Livingston 1-3 Dundee United: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Zachary Sapsford fired Dundee United ahead, shifting the momentum after a fairly even start. Livingston tried to respond with a flurry of substitutions around the hour mark, like Connor McLennan coming on for Lewis Smith at 60 minutes and Robbie Muirhead replacing Jeremy Bokila shortly after at 64 minutes, but yellow cards for players including Danny Finlayson just before half-time and Mahamadou Susoho later at 84 minutes disrupted their push.

Late drama defined the finish, with Ryan McGowan’s own goal in the 86th minute doubling United’s lead, followed by Amar Fatah’s strike at 90 minutes to make it three. Livingston grabbed a consolation through Connor McLennan at 90+1’, assisted by Cristian Montano, but it was too little too late after United’s substitutions, such as Amar Fatah for Zachary Sapsford at 75 minutes, helped them see out the win.

Livingston lined up in a 4-3-3 shape, looking to build from the back with partnerships like Scott Pittman in midfield before he was replaced by Joshua Brenet at 70 minutes. Up front, Stevie May started but made way for Tete Yengi at 59 minutes, while Connor McLennan came on as a substitute at 60 minutes and grabbed their only goal late on. The setup aimed for balance, but yellow cards for the likes of Danny Finlayson and Macaulay Tait highlighted some defensive strain.

Dundee United set out in a 3-4-3 formation, allowing width through players like Kristijan Trapanovski before Ivan Dolcek replaced him at 82 minutes, and it helped them exploit the flanks effectively. Zachary Sapsford started on the scoresheet with his 33rd-minute goal before being subbed off for Amar Fatah at 75 minutes, who then netted himself late on. Ryan McGowan was involved in the second goal at 86 minutes, fitting into a solid backline that kept things tight.

Coral’s Man of the Match goes to Zachary Sapsford, who really shone for Dundee United with his goal in the 33rd minute setting the tone. He didn’t notch any assists or create big chances, but his two key passes kept the attacks flowing and showed why he stood out before coming off as a starter in the 75th minute. It was a performance full of energy that helped United control key spells.

Recent Premiership matches:

• Loss: 1-3 vs Dundee United (H)
• Loss: 2-4 vs Celtic (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs St. Mirren (A)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Dundee (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Motherwell (A)

Recent Premiership matches:

• Win: 3-1 vs Livingston (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Aberdeen (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Hibernian (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Celtic (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Motherwell (H)

Livingston have just lost 1-3 at home to Dundee United, adding to a rough patch with recent league results including defeats to Celtic, St. Mirren and Motherwell, plus a draw against Dundee, leaving them 12th on nine points and in real danger at the bottom. Their next match is against Hearts on 3 January 2026 at 15:00, with the opposition top of the table on 41 points, so it’ll be a tough ask to turn things around and start climbing away from relegation trouble.

Dundee United have just won 3-1 away at Livingston, boosting their momentum after a run of recent league results featuring a victory over Celtic, draws with Aberdeen, Hibernian and Motherwell, putting them sixth on 25 points and in the mix for a strong mid-table finish. They face Dundee next on 3 January 2026 at 15:00, with the opponents ninth on 19 points, offering a chance to keep the positive streak going and maybe push for European spots if they can grab another derby win.

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