to capitalise on defensive errors make him likely to find the net. Dundee United’s defence, which has shown vulnerabilities, will have a tough task containing him. Therefore, betting on Simon Murray to score anytime during the match is a logical and well-supported prediction.

First Half Result: Dundee United to Lead at Half Time

Dundee United’s tendency to start games strongly, especially at home, supports the prediction that they will lead at half time. Their pre-season form has shown they can score early and maintain control of the game’s tempo. With the home crowd’s support at Tannadice Park, Dundee United are likely to come out aggressively, aiming to establish an early lead.

Dundee, while capable, might need time to settle into the derby atmosphere, giving Dundee United an opportunity to dominate the first half. The tactical acumen of Jim Goodwin and the attacking prowess of players like Van der Sande and Middleton could see Dundee United scoring early, thus leading at the interval.

Innovative Market Prediction: Matt O'Riley to Register an Assist

Matt O'Riley's playmaking abilities make him a prime candidate to register an assist in this match. His vision and precision in passing are crucial for Celtic’s attacking strategies. O'Riley has consistently demonstrated his ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, making him a central figure in orchestrating Celtic’s forward play.

With Dundee United likely to dominate possession and create numerous chances, O'Riley’s role becomes even more significant. His knack for unlocking defences with key passes and his understanding with forwards like Furuhashi increase the likelihood of him providing an assist. Given his track record and current form, O'Riley is well-placed to set up at least one goal in this encounter.

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