UNA Strassen vs Dundee United Prediction and Betting Tips

Dundee United made a winning return to the European arena last week but now face a nervy 90 minutes in Luxembourg as they defend a 1-0 lead against UNA Strassen in this UEFA Conference League qualifier.

Jim Goodwin's side had to show patience at Tannadice last week but finally found a way through thanks to a winner from new signing Zac Sapsford in the second half.

Two bets came up for me in that game but I thought United would win more comfortably and their failure to grab more goals could now come back to haunt them.

The last time Dundee United defended a 1-0 lead in Europe, they were routed 7-0 by Dutch side AZ Alkmaar three years ago. It's hard to imagine a team from Luxembourg dishing out the same kind of punishment but Rangers infamously lost 2-0 to Progres Niederkorn in the principality back in 2017.

Goodwin can take heart from the fact his defence looked solid last week and also conceded just four goals across their five pre-season friendlies.

But UNA Strassen will still fancy their chances with home advantage and this could be a dangerous second leg for a new-look United side who are still trying to gel.

How the bookies view it: United to seal the deal

Despite having home advantage, UNA Stassen are 5/2 outsiders with BoyleSports for a second-leg win. Dundee United are 5/6 favourites and the draw pays 11/4.

Head to head: Back for seconds

Last week's clash at Tannadice was the first meeting of these teams. Dundee United now have their noses in front but UNA Strassen will be out to even things up at home.

Players to watch: Zac of the net

Sapsford's confidence will be up after his debut goal for Dundee United last week. The young Australian will be out to add to his tally in the return leg and could be worth a punt once the scorer markets are priced up.

I flagged up Brazilian Matheus Souza as UNA Stassen's biggest threat last Thursday but he was starved of service in a backs-to-the-wall defensive display. He should have more chances back on home soil.

Probable line-ups

Dundee United are still without skipper Ross Graham due to injury while Max Watters was crocked in the first leg not long after coming on as a sub. UNA Strassen should stick with the same starting XI that frustrated Goodwin's side for long spells at Tannadice.

UNA Strassen: Ozcan, Delgado, Brandenburger, D Agovic, Hall, Myre, Pimentel, Vova, E Agovic, Matheus, Hadji.

Dundee United: Kucherenko, Esselink, Iovu, Keresztes, Strain, Sevelj, Ferry, Sibbald, Trapanovski, Sapsford, Dolcek.

Anything else catch the eye?

Chances were at a premium in the first leg and it should be a similar kind of game in the return with Dundee United leading by a single goal. That makes under 2.5 goals worth a punt at 21/20 with BoyleSports while betting against BTTS also looks decent at 23/20.

Betting on most goals coming after the break paid off for me last week so I'm going for the same bet again here. It pays 20/21 at BoyleSports for the second leg.

UNA Strassen vs Dundee United Betting Tips & Predictions