Dundee vs Hibernian: football previews & free football betting tips, 3rd August 2025.
Dundee vs Hibernian Match Preview – August 3, 2025
The 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season kicks off with an eagerly anticipated clash between Dundee and Hibernian at Dens Park, scheduled for 15:00 BST. This opening day fixture pits Dundee against a Hibernian team looking to rebound from European disappointment. Both clubs have made moves in the transfer market and carry historical baggage into this encounter.
Team News
Dundee, under new manager Steven Pressley, approaches the match with a relatively healthy squad. Striker Simon Murray is doubtful with a knee injury, while Charlie Reilly remains sidelined with a broken collarbone. The expected 4-2-3-1 formation could see Jon McCracken in goal, with a defense of Jordan McGhee, Ryan Astley, Joe Shaughnessy, and Owen Dodgson. Midfield might feature Lyall Cameron and Mo Sylla, with Finlay Robertson, Scott Tiffoney, and Zach Robinson supporting Curtis Main, the summer signing from Aberdeen, who is set to lead the attack.
Hibernian, managed by David Gray, faces several injury concerns. Nicky Cadden is a late fitness test after a tight hamstring from their Europa League defeat to Midtjylland, while Lewis Miller is absent with an ankle injury and subject to transfer interest from Blackburn. Captain Joe Newell is still recovering from a groin issue. The likely 4-4-2 setup includes Raphael Ballinger in goal, with Josh Mulligan, Marvin Ekpiteta, Rocky Bushiri, and Jordan Obita in defense. Midfield could feature Jamie McGrath and Nectarios Triantis, with Martin Boyle and Mykola Kukharevych up top, supported by Thibault Klidje, the record-breaking summer signing.
Summer 2025 Transfer Activity
Dundee have bolstered their squad to solidify their Premiership status. Key arrivals include striker Curtis Main from Aberdeen on a two-year deal and midfielder Mo Sylla on loan from Brighton. Defensively, Owen Dodgson joined on loan from Burnley, and Ryan Astley arrived permanently from Everton. The departure of Lee Ashcroft and Shaun Byrne on free transfers has prompted these moves, with Pressley aiming to blend experience with youth.
Hibernian have made significant investments in the team, and are hoping to recover from a midweek European exit. Goalkeeper Raphael Ballinger joined from TSV Hartberg, while Josh Mulligan and Jamie McGrath signed pre-contracts from Dundee and Aberdeen respectively. The standout move was breaking their transfer record to sign Togolese striker Thibault Klidje from Luzern, though they sold Dylan Vente back to Heerenveen. Retentions of Martin Boyle and Rocky Bushiri add stability, but integrating new faces could be key.
Head-to-Head Record
The Dundee vs Hibernian rivalry has seen 43 meetings, with Hibernian holding a strong edge, winning 21 to Dundee’s 10, and 12 draws. The most recent league encounter in 2019 ended 1-1, while their 2024 League Cup clash saw Falkirk triumph 2-0 (note: this may reflect a data mismatch; historical context suggests closer contests). The head-to-head goal average is 3.00 per match, with 17 of 35 games exceeding 2.5 goals, pointing to potential for an open game.
Key Statistics
Dundee finished last season 10th in the Premiership, narrowly avoiding the playoffs with a late surge, including wins over Bonnyrigg Rose (3-1) and Montrose (5-0) in the League Cup. They scored 54 goals and conceded 48, with a home record of 5 wins in 19 games. Pre-season form has been mixed, with one win, three draws, and one loss.
Hibernian ended last season third, securing 58 points from 38 games, but their form dipped late, winning just one of five fixtures. They scored 67 goals but conceded 54, with an away record of 6 wins in 19. Their European exit to Midtjylland (one win, one draw) and pre-season struggles (two losses in two) suggest issues and inconsistency.
Result Prediction
This match pits Dundee’s home advantage against Hibernian’s superior squad quality, despite their European hangover. Dundee’s back-to-back League Cup wins and familiarity with Dens Park give them a chance, while Hibernian’s injury woes and midweek exertions could hinder them.
Hibernian are rightly favourites as they have a better team, on paper anyway, but I expect a tight game. Dundee could even to edge it through Main or Robinson. The prediction is a 1-0 victory for Dundee, capitalising on home support and Hibernian’s defensive lapses.
Betting Tip
Dundee are 2/1 in the draw no bet market which makes appeal.