Preview: Dundee United vs. Aberdeen – prediction, team news, lineups

Dundee United and Aberdeen are set to clash in the final match of the Scottish Premiership season on Saturday, with European football on the line.

The hosts sit fifth in the table and are just three points behind their visitors, meaning Conference League qualification is still at stake.

Match preview

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Dundee United have made an impressive return to the Scottish Premiership after winning the Scottish Championship last year, with the Tangerines still in contention for European qualification on the final day.

Jim Goodwin, in charge since March 2023, led the side to a fourth-placed finish in the regular campaign, with 50 points from 14 wins, eight draws and 11 defeats.

The Tangerines also ended the regular season in particularly strong form, recording three successive victories, but they have been unable to replicate that success in the post-split fixtures.

Dundee Utd have suffered defeat in all four of their post-split outings, losing 5-0 to Celtic, 3-1 to Hibernian, 2-0 to St Mirren and 3-1 to Rangers, leaving them in miserable standings heading into this clash.

Despite that dismal form, the Tangerines are still in contention for a fourth-placed finish as they trail Aberdeen by just three points, and as Dundee Utd have superior goal difference, a victory would be enough to secure Conference League qualification.

Aberdeen head into the final league match in similarly poor form, having suffered three consecutive defeats – 1-0 to St Mirren, 4-0 to Rangers and 5-1 to Celtic.

Those losses have meant the Dons have lost their chance to catch third-placed Hibernian and secure Europa League football, as Hibs hold a four-point lead, but Aberdeen still control their fate for Conference League qualification.

If Jimmy Thelin‘s side avoid defeat on the final day then they will secure fourth place, but Aberdeen’s poor record at Tannadice Park – with four losses and just one win in their last five visits – could prove a challenge.

The Dons will be desperate to snap their losing streak on Saturday, with not only European qualification up for grabs, but also to carry winning momentum into their upcoming Scottish FA Cup final against Celtic next weekend.

Team News

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Dundee Utd will remain without Luca Stephenson (hernia) and Ross Graham (hamstring) for this match, while Sam Dalby and Vicko Sevelj may be doubts after coming off with injuries in the recent loss to Rangers.

In their potential absence, Declan Gallagher and Sam Cleall-Harding could start alongside Emmanuel Adegboyega in defence, with Louis Moult spearheading the Tangerines attack.

As for the Dons, Ester Sokler, Gavin Molloy, Sivert Heltne Nilsen and Vicente Besuijen are all unlikely to play due to injury issues, while Alfie Dorrington is suspended after receiving a red card against Celtic.

Kevin Nisbet netted his 14th goal of the season in the 5-1 defeat to the Bhoys, and the striker is expected to retain his place alongside Pape Habib Gueye in attack.

In defence, Alexander Jensen and Mats Knoester may keep their place, while Jack Milne and Kristers Tobers could be introduced into the starting team.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Richards; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Cleall-Harding; Strain, Docherty, Sibbald, Ferry; Trapanovski, Moult, Middleton

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Mitov; Jensen, Tobers, Knoester, Milne; Palaversa, Clarkson; Morris, Gueye, Okkels; Nisbet

We say: Dundee United 2-2 Aberdeen

Dundee Utd boast the home advantage, where they have been dominant against the Dons, but with Aberdeen desperate to avoid defeat and secure fourth-spot, we believe this will end in a hard-fought draw.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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