Dundee v Hibernian: Statistical Preview

Introduction

After a 2-0 victory in the Dundee derby last week, Steven Pressley’s side host Hibernian on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors are playing their first Premiership game since August 9th, when they recorded a 2-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox.

Ahead of Sunday’s clash, the experts at Andy’s Bet Club have looked at how both sides have fared this campaign.

Andy’s Bet Club also publishes free football tips each week, all backed with expert insight and research.

Match Preview

Last week’s derby win leaves Dundee level on points with top-of-the-table Celtic.

That result means Steven Pressley’s side have only lost one of their three league games this season, that being an opening weekend 1-0 loss away at Celtic Park.

Hibs are playing their first league game since August 9th given their European commitments.

Their 2-1 win at Ibrox would have filled David Gray’s side with confidence; however, they failed to qualify for the Europa Conference League after a 3-2 loss to Gent at Easter Road on Thursday.

Two goals in the final ten minutes for the Belgian side were enough to finish Hibs’ hopes of playing European football this season.

Dundee Form Guide

Drey Wright and Owen Bevan’s goals were enough to give Dundee the bragging rights in last week’s derby.

United may have edged it in terms of xG and shots, having 2.25 xG to Dundee’s 1.96 and having 23 shots to Dundee’s ten, but it was Steven Pressley’s side who were the more clinical.

Right-back Drey Wright was particularly solid during Sunday’s derby.

Not only scoring a stunner worth only 0.04 xG, but winning 100% of his tackles (2), four of his five ground duels, and 100% of his aerial duels (2).

He also made two interceptions and five clearances in a defensive masterclass from Pressley’s side.

Hibernian Form Guide

Hibernian’s last match ended their European hopes after a 3-2 home loss to Gent in Europa Conference League qualifying.

This was part of a run that also featured a goalless draw in Gent, wins over Shkendija, Partick Thistle and Rangers alongside an earlier draw with Shkendija and an opening day home loss to Motherwell.

Hibs shipped two goals in the final ten minutes of Thursday’s loss to Gent, and were equal to their Belgian counterparts in terms of xG, narrowly losing the battle 1.34 to Gent’s 1.36.

Miguel Chawa’s own goal was the difference maker in injury time, further compounded by his sending off two minutes later.

Hibernian’s PPDA (passes per defensive action) of 21.6 in the match was close to Gent’s own figure of 22.4, meaning both sides sat deep, not wanting to make a crucial error to impact the tie.

Tactical Insight

Both these sides’ recent matches turned partly on the same area of the pitch.

Dundee’s second goal at Dundee United came from a corner, and so did the goal that put Gent back level against Hibernian, headed in by Christian Burgess.

Ryan Astley’s habit of winning duels, 10 from 14 in that derby win, and Dundee’s willingness to defend deep at a PPDA of 18.3 suggest a side built to soak up pressure rather than dominate the ball.

For Hibs, Jason Kerr’s headed goal showed a threat from centre-back positions at set pieces, even as defending a corner cost his side the equaliser.

Josh Mulligan and Adam Mayor, Hibernian’s main creative outlets in that match with 0.08 and 0.16 xA respectively, will be central to breaking down a Dundee side sitting in a low block.

Conclusion

Recent outings point to a Dundee side capable of doing enough while conceding the run of play.

The set-piece will be crucial, and Dundee will look to capitalise on the fact Hibs have not played a Scottish Premiership fixture for over three weeks.

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