DUNDEE UNITED and Kilmarnock are embroiled in a fight against relegation from the SPFL Premiership but can take a break from that pressure as they face off at Tannadice with a place in the Scottish Cup quarter-final up for grabs.
While Killie were expecting a tough campaign after winning promotion back to the top flight, it's a major surprise to see United propping up the table after qualifying for Europe last season.
Liam Fox's side tumbled to the foot of the table after losing at Rugby Park earlier this month but just three points separate the bottom four in a campaign where so many teams have disappointed.
It's now just one win in six for United and even that victory came against minnows Stirling University in the last round of the Cup. But they will be hoping home advantage can give them the edge in this tie with Kilmarnock in awful form on the road.
Killie still haven't won on their travels all season in the Premiership, although they did manage three away wins on their march to the semi-finals of the League Cup as well as defeating United at Rugby Park.
One of those wins was a shock success at Tynecastle and manager Derek McInnes will be hoping his side can deliver another knockout blow at Tannadice to pile on the misery for Dundee United.
How the bookies view it
It's a tough one to call and the bookies are finding it hard to split the sides. Dundee United are slight favourites at a best 14/9 with VBet while Kilmarnock are 15/8 at Coral and the draw at 90 minutes pays 9/4 at Betfair. To qualify, United are 4/5 at Coral while Paddy Power price Killie at 11/10.
Recent head to head
Dundee United will be out for revenge after Kilmarnock knocked them out of the League Cup with a 2-1 win back in October. The Rugby Park side have claimed two wins and a draw at home to United this season but crashed 4-0 when they went to Tannadice in November.
Players to watch
Veteran Steven Fletcher is shouldering the burden up front for Dundee United and scored in the defeat by Hearts last weekend as Jambos star Lawrence Shankland brought up my scorer bet. The former Scotland striker is 23/10 at William Hill for another goal here.
Daniel Armstrong scored the winner when Kilmarnock last faced United and the winger has been their most impressive performer this season. He's 6/1 at Paddy Power for a goal at Tannadice which looks a bit overpriced given he's on nine for the season.
Anything else catch the eye?
I cashed in by going for goals last weekend when Dundee United lost at Tynecastle but this cup tie could be more tense. Under 2.5 goals is a best 4/6 at QuinnBet but betting against BTTS is a little better at 10/11 with Betfred.
The League Cup tie between these sides was pretty feisty, with seven yellows flashed, so it could be a busy day for the ref again. Bet365 price over 4.5 cards at 11/10 for this one.
There isn't much between these sides so a one-goal winning margin for either team appeals at 5/4 with McBookie. The same firm also price most goals to come in the second half at 11/10.
This Scottish Cup match between Dundee United and Kilmarnock will be played on Feb 11, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Dundee United vs Kilmarnock prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
