THERE'S no love lost between Dundee and St Johnstone and there should be plenty of fireworks at what looks like it an entertaining Premier Sports Cup quarter final at Dens Park.
Both clubs go into this on different levels – Dundee were left gutted when a late winner from Ian Harkes handed Dundee United the spoils in the derby clash at Tannadice.
And St Johnstone should be on a high after a fine 1-0 win at Aberdeen gave them their first win of the season.
Dundee eased through their group in the League Cup and beat Motherwell at home to reach this stage and they are attempting to reach the last four of this competition since season 2003/04. Saints survived a major fright when they edged past Arbroath on penalties at Gayfield.
Saints, of course, are the holders of this and the last thing they would want is to get eliminated at the hands of their main rivals. The loss of Jason Kerr and Ali McCann could potentially have been body blows for the Perth side, but the early signs suggest they have adapted well.
How the bookies view it
St Johnstone are the favourites here and you can get 31/21 with SBK, with most firms around the 13/10 mark. Dundee are 21/10 with McBookie.com, while the draw is 11/5 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
St Johnstone won at Dens Park on their way to lifting the Scottish Cup last season as can be seen below. And St Johnstone have won the last five meetings between the clubs in an impressive record.
Players to watch
Leigh Griffiths will be desperate to score his first goal for Dundee and he shouldn't be as isolated as he was in the Dundee Derby. He's 13/8 to score with McBookie.com.
Stevie May enjoyed his winner against former club Aberdeen on Saturday – his first goal of the season., He's 11/8 to double that tally tomorrow night at Dens Park.
Anything else catch the eye?
There's not much between these sides on early season evidence, it just seems that Saints have been more organised and clinical.
However, at the price, it could be well worthing taking a chance on Dundee. There wasn't a lot wrong with them against United on Sunday and you get the feeling they are poised to get a morale-boosting victory soon and end a three-game goal drought.
Their fans would particularly enjoy bundling holders and rivals St Johnstone out of the League Cup and Callum Davidson's side, after all, have only won one game in 90 minutes or extra time this season on their 11th attempt.
Dundee have conceded three penalties already in the league and St Johnstone one, so don't be surprised if Steven McLean points to the spot in what is likely to be a feisty encounter, so 21/10 with Paddy Power for a penalty to be awarded could get a run.
This Scottish League Cup match between Dundee and St Johnstone will be played on Sep 22, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Dundee vs St Johnstone prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
3/1 for your pen at Hills . Mark