Dundee vs Dundee United Predictions

Dundee v Dundee United predictions for this derby game in the Scottish Premiership. Dundee host rivals Dundee United at sold-out Dens Park on Thursday night, marking a thrilling start to 2025 with this highly anticipated derby clash. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Scottish Premiership | Jan 2, 2025 at 5.30pm UK at Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park

Dundee vs Dundee United Predictions

Can Dundee Turn the Tables on Their High-Flying Rivals?

• United’s Away Form Impresses
  • Dundee United have earned the second-most away points in the Premiership this season, showcasing their strength on the road.
• Dalby’s Dominance in Attack
  • Sam Dalby leads the Premiership scoring charts with nine goals, underlining his importance to United’s success.
• Dundee’s Defensive Woes
  • The Dark Blues have managed just one clean sheet all season, highlighting a persistent vulnerability at the back.

Our Tips

Few fixtures in Scottish football carry the electric charge of a Dundee Derby, and as the new year begins, the Dark Blues and the Tangerines prepare to clash once more at a sold-out Dens Park. This isn’t just a game—it’s a battle of pride, history, and local supremacy.

Dundee approach this encounter with a much-needed morale boost, courtesy of a 2-1 victory over St Mirren, where Simon Murray played the hero with a pair of crucial goals. This result halted a concerning three-game losing streak, lifting them further from the relegation mire. Manager Tony Docherty will hope his side can replicate that fighting spirit against their fiercest rivals, despite a mounting injury list that complicates his task.

Meanwhile, Dundee United enter the derby as the team in form, sitting comfortably in the top half of the Premiership standings. Jim Goodwin’s side are exceeding expectations in their return to the top flight, showcasing defensive resilience and an attack spearheaded by the league’s top scorer, Sam Dalby. With only one defeat in their last nine games, United will be keen to extend their dominance over their city rivals.

As both sides lock horns, one thing is certain: this encounter promises to be as fiercely contested as it is unpredictable.

Best Bet: Dundee United to Win

Dundee United’s recent form and tactical efficiency make them favourites to edge this derby, and backing them for the win offers excellent value. The Tangerines boast the league’s third-best defensive record and are remarkably effective on the road, having accumulated the second-highest away points in the division, second only to Celtic.

Defensively, United have a clear advantage over their hosts. Dundee have kept just one clean sheet all season, and their defensive fragility has been a recurring issue. Injuries to key defenders like Antonio Portales and Clark Robertson only worsen their plight. Dundee’s depleted backline will struggle to contain United’s attacking prowess, particularly the league’s leading marksman, Sam Dalby. Dalby has been clinical, scoring nine times in 16 appearances, and his ability to lead the line has been instrumental in United’s success.

Moreover, Dundee United have shown an uncanny ability to win tight matches, as evidenced by their recent last-gasp victory over Aberdeen. This resilience, combined with Goodwin’s astute management, positions them as favourites to exploit Dundee’s vulnerabilities. United’s form in the derby also tilts the scales; while their record at Dens Park has been less than stellar in recent years, their current momentum suggests they are well-placed to end that drought.

Herrin Kendrick of BettingTips4You.com supports this view, noting: “Dundee United are riding high on confidence, and with Dundee’s defensive frailties on full display, the Tangerines have every chance to walk away with three points. Backing them for the win is a strong call.”

Dundee’s spirited performance against St Mirren should not be discounted, but their inconsistency and lack of defensive solidity make them unlikely to withstand the pressure from United’s well-drilled side. Expect United to capitalise on their rivals’ weaknesses and secure a narrow but significant victory.

Correct Score Prediction: Dundee 1-2 Dundee United

Predicting the correct score in a derby is always a gamble, but a 2-1 victory for Dundee United aligns with both form and circumstance. The Tangerines have shown they can grind out results even in closely fought matches, as evidenced by their recent 1-0 win over Aberdeen.

Dundee, despite their struggles, have found a spark in Simon Murray, whose two goals last weekend underscore his importance to the team. A goal from the Dark Blues isn’t out of the question, particularly with the derby atmosphere likely to lift their attacking intensity. However, their defensive woes—exacerbated by injuries—are likely to see them concede multiple goals against a United side adept at exploiting such weaknesses.

Dundee United’s balance between defence and attack, coupled with their composure in high-pressure scenarios, makes a 2-1 scoreline a realistic and compelling outcome.

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