Dundee v Inverness Betting Tip 1, 2015-08-29

Dundee to master Inverness at home

Sports Betting Tips

Dundee v Inverness
Saturday 29th August – Kickoff: 1500hrs
Football – Scotland – Premiership

It was always going to be difficult for both these clubs to replicate their respective successes from last season, as there was a school of thought that both overachieved. Dundee finished in the top six in their first season back in the top division, and done so by playing excellent football. Their form definitely tailed off in the latter stages but it was an excellent effort to get so many points of the board in the first two thirds of the campaign. Inverness enjoyed an even better season, however, finishing third in the table and winning their first ever major trophy, claiming the Scottish Cup after a 2-1 win over Falkirk at Hampden back in May. That success led to them competing in Europe for the first time in their history – only to bow out at the first stage to Romanian outfit Astra. Neither side have reached that same level of form just yet, so both will be hoping Saturday’s meeting is a chance to really get their season’s started.

Paul Hartley has been a breath for fresh air since arriving at Dens Park. The former Hearts and Celtic midfielder led the Dark Blues to the Division One title in 2013/14 before that impressive campaign that culminated in them finishing sixth. Results this season have been rather inconsistent with two wins, two defeats and one draw thus far. An opening day thumping of Kilmarnock away from home was the perfect start but they have only won one game since that, at home to St Johnstone. Defeats to Aberdeen and Hearts are no disgrace whilst they also came back from 2-0 down away to arch rivals Dundee United to rescue a point. With nine goals scored and seven conceded from their opening five games, there is plenty of reason to believe that Hartley’s philosophy of playing an attractive brand of football is very much going to continue in what can be seen as the dreaded ‘second season’.

Five games into the new season and Inverness are still searching for their first win. Their winless run extends beyond that because of Europe, but now that has gone, the focus is very much on getting back on song, domestically. Their only two points have come thanks to draws with Partick Thistle and St Johnstone. Defeats to Hamilton, Celtic and Motherwell mean John Hughes’ men are lurking at the bottom end of the table (joint bottom with Kilmarnock) which will be a strange experience for a club who have enjoyed some terrific seasons of late. Hughes has been involved in the game for too long to get panicked so early into the season, but he will be slightly concerned with how his team have struggled to score goals regularly. Two late consolations away to Celtic, and the goal that earned them a point in Perth are the only times they found the net in seven matches. It is an issue which will have to be rectified for the Highlanders to start climbing the table.

The comeback draw at Tannadice was probably the best game of the whole Scottish season to date as it had everything you would want from a local derby. Dundee were the better team for long spells but failed to take their chances when on top and looked likely to lose the game when going down 2-0 in the second half. As he so often does, Greg Stewart provided a moment of magic before captain James McPake scrambled home a deserved equaliser. It was a performance of real potential considering how youthful the squad is, and if Hartley can find the same consistency that was evident for much of last season, there’s no reason why Dundee cannot surpass their sixth placed finish.

As so often opens when a team compete in Europe for the first time, Inverness’ participation in the Europa League qualifiers (however brief it was) appears to have effected their early season form in the Scottish Premiership. The loss of key players – who were so important to them last season – has also had an impact, but the change in preparation looks to be the biggest factor. Hughes will be hoping that this weekend’s visit to Dundee can provide the kickstart that is needed.

Dundee v Inverness Betting Tips

This is a fixture that Inverness have a fantastic record in down the years. Approaching their latest meeting on Saturday, the Highland club have not lost any of the last 11 meetings with Dundee and have won on their last four visits to Dens Park. It’s dangerous to read too much into trends such as that with so much turnover in playing staff, but historically it is a fixture Inverness have done well in and a stadium they clearly enjoy playing at.

On the basis of form from this season, however, it is difficult to see them taking all three points home with them on this occasion. Dundee look much more dynamic going forward and are sure to pose the visitors defence a lot of problems. Inverness’ attack has appeared somewhat lacklustre at the beginning of this season and have managed only one clean sheet – not a good combination when trying to win football matches. Hamilton disposed of them with relative ease last weekend, something which I can see Dundee doing on Saturday, bringing an end to their poor recent run against this opponent.

Dundee 6/5 @ William Hill