Falkirk v Dundee United: Match Preview, Odds, Lineups, Prediction

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Falkirk vs Dundee Utd on matchday 1 of the Premiership. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 14:00 BST match.

• Fixture: Falkirk vs Dundee Utd

• Date: Sunday, 03 August 2025

• Kick-off: 14:00 BST

• Venue: Falkirk Stadium

Given the recent form of both teams, this match is likely to be a closely contested one. Falkirk's recent performances suggest a team that is capable of both scoring and conceding goals, which could lead to an open and entertaining game. This will be the home team’s first SPL game since the 2009/10 season. 

Dundee United have enjoyed mixed results in pre-season. The key for United in this game will be to capitalise on any defensive lapses from the home team, while Falkirk will need to maintain their attacking momentum to secure a win.

The tactical battle between the two sides will be crucial. Falkirk's approach might be to exploit their attacking prowess, aiming to outscore their opponents. The visitors, however, could focus on a more disciplined defensive strategy, looking to counter-attack effectively. This matchup promises to be a tactical chess game, with both teams having the potential to emerge victorious.

Match Prediction: Falkirk 2-1 Dundee Utd

Falkirk's recent form has been good, with three wins and a draw recorded in the League Cup group stages.  Their ability to score goals in recent matches could be a significant factor in this encounter. 

However, they have shown that they are not completely watertight in defence in recent outings. Falkirk's attacking style could be their best chance of overcoming the visitors. 

Recent Premiership Results:

• (D) 0-0 away at Kilmarnock (08 May 25)

• (D) 0-0 at home against St. Johnstone (05 May 25)

• (D) 1-1 at home against St. Mirren (01 May 25)

• (L) 0-1 at home to Hamilton Academicals (24 Apr 25)

• (L) 0-1 away at Aberdeen (17 Apr 25)

Dundee Utd’s defensive organisation could be key to them picking up a result against Falkirk. United will need to maintain this defensive solidity while looking for opportunities to exploit their opponents' defensive weaknesses. 

Recent Premiership Results:

• (W) 2-1 at home against Aberdeen (17 May 25)

• (L) 3-1 at away Hearts (14 May 25)

• (L) 0-2 at home against St. Mirren (10 May 25)

• (L) 1-3 at Hibernian (03 May 25)

• (L) 0-5 at home against Celtic (26 Apr 25)

Historically, this has been a closely fought contest, with both teams claiming two wins apiece in the last five meetings, and one game ending in a draw. However, Falkirk have won the last two meetings between the two teams, scoring at least two goals in each game. 

Recent meetings 

• Falkirk 2-0 Dundee Utd (13 Jul 2024)

• Falkirk 4-2 Dundee Utd (17 Nov 2023)

• Falkirk 0-1 Dundee Utd (25 Jul 2023)

• Dundee Utd 2-0 Falkirk (27 Apr 2019)

• Falkirk 1-1 Dundee Utd (23 Feb 2019)

• No injuries have been reported ahead of this encounter. 

• Ross Graham (Hamstring injury) - Out

• 4-3-3: Sneddon; Adams, Henderson, Cartwright, Mackie; Spencer, Neilson, Tait; McIver, Ross, Graham

Falkirk's predicted line-up suggests a focus on maintaining their attacking threat while addressing their defensive vulnerabilities. The inclusion of key players in the lineup could help them balance their offensive and defensive strategies effectively.

• 4-5-1: Kucherenko; Strain, Esselink, Iovu, Ferry; Sevelj, Trapanovski, Babunski, Keresztes, Dolcek; Sapsford

Dundee Utd's predicted line-up indicates a strategy centred around defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. The selection of players known for their defensive discipline could be crucial in neutralising Falkirk's attacking prowess.

• Brian Graham (Falkirk) vs Bert Esselink (Dundee Utd): This duel could be pivotal, with Graham's attacking threat against Esselink’s defensive solidity.

• Dylan Tait (Falkirk) vs Vicko Sevelj (Dundee United): The battle between the two centre midfielders could be crucial in determining the flow of the game.

• Ross McIver (Falkirk): Known for his goal-scoring prowess, McIver could be the key to unlocking Dundee Utd's defence.

• Bert Esselink (Dundee Utd): Esselink’s defensive performance will be essential in keeping Falkirk's attackers at bay.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.