WE have a cracker of a play-off coming up as Championship Dundee United meet Premiership side St Mirren for a place in Scotland's top flight next season.
Both games are sell-outs and there will be more than 13,000 at Tannadice on Thursday for the first leg in what will be a fiercely-contested match.
I've looked at this game in detail and feel United might just edge it and make a long-awaited return to Premiership football after a three-year absence.
Dundee United vs St Mirren (7.45pm)
The general view on this match in Scotland is it's incredibly difficult to call – the bookies are no different with both sides around even money to qualify.
I'm no different and think it will be extremely close but as we've drawn nearer to KO I'm edging towards Dundee United to take a narrow lead to Paisley on Sunday.
Home Advantage for the Arabs
Tannadice will rocking tomorrow and not many clubs come here and leave with anything since Robbie Neilson took over. They've won 10 of their last 13 in the league at home (one defeat) and those wins were against sides including champions Ross County, third-placed ICT and fourth-placed Ayr.
United Domination over St Mirren
United absolutely love playing St Mirren in Dundee – they've won 9 consecutive home games against the Buddies which is a tremendous stat. St Mirren have won a pitiful 4 of their last 26 games away at United and have already suffered defeat against their opponents this season having been knocked out of the Scottish Cup at home in February.
Dundee United were terrific that day winning 2-1 and know they can mix it with sides from the top tier.
Experience in the home ranks
United manager Robbie Neilson recruited well in January and has not hidden the fact he brought in players who have experience of playing in big games and certainly has that in abundance in Pawlett, Reynolds, Connolly and Sow.
Throw into the mix strikers Nicky Clark and Pavol Safranko they have plenty of firepower against a St Mirren side who kept just one clean sheet in 20 away matches this season.
Improved St Mirren
The Buddies ended the season strongly suffering just one defeat in their last 7 games but it wasn't enough to save them from ending up in the relegation play-off spot.
That will give them a huge amount of confidence but having spoken to a few St Mirren fans over the last few days, manager Oran Kearney usually sets his team up conservatively away from home and they'll travel to Tayside happy with a draw.
Verdict
There isn't much between the sides but I just feel United with home advantage will take a narrow lead into Sunday's 2nd leg and will seal their return to the top flight.
There will be a terrific atmosphere at the game and St Mirren's noisy North Bank fan group will add to the occasion, that atmosphere can only spill on to the pitch and should support the case for bookings in this massive game for both clubs.
Recommended Bets
- Dundee United to beat St Mirren
- (11-8, BetVictor)
- Over 4 cards Asian handicap
- (Evens, bet365)
I'm a St Johnstone diehard and football tipster from Perth, now living in Glasgow. I've been writing football previews and tips for Mr Fixit since 2015, with in-depth knowledge of Scottish football and betting markets, particularly goals and corners markets. You’ll often find me conversing on Twitter @GregBrowning84.
Already on the cards bet Greg fancy this strongly. Good luck