DUNDEE UNITED and Aberdeen lock horns in a fascinating clash on Tayside and they appear to be two sides heading in opposite directions.
United extended an excellent festive period for them with a comeback win in Perth against St Johnstone just a few days after they held champions Celtic to a draw at home.
They are now just six points behind Aberdeen who they will undoubtedly have in their sights.
As for Aberdeen, the wheels have well and truly fallen off and they appear to be in freefall.
Their 4-0 defeat at Kilmarnock could easily have been doubled. Put simply, the legs have gone in their midfield engine room which is offering zero protection to a very fragile defence.
Added to that mix are strikers who cannot score and it's a potent recipe for gloom. It's a far cry from their incredible run at the start of the season.
The Dons are now winless in seven and their fans are desperately hoping Jimmy Thelin can pull some rabbits out of the hat when the transfer window reopens.
And they will dreading the short trip to Tannadice on Sunday.
How the bookies view it: United backed into favouritism
The money has flown in for Dundee United who have quickly gone from outsiders to favourites with Boylesports at 6/5, with the Dons out to 15/8 with the same firm. The draw is 23/10 with Boylesports too
Recent head to heads: Dons have recent edge
Aberdeen edged out United with a 1-0 win at Pittodrie back in October and the Dons have actually won their last three meetings between the sides.
Players to watch: Super Sam's the man
Sam Dalby continues to go from strength to strength and netted his ninth goal of the season by scoring in the win at St Johnstone. He is 13/8 to score anytime with Boylesports.
Aberdeen's Topi Keskinen was the only player to show a hint of creativity against Killie and the Finnish international is 4/1 to score anytime with Boylesports.
Predicted line-ups:
Dundee United re set to be without former Aberdeen defender Declan Gallacher who is suspended.
Aberdeen are missing striker Papa Gueye, but keeper Dimitar Mitov is back fully fit.
Dundee Utd: Walton, Strain, Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt, Ferry, Odada, Sevelj, Fotheringham, Middleton, Dalby.
Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin, Rubezic, MacDonald, MacKenzie, Nilsen, Shinnie, Clarkson, McGrath, Keskinen, Sokler
Anything else catch the eye?
If this game was played even a couple of weeks ago it would seem incredible that Aberdeen were underdogs.
But such has been the sharp drop in form, confidence and a total lack of doing even the basics right, you cannot escape the conclusion that this fragile Aberdeen side are absolutely there for the taking right now.
United can move to within three points of the third placed Dons and former Pittodrie boss Jim Goodwin will be going for the kill here. United can score a couple at least against an Aberdeen defence who look terrified at the moment at 21/20 with Boylesports.
This being a derby and a Saturday night fixture, there is sure to be a cracking atmosphere at a packed Tannadice. Go for over 4.5 cards with Ladbrokes at 5/6.
This Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Aberdeen will be played on Dec 29, 2024 and kick off at 17:15. Check below for our tipsters best Dundee United vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
