Two teams separated by just one place in the Scottish Premiership will matchup on Wednesday night as Dundee United host Hibernian at Tannadice Park.
The hosts are fourth in the standings with 40 points from 27 outings, while the visitors are fifth in the table with 37 points from their 27 games played.
Match preview
![Jim Goodwin (Manager) of Dundee United during the 2024/25 Pre Season Friendly match between Dundee United and Luton Town at CalForth Construction Arena, Tannadice Park, Scotland on 26 July 2024 [on August 2, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/31/jim-goodwin.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Jim Goodwin (Manager) of Dundee United during the 2024/25 Pre Season Friendly match between Dundee United and Luton Town at CalForth Construction Arena, Tannadice Park, Scotland on 26 July 2024 [on August 2, 2024]")
© Imago
Dundee United are enjoying a strong first season back in the top flight of Scottish football, having lifted the Scottish Championship title last term, as they currently sit fourth in the standings.
The Tangerines made a particularly impressive start to the campaign, winning nine, drawing seven and losing only four of their first 20 league fixtures, but they have had a downturn in form in the subsequent outings.
Jim Goodwin, in charge since March 2023, has led the side to only two wins from their last eight games across all competitions, suffering six defeats in that period.
However, Dundee Utd did bring an end to a four-game losing streak in their last match, defeating Motherwell 1-0 thanks to Sam Dalby's 31st-minute goal - his 12th of the league season.
Aiming to build on that result to strengthen their position in the top six, as they hold only a seven point lead over eighth-placed Hearts, Dundee Utd will face fellow top-six contenders Hibernian.
Hibs have experienced a season that can be split into two starkly contrasting halves, having been in the relegation battle for much of the campaign before embarking on a magnificent run over the past weeks.
David Gray's side were sat at the bottom of the table after 16 matchdays with just 12 points, from only two wins, six draws and eight losses, but they have rapidly ascended the table in the following outings.
Hibernian are now placed fifth in the table with 37 points after 27 games, from nine wins, 10 draws and eight losses, having recorded seven wins and four draws in the last 11 league fixtures.
Their most recent result was particularly impressive, defeating league leaders Celtic 2-1, a victory that will give them major confidence heading into this matchup.
Hibernian have, however, struggled in their recent visits to Tannadice Park, failing to record a victory since December 2021, while they have lost in all of their last three trips.
Team News
© Imago
The hosts will be without the services of Craig Sibbald, who has been out of action since October due to a groin injury, with his return not set until early March.
Ross Docherty may also be a doubt for Dundee Utd after their captain was forced off in the 33rd minute of their victory against Motherwell, meaning Luca Stephenson may start.
As for the visitors, Thody Elie Youan is ruled out until early March due to a foot injury that has kept him out of action since early January.
Kieron Bowie may not feature after coming off in the victory over Celtic due to injury, meaning Mykola Kukharevych may start in his place, while the rest of the team from that match is likely to remain unchanged.
Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Walton; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Graham; Strain, Campbell, Stephenson, Sevelj, Ferry; Dalby, Paton
Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Smith; O'Hora, Kiranga, Iredale; Miller, Moriah-Welsh, Triantis, Cadden; Campbell; Boyle, Kukharevych
We say: Dundee United 1-2 Hibernian
While the hosts snapped their losing run with a win last time out, the visitors have been in remarkable form over the past weeks, unbeaten in their last 13 across all competitions, leading us to expect a win for Hibernian.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
