Dundee, looking to bounce back from a 4-1 defeat last time out, are set to host Scottish Premiership basement dwellers Hibernian at Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park on Saturday evening.
The hosts are seventh in the standings with 12 points from their first 12 fixtures, while the visitors are bottom of the table with just eight points from 12 games.
Match preview
© Imago
After earning promotion from the Scottish Championship in 2022-23, winning the title with 63 points from 36 games, Dundee had a sensational first term back in the top flight.
The Dee placed sixth in the table last campaign, finishing two points above seventh-placed Hibernian in the pre-split table, marking their highest finish since also placing sixth in 2014-15.
Tony Docherty, in charge since May 2023, would have been aiming for a similar finish in the league this year, and Dundee have had a fair start in pursuit of that objective.
Dundee have won three, drawn three and lost six of their opening 12 fixtures, leaving them seventh in the table with 12 points, just three behind sixth-placed St Mirren, who have played a game more than the Dee.
They did suffer a significant 4-1 loss to Aberdeen in their last outing, a result that Docherty will be hoping his side can bounce back from here, with three points also potentially enough to move them into the top half depending on results elsewhere.
The hosts will likely fancy their chances heading into their meeting with Scottish Premiership basement dwellers Hibernian, who have managed just one win, five draws and six defeats from their 12 outings.
Those results leave them with just eight points, two adrift of St Johnstone in 10th place, though the three teams directly above Hibs have played one game more than them.
David Gray's men have failed to win any of their last seven matches heading into this one, a streak the manager will be eager to end, and his side will look to draw confidence from the fact they have won two of the last four encounters with Dundee, drawing the other two.
Team News
![Hibernian Manager David Gray during the Premier Sports Cup Group C match at Easter Road, Edinburgh UK against Peterhead on July 27, 2024 [on August 2, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/31/david-gray.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Hibernian Manager David Gray during the Premier Sports Cup Group C match at Easter Road, Edinburgh UK against Peterhead on July 27, 2024 [on August 2, 2024]")
© Imago
The hosts will be without Joe Shaughnessy and Trevor Carson for this match, though both are expected to return in the coming weeks as they continue their recoveries from injury.
Julien Vetro is also out of the side having returned to parent side Burnley for tests after collapsing before the win against Kilmarnock, though he is expected to return soon.
Ziyad Larkeche will be unavailable for the foreseeable after the defender was forced off with an injury in their last outing, with scans showing signs of a hamstring injury that is likely to keep him out until the new year.
As for the visitors, Kieron Bowie is the only anticipated absentee for Hibernian, with the forward set to remain out until the new year with an ongoing hamstring injury.
Despite falling to defeat against St Mirren last time out, Gray may be encouraged by certain aspects of their performance, meaning the manager could name a similar side here.
Dundee possible starting lineup:
McCracken; McGhee, Astley, Robertson, Koumetio; Sylla, Mulligan, Cameron; Palmer-Houlden, Murray, Adewumi
Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Bursik; Cadden, Ekpiteta, O'Hora, Obita; Kwon, Triantis, Newell; Boyle, Youan, Hoilett
We say: Dundee 2-0 Hibernian
Despite a disappointing 4-1 defeat in their last outing, the hosts come into this match as strong favourites to bounce back with a victory, especially with the visitors having failed to win any of their last seven, leading us to believe the hosts will secure the win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
