DUNDEE'S bid for an instant return to the SPFL Premiership has got off to a mixed start and they now face another test of mettle against last season's shock troops Arbroath.
New boss Gary Bowyer started his reign with four successive wins in the League Cup but then saw his side crash 3-2 at home to Partick Thistle in their Championship opener.
That raised questions about Dundee's defence so I went for goals when they faced Raith last weekend, only for Bowyer's side to claim a clean sheet as they ground out a 1-0 victory.
That got the Dark Blues back on track and they will be looking to keep the momentum going by seeing off Dick Campbell's men at Dens.
Breaching Arbroath's defence won't be easy though as the Red Lichties have yet to concede in the Championship after successive 0-0 draws.
They also conceded just once in four games while topping their League Cup group, showing that the foundations are in place for another successful campaign.
But Campbell will need his forwards to start firing if Arbroath are to kickstart another surprise push for promotion with a victory over the pre-season title favourites.
How the bookies view it
Dundee are favourites with home advantage and their best price is evens at Betway. Arbroath are as big as 16/5 with SBK while another draw for the Red Lichties pays 12/5 at the same firm.
Recent head to head
Dundee have dominated this fixture and are unbeaten in their last 10 games against Arbroath, winning eight of those games. It ended 2-0 to the Dark Blues (below) when these sides last faced off at Dens two seasons ago and you have to go all the way back to 1979 to find Arbroath's last victory over Dundee.
But Campbell's side did claim a 1-1 draw in their last home game with the Dark Blues (below) and that will give them hope heading to Dens.
Players to watch
Alex Jakubiak scored four times in the League Cup group stage but picked up an injury against Raith Rovers and could miss this one. Zak Rudden is set to deputise up front and he's 7/4 with Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Michael McKenna netted 15 times from midfield last season for Arbroath and is already off the mark in the new campaign. He's 21/10 at Bet365 for another goal at Dens.
Anything else catch the eye?
Arbroath's record so far in the Championship doesn't suggest this one will be a thriller for the Friday night football on BBC Scotland. That's why under 2.5 goals is just 8/11 at Betfair, although betting against BTTS is a little better at 9/10 with BetVictor.
Dundee won 10 corners in their last home game against Partick and that suggests over 11 match corners stands a chance for this one at 11/8 with Bet365.
With Campbell's side so tough to break down, it could also pay to back most goals to come after the break, which pays 23/20 at McBookie.
This Scottish Championship match between Dundee and Arbroath will be played on Aug 12, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Dundee vs Arbroath prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
