- Dundee United are in the best form heading into this game, with 3 wins and 2 defeats in their last 5.
- Aberdeen are unbeaten in 2, winning their last home game 1-0 against Kilmarnock.
Dons looking to reverse the jinx
Premiership - Relegation Round 2026 leaders Dundee United FC travel to Pittodrie on Saturday to face the team hot on their tails, Aberdeen FC. United have 43 points from 35 matches, compared to the Dons’ 37 from the same number of games.
The last time these sides met in the Premiership 2025/2026 season, the game ended goalless at Tannadice. The head-to-head record is fairly close, with the Dons winning none of the last 5, United winning 2, and 3 draws. Aberdeen haven’t won either of their last 2 at home to United, so the visitors will feel they have a chance on Saturday.
Stephen Robinson became Aberdeen manager in March 2026 and has spent the time rebuilding his side’s structure and confidence. The Dons like to control the game with possession through the middle and try to progress the ball, but are also adept at switching to a more direct game if necessary.
Goodwin’s boys have a solid base
Jim Goodwin has been at the helm of Dundee United FC since March 2023. He has established a solid, pragmatic system with the Tangerines, who set up with a back-three and wing-backs. United prefer to keep it tight and look to counterattack quickly, particularly from turnovers. They have 1 of the most consistent goal threats in the league in Will Ferry, who has scored 2 goals in 2 Premiership - Relegation Round 2026 appearances and 4 of United’s last 10.
Aberdeen come into the match as narrow favourites at 31/25, while United are 213/100. I think there is some value in the visitors here, as they have been in the better form of late, but with Aberdeen at home and United struggling away, I’m going to side with the Dons to nick this one in what will be a tight contest. This is a battle of tempo, and the Dons will have the ball more, but United’s compact nature and ability to punish Aberdeen in transition will mean that neither side will be comfortable in possession.
Aremu to get some joy
Afeez Aremu has made an instant impact for the Dons, scoring 1 goal in his 2 Premiership - Relegation Round 2026 games. Kevin Nisbet is the Dons’ most reliable goalscorer and he has 2 of their last 5 goals, so I’m backing both of these players to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.
With neither side completely reliable in defense of late, I think there is value in the Over 2.5 goals market at 81/100, given Aberdeen have conceded 21 goals in 17 home games, an average of 1.24 goals per game.
