Kilmarnock vs Dundee United
30 July 1500hrs
Football – Scotland – Premiership
Pick Kilmarnock
Bookmaker William Hill
Odds: 6/4 odds taken 2000 GMT, Monday 12 July
Kilmarnock make their return to the Scottish Premiership when they take on a Dundee United team under new management. The two clash at Rugby Park on Saturday.
Table of Contents
Kilmarnock Preview – Can Killie make it a winning return to top-flight action?
It wasn’t a long time away but everybody concerned with Kilmarnock will be hoping it is the last time they visit the Championship for a while. The Ayrshire club had to battle in order to win the title and automatic promotion last season, eventually doing so in the penultimate game. It was a job well done for Derek McInnes who took over at the beginning of this year when there was no guarantees it would be an immediate return to the Premiership.
Kilmarnock have not stood still in the summer either, recognising the need to strengthen a squad that can be competitive – not only to stay in the league but survive without being involved in the relegation battle.
Dundee United Preview – Will United pick up where the left off at the end of last season?
Dundee United were playing Championship football as recently as 2020 but will be playing European football come next week following a fourth place finish in the league last season. It will be the first time in nearly a decade that they are playing in Europe. Despite that success, they have seen a change in management this summer with Tam Courts leaving after only a year in charge to take up a job in Hungary. Former Hibs and St Mirren boss, Jack Ross, has taken over and will be looking to build on the previous campaign.
Tannadice has also seen a number of new faces arrive with the most high profile being Steven Fletcher. Dylan Levitt – who had a really strong second half to the campaign – has also joined permanently. Fletcher joins the likes of Charlie Mulgrew and Tony Watt in what is becoming a squad packed full of experience.
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As one of Scotland’s European participants, there was no League Cup group stage action for United. They’ll come in at the next round when they face Livingston away from home.
It means this is a first competitive games of the campaign for United and the first under Ross.
Kilmarnock vs Dundee United Betting Advice
The first game of a new league season always brings with it optimism and there is reasons for both Kilmarnock and Dundee United supporters to be so as they look forward to Saturday. Killie are at home on their return to the Premiership and following qualification to the knockout stages of the League Cup. Opponents United are coming off the back of an excellent campaign and also have the anticipation of seeing what a new manager will bring.
The teams did meet in the Scottish Cup back in January when United edged it after extra-time. There is unlikely to be much between the sides here either.
Key Facts – Kilmarnock vs Dundee United Betting Tip
- Derek McInnes took over Kilmarnock at the start of the year and led them to the Championship title
- Despite qualifying for Europe, Jack Ross was appointed Dundee United’s new manager in the close season
- United were winners when the sides met in the Scottish Cup back in January, prevailing 2-1 after extra-time
United may have finished fourth last season whilst Kilmarnock are the newbies, but it’s Kilmarnock who can get their league season off to a winning start with home advantage.
Best Betting Odds for Kilmarnock vs Dundee United