Dundee United vs Hibernian — Match Preview
A tantalizing clash awaits at Tannadice Park on Sunday, 21 December 2025. Dundee United come into this fixture riding a wave of euphoria after a sensational 2–1 victory over champions Celtic just three days ago. That result has reignited their season, but fatigue will be a major concern for Jim Goodwin’s side with such a short turnaround. Hibernian, currently 5th with 24 points, arrive fresher having last played on Tuesday (a narrow 0–1 loss to Rangers). The Hibees will look to exploit United’s tired legs and solidify their place in the top six. With recent head-to-heads producing goal-fests (3–3, 3–2, 3–1), fans can expect entertainment.
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Match Info
- Competition: Scottish Premiership (Matchday 18)
- Venue: Tannadice Park, Dundee (Capacity: 14,223)
- Date: Sunday, 21 December 2025
- Kickoff: 15:00 GMT
- Referee: TBC (SFA Appointment)
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Match Stakes
Dundee United (8th — 20 pts):
- Win → Moves to 23 pts; closes the gap on Hibs to just 1 point and pushes for the Top 6
- Draw → Maintains momentum from the Celtic win; keeps the board ticking over
- Loss → The Celtic win becomes a “flash in the pan”; gap to Top 6 could widen to 7 points
Hibernian (5th — 24 pts):
- Win → Moves to 27 pts; solidifies European playoff contention
- Draw → A decent point away from home, but risks dropping behind 4th place
- Loss → Dragged back into the mid-table scrap; United breathe down their necks
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Team News
Dundee United:
- Camara P. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
- Pappoe I. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Naamo D. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
- Kucherenko Y. — Out (Injury)
- Fatigue Watch: Key starters who played 90 mins vs Celtic on Thursday may be rotated.
Hibernian:
- Bushiri R. — Out (International Duty – DR Congo)
- Obita J. — Out (International Duty – Uganda)
- Chaiwa M. — Out (International Duty – Zambia)
- Molotnikov R. — Out (Injury)
- Cadden N. — Questionable (Calf Injury)
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Dundee United
- 18/12 — 2–1 vs Celtic (Premiership)
- 13/12 — 0–0 vs Motherwell (Premiership)
- 06/12 — 0–2 vs St. Mirren (Premiership)
- 04/12 — 2–2 vs Rangers (Premiership)
- 29/11 — 1–1 vs Kilmarnock (Premiership)
Hibernian
- 16/12 — 0–1 vs Rangers (Premiership)
- 06/12 — 3–0 vs Falkirk (Premiership)
- 30/11 — 1–2 vs Celtic (Premiership)
- 26/11 — 0–2 vs Motherwell (Premiership)
- 22/11 — 2–0 vs Dundee FC (Premiership)1
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 13/09/2025 — Hibernian 3–3 Dundee Utd
- 03/05/2025 — Hibernian 3–1 Dundee Utd
- 27/02/2025 — Dundee Utd 1–3 Hibernian
- 03/11/2024 — Hibernian 1–1 Dundee Utd
- 19/10/2024 — Dundee Utd 3–2 Hibernian
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Dundee United (3-4-3)
Walton; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Graham; Stephenson, Sibbald, Docherty, Ferry; Trapanovski, Moult, Babunski
Hibernian (4-2-3-1)
Bursik; Miller, Ekpiteta, O’Hora, Iredale (replacing Obita); Levitt, Newell; Boyle, Campbell, Youan; Kukharevych
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Impact Bench
Dundee United: Van der Sande (Fresh legs upfront), Holt (Experience)
Hibernian: McKirdy (Chaos factor), Hoilett (Creative spark)
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Tactical Analysis
Dundee United
After the heroic effort against Celtic, United’s energy levels will be the defining factor. They will likely set up in a compact shape, looking to absorb Hibs’ pressure and hit quickly through the pace of Kristijan Trapanovski. Their resilience against the Old Firm (Draw vs Rangers, Win vs Celtic) proves they can dig deep, but doing it twice in 4 days is a huge ask.
Hibernian
David Gray’s side has a clear physical advantage having rested since Tuesday. Without Jordan Obita and Rocky Bushiri (International Duty), their left side and central defense are reshuffled. Hibs will look to Martin Boyle’s speed to stretch a tired United backline. Expect them to play high tempo early on to test United’s legs.
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Key Battles
- Moult vs Ekpiteta — savvy striker vs physical center-back
- Boyle vs Ferry — pace mismatch on the wing
- Sibbald vs Newell — battle for midfield control
- Trapanovski vs Miller — dribbling threat vs attacking fullback
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Spotlight Players
Dundee United — Louis Moult
The veteran striker is a menace in the box. If United are fatigued, they will rely on his hold-up play and ability to win cheap fouls to get them up the pitch.
Hibernian — Martin Boyle
The Australian international remains Hibs’ most dangerous outlet. With United’s wing-backs likely exhausted from the Celtic game, Boyle could have a field day finding space behind the defense.
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Prediction
Dundee United 2–2 Hibernian
This fixture guarantees goals. Dundee United are buzzing but tired; Hibs are fresher but inconsistent defensively without key defenders like Bushiri and Obita. Expect a chaotic, entertaining draw where United’s spirit cancels out Hibs’ fitness advantage.
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Betting Insights
- Over 2.5 Goals — Very Likely (Avg 3.8 goals in last 5 H2H)
- Both Teams to Score — YES
- Double Chance — Hibernian or Draw (Due to fatigue factor)
Dundee United vs Hibernian — Where to Watch
- UK: Sky Sports Football (Likely selection) or PPV via DUTV
- International: Hibs TV / Dundee Utd TV
Dundee United vs Hibernian — FAQs
Q: When is the Dundee Utd vs Hibernian match?
A: The match is expected to kickoff on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at 15:00 GMT.
Q: Why are players like Bushiri and Obita missing?
A: They have been called up for International Duty (likely early preparations for AFCON or rescheduled qualifiers).
Q: Did Dundee United really beat Celtic?
A: Yes! They secured a massive 2–1 victory on Thursday, 18 December 2025.
Q: Is the match on TV?
A: Coverage is typically available via club PPV channels or Sky Sports if selected.
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