DUNDEE and St Mirren have both considerably punched above their weight this season by reaching the top six in the Scottish Premiership.
And they have a huge showdown on Saturday in Tayside which could decide who plays European football next season. With St Mirren fifth and Dundee sixth, the Paisley side have a two-point advantage.
There’s also an estimated £150,000 worth of a difference in prize money at stake – which matters in Scottish football – for whoever finished higher.
To put into perspective about how much Europe means to either side, St Mirren last played 37 years ago when they lost to eventual European Cup-Winners Cup winners Mechelen.
And Dundee – who reached the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1963 – haven’t qualified for European competition for 21 years.
Both sides won plaudits but no points from their home games against the Old Firm last week with Dundee losing to Celtic after St Mirren had lost to Rangers.
On another day, both of them could have claimed a draw at least and certainly gave it a go.
Tony Docherty’s Dundee have not won for four games, although they have played the Old Firm in that time. St Mirren are also winless in five and have lost four of them, so neither are going into this on a high in terms of form at least.
But both can look back at the campaigns with plenty of pride.
Dundee are favourites here with home advantage getting them the nod rather than league position.
They can be backed at 8/5 with Betfred. St Mirren are available at 15/8 with Boylesports and the draw is 23/10 with McBookie.com.
There have been three games and three home wins between the teams this season with Dundee producing the most comprehensive victory with a 4-0 success in Tayside in November.
Luke McCowan has enjoyed an excellent season for Dundee this season and is their top league scorer with an impressive nine goals from midfield. The former Ayr United man is a big price at 6/1 to score anytime with bet365 considering he has scored five goals in his last 11 games.
Mikael Mandron has been in good form too this season for Saints and scored his 11th goal of the season in all competitions against Rangers at the weekend. He is 13/5 to score anytime with Betfred.
Although it’s been home wins all the way this season so far between these days, the draw is the call here, with neither side in good enough form to trust.
There’s clearly not much between the sides as both the league tables and last week’s efforts against Celtic and Rangers proved.
Dundee have only scored one goal in their last three games and St Mirren two, so it might be a slow burner this one, especially on a poor playing surface. A goalless draw at half time is 15/8 with William Hill.
This Scottish Premiership match between Dundee and St Mirren will be played on
May 4, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Dundee vs St Mirren prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.