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

Both sides have been out of competitive action for over a month, though have been involved in friendly matches over the World Cup break allowing their respective managers to assess their squads.

Match preview

Livingston have once again punched above their weight in 2022-23, occupying fourth in the Premiership ranks under David Martindale with 23 points from 15 matches played.

The Lions were on a run of three matches unbeaten before the break and will be hungry to extend this run as they eye qualification for continental football come the end of the season.

Undoubtedly, their strong home form has been a catalyst for their league position, with Livingston claiming 15 points from a possible 24 at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

During the World Cup, Livingston have participated in friendlies against Queens Park Rangers, FK Liepaja and Fortuna Sittard in an attempt to maintain match sharpness.

Now, Martindale will have his eyes on getting the better of Dundee United at the weekend, which could move Livingston into third place with a win if Aberdeen are to lose out to Celtic earlier in the day.

On the other hand, Dundee United have endured a torrid season in the Scottish Premiership and sit bottom of the table with a point to prove.

Liam Fox has overseen a marginal performance change, though points have been hard to come by in recent months as the Terrors fight to keep their league status.

Dundee United have won just once in their last seven matches across all competitions and will hope they can reverse their fortunes in the second period of this campaign.

Despite their poor form, Dundee United are only three points off Ross County in 10th and could leapfrog their divisional rivals with a win at Livingston on Saturday.

Looking forward has to be the mantra from manager Fox this weekend, as Dundee United still have the potential to have a decent season if they can string together a run of results.

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

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D

L

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W

D

Livingston form (all competitions):

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L

W

W

D

L

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

L

L

W

L

Dundee United form (all competitions):

L

L

L

L

W

L

Team News

Jamie Brandon could come back into contention for Livingston at the weekend, while new signing Steven Bradley will not be eligible to play for his new club until January.

Tom Parkes will once again be missing for the hosts owing to a long-term knee problem, meaning Ayo Obileye and Jack Fitzwater will partner each other in central defence.

Jason Holt and Shamal George risk suspension for the hosts if they are booked during the match.

For the away side, Peter Pawlett is doubtful to play any part due to sustaining a calf strain in a friendly match against Swansea.

Charlie Mulgrew could be available to return to the matchday squad, while Aziz Behich is ready to go following his time in Qatar at the World Cup with Australia.

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Montano; Kelly, Holt; Shinnie, Omeonga, Kelly; Nouble

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Birighitti; Smith, Edwards, Graham; Freeman, Sibbald, McGrath, Levitt; Behich; Watt, Fletcher

We say: Livingston 1-1 Dundee United

In a match that could impact both ends of the table, we expect a feisty affair that will be an entertaining spectacle for the neutral to watch.

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