SPL - PREVIEW

Dundee Utd v St Mirren

Football : Scottish Premier League

Saturday 06/08/2011 - Kickoff 15.00 (local)

Dundee Utd

I've got to admit that Dundee Utd surprised me with their 1-0 victory over Hearts last week. Not just the win but the manner of win. Everbody I spoke to that was at Tynecastle were in no doubt that Dundee Utd thoroughly deserved the win and on another day the scoreline could have been more than just the one goal.

So it seems the departure of Goodwillie to Blackburn has not been felt too badly, although the fans will be disappointed to read today that none of the transfer money will be going towards new players. Instead the bank will scoop up the money in an attempt to reduce the debt.

Dundee Utd have no injury worries going into this match with the only doubt being winger Danny Swanson who has picked up a virus.

Possible Dundee Utd Lineup :
Pernis, Watson, Kenneth, Dixon, Dillion, Mackay-Stevens, Severin, Flood, Rankin, Daly, Russell  (4-4-2)

St Mirren

St Mirren will be more than happy with the start they have had to the season, especially as some thought it may have taken time to bed in the new players and the 4-3-3 system that manager Danny Lennon is playing.

They got their first win of the season under their belts at home to Aberdeen last week and played an attractive brand of football which is going to be a feature for them this season win, lose or draw. It was an unchanged side from the opening day draw against Dunfermline and I expect the same team to play here.

Injuries - Hugh Murray ( Knee - 4 months) Aaron Mooy ( Back - 1 week) Graeme Smith (Finger - 1 week)
Doubtful - Paul McQuade (tweaked hamstring)


Possible St Mirren lineup:
Samson, van Zanten, Mair, McGregor, Tesselaar, Thomson, Goodwin, McGowan, Teale, Thompson, Hasselbaink (4-4-3)

THE BETTING VERDICT

With the style of football that St Mirren are playing I think we can expect an open game that will produce end to end stuff. Goals are likely here with Daly and Russell for the home side looking very dangerous and St Mirren playing three up front. I have ruled out a 0-0 result! People who like a bet on over 2.5 goals should consider this at just better than evens.

St Mirren are yet to concede a goal this season but I can see Dundee Utd giving them real problems at the back. United are a big physical side which St Mirren have not come across so far and Russell and Daly will prove to be more than a handful.

Dundee Utd didn't manage a win over St Mirren last season and this is something manager Peter Huston has mentioned he wants to put right. Considering the great performance they put in against Hearts last week I see them over powering St Mirren and winning this match.

THE PICK 


Dundee Utd 2-1 St Mirren


PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE


Dundee Utd  57% St Mirren 18% Draw 25 %


THE BET


I'll take Dundee Utd to win @ 1.84 (Pinnacle)