Dundee United vs Cowdenbeath Predictions

The new campaign has started much as the old one ended for Dundee United. Their last competitive game of the 18/19 season finished in a penalty-shootout defeat, while their first competitive game of the 19/20 season also ended with the Tangerines losing on penalties. Fortunately, they bounced back by beating Stenhousemuir last time out, while a home match against Cowdenbeath presents the hosts will a good opportunity to pick up another three points.

First time out in this competition, Dundee United weren’t great, though given that they came up against top-tier opponents, they didn’t do too badly. Going forward, they offered a reasonable amount, posting 1.02 expected goals for, which again, considering that they faced Premiership opponents isn’t terrible. They also ended the game with a reasonably respectable expected goal difference of -0.77.

Last time out, United were able to exercise more control, as they got the better of League Two’s Stenhousemuir by two goals to one. Having already seen off League-Two opponents in this competition, the Tangerines will fancy themselves to get the better of Cowdenbeath, who were beaten by Hearts last time out.

Cowdenbeath did make a pleasing start to their League Cup campaign when beating East Fife first time out, though they came unstuck against better opposition last time out. Given that Dundee United held Hearts to a drew first time out, it’s easy to see Friday’s visitors floundering at Tannadice Park after they were no match for a Hearts side that strolled to victory at Central Park recently.

In the betting, ‘Dundee United to Score Over 2.5 Goals’ catches the eye. The hosts are yet to seriously hit their stride in this competition, but they warmed up nicely with two goals on the road last time out, while they’ve got a good record of hurting Cowdenbeath at this venue in recent years, winning 4-1 in 2017 and 6-1 in 2016. Add in the fact that the visitors have a poor defensive record on the road in this competition, especially when facing higher-level teams, conceding at least four in each of their last four away against such opponents, and backing the hosts to thrive in front of goals appeals.