Two teams battling at the top of the Scottish Premiership table will come together on Sunday afternoon when Dundee United host Rangers at Tannadice Park.
The hosts are third in the standings with 37 points from 23 outings, while the visitors reside in second place with 47 points from their 23 league fixtures.
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 suffered a surprise relegation from the Scottish Premiership in 2022-23, falling from a fourth-placed finish in 2021-22 to placing 12th in the following year.
However, Jim Goodwin, who took charge in March 2023, instantly guided the side back to the top flight as the Tangerines lifted the Scottish Championship title last year, finishing six points clear of second-placed Raith Rovers.
Their impressive form under Goodwin has continued into this campaign, with Dundee Utd currently placed third in the top division with 37 points from 23 matches, after 10 wins, seven draws and six defeats.
Dundee Utd enjoyed a particularly impressive first half of the season, losing just six of their opening 26 fixtures across all competitions, but recent results have marked a noticeable downturn in form.
The Tangerines are heading into this one having lost three of their last four games, scoring just once in that time, including a disappointing 1-0 defeat to rivals Dundee in their Scottish Cup fourth round tie.
Aiming to get back to their form from earlier in the season, Dundee Utd are set to take on the tough challenge of second-placed Rangers, who the Tangerines have failed to beat since August 2021.
Rangers' season has unfolded in contrast to Dundee Utd's, beginning with their worst start to a Scottish Premiership campaign after 12 matches since returning to the top division in 2016-17, but showing significant improvement in their subsequent fixtures.
Philippe Clement's men managed only 7 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses in the first 12 games, leaving them already 11 points behind Celtic, but the Gers have improved with seven wins, three draws and one loss in the following 11 outings.
Although the title is likely out of reach, with the Bhoys holding a 13-point lead at the top of the standings, the Gers will aim to keep securing victories in hopes of a potential Celtic collapse in the remainder of the campaign.
The Gers will be confident of securing all three points heading into this one, given their record of six wins and two draws in the last eight encounters with Dundee Utd, while Clement's team are also undefeated in their past seven domestic fixtures.
Team News
© Imago
Dundee United have avoided any fresh injury concerns in recent matches, meaning only Craig Sibbald (groin) and David Babunski are expected to miss out due to injury issues.
Top scorer Sam Dalby, with 10 league goals in 20 appearances, has seen his scoring touch run dry in recent weeks, going four games without a goal, leaving him eager to end his drought with a goal here to avoid matching his season's longest run of five matches without scoring.
While the goals have dried up for Dalby, Louis Moult has hit form with two goals in his last three appearances, and the two could form a strike partnership in this one.
For Rangers, Dujon Sterling (foot), John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo (knee) are likely to remain sidelined, while injuries sustained during their recent defeat to Manchester United leave Leon Balogun, Connor Barron and Vaclav Cerny as doubts.
Mohammed Diomande is likely to return to alleviate their midfield woes after missing the defeat to Man Utd due to suspension, with Nicolas Raskin and Nedim Bajrami expected to retain their places in the side.
Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Walton; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt; Strain, Docherty, Sevelj, Ferry; Stephenson; Moult, Dalby
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Butland; Tavernier, Propper, Nsiala, Jefte; Raskin, Diomande; Hagi, Bajrami, Yilmaz; Igamane
We say: Dundee United 1-2 Rangers
Dundee Utd's spirits may be low due to their recent form, while Rangers will be confident following their strong run in domestic competitions and their unbeaten record in the last eight meetings with the Tangerines, leading us to expect a victory for the visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
