Preview: Dundee United vs. Livingston - prediction, team news, lineups

However, neither of these sides prevailed on the opening weekend of the new Scottish Premiership campaign, increasing the stakes ahead of the contest at Tannadice.

Match preview

Having been provided with one of the toughest Europa Conference League draws available to them, Dundee United likely went into their fixture with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening with more hope than expectation.

Nevertheless, the Tangerines rose to the occasion to claim a 1-0 victory over the Dutch, Glenn Middleton scoring a delightful goal in the second half.

The Eredivisie outfit remain favourites to progress from the tie with the reverse fixture taking place in the Netherlands, but Jack Ross will be delighted that his side have given themselves an opportunity to cause a notable shock.

That result came on the back of Dundee United drawing 1-1 with Kilmarnock last weekend, the second-half dismissal of Ian Harkes contributing to their opponents netting a last-gasp leveller.

However, the team appear to be moving in the right direction under Ross, and they will expect to continue their unbeaten start at the weekend.

That said, Livingston will have only taken positives from their opening fixture with Rangers, despite ultimately falling to defeat to the Europa League runners-up.

Livingstone led from the fifth minute through to 18 minutes from time, eventually conceding two goals in quick succession to lose out by a 2-1 scoreline.

Rather than being too despondent, boss David Martindale will take encouragement ahead of a fixture against opponents who they will regard as rivals for the mid-table positions.

With a trip to Celtic not coming until September 10, Livingston now have the opportunity to accumulate some points in a bid to stay out of a relegation battle.

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

Dundee United form (all competitions):

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

Livingston form (all competitions):

Team News

With Harkes missing out for Dundee United through suspension, Jamie McGrath could be brought into the starting lineup.

Ross may give consideration to resting a number of players ahead of the reverse fixture with AZ, including one of his centre-backs and Steven Fletcher.

That could see Ross Graham and Nicky Clark drafted into the team in their place.

Phillip Cancar was forced off during the first half of Livingston's game with Rangers, leaving him as a fitness doubt ahead of this contest.

Cristian Montano is in line to come into the team on the left-hand side of defence in what may prove to be the only alteration.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Birighitti; Smith, Edwards, Graham, Freeman; Levitt, Sibbald; Middleton, McGrath, Watt; Clark

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Cancar; Holt, Kelly, Omeonga; Pittman, Nouble, Shinnie

We say: Dundee United 1-1 Livingston

Dundee United will naturally have one eye on the second leg with AZ, something which can only boost Livingston's chances in this contest. Nevertheless, we still feel that the home side will do enough to earn at least a share of the spoils from this game.

Previews by email