All eyes on Tannadice this weekend: Match preview Dundee United v Dundee
Dundee United host rivals Dundee at 17:45 at Tannadice tomorrow. Due to five Scottish clubs taking part in European play-offs elsewhere, the Dundee Derby is the only Premiership fixture this weekend. The hosts come into this match without a league win so far. However, the fixture list hasn’t been kind to them with Rangers and Hearts as their opening two. On top of that, their last match was a 4-0 loss to Celtic in the League Cup, meaning Jim Goodwin’s side have lost their last two matches 4-0. As for Dundee, they currently sit fifth in the table after an opening day defeat at Celtic Park before a fantastic 2-0 win over Aberdeen at Dens Park in matchday 2. They too were knocked out the League Cup last week as Aberdeen got their revenge, winning 3-0 at Pittodrie. Their front-line could be bolstered with Bobby Wales arriving on loan from Swansea City yesterday. The last time these two sides met, Dundee United ran out 3-0 winners at Tannadice in April, thanks to a brace from Will Ferry. United were able to get the better of their rivals last season with two wins and a draw across their four meetings. Of course, the draw was a dramatic one where Dundee scored two stoppage time goals to rescue a point at Dens Park. With Dundee’s move to Camperdown looming, this could be one of the final times they walk to Tannadice from their home of Dens Park. Tomorrow’s match is sold out and live on Premier Sports for any fans looking to catch the only Premiership fixture this weekend.
Match Preview: Arsenal vs Coventry City
Premier League football returns this weekend as Arsenal kick-off their title defence at home against last season’s Championship winners Coventry City. Both clubs made history last season. Mikel Arteta’s men ended a 22-year wait for a Premier League trophy, while Coventry City, on Friday night in North London, will play in their first Premier League match since the 2000-01 season. Frank Lampard’s side will be hoping to do much better than that Coventry side of 25 years ago, who got relegated following a 0-0 draw against Bradford City. The last meeting between these two sides came back in January 2014 in the FA Cup. Podolski bagged a brace, Giroud netted and Cazorla scored late on as Arsenal won 4-0. Both clubs have been active in the transfer market. The Gunners, ahead of their title defence, have brought in Hincapié, who played a crucial role in bringing the Premier League trophy to North London, Meslier, who has Premier League experience, Tzolis, who registered 51 goal contributions for Club Brugge during last season and Guimarães, who was a consistent performer during his five year spell at Newcastle United. Coventry City have also been busy, as they look to build on their success from last season. The Sky Blues have brought in striker Cherif, who played for Fenerbahçe last season, striker Awoniyi, who has four years of Premier League experience, Hamer, who was a fan favourite during his time in Coventry. Other additions include midfielder Yirenkyi, who represented Ghana at the 2026 World Cup, Rushworth, who made his deal permanent after a fantastic loan spell last season, defender Amenda, who joined from Frankfurt, winger Tchaouna, who played 29 Premier League games for Burnley last season, scoring two and providing one assist, and last but not least Onyeka, who also made his move permanent this summer. Arsenal failed to win any of their three pre-season matches in 90 minutes, however, did manage to beat last season’s FA Cup winners Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield. Coventry City on the other hand enjoyed a successful pre-season, against tough opposition. Following their 0-0 draw against Northampton Town, The Sky Blues beat Espanyol 3-1, who finished mid table in La Liga last season, and Monaco 2-0, who finished 7th in Ligue 1.
Hearts 2-2 Rapid Vienna: Wilson wondergoal gives Jambos hope after late European blow
James Wilson produced a moment of magic as Hearts fought back from behind twice, but Rapid Vienna’s late equaliser leaves the Conference League play-off perfectly poised. Hearts will travel to Vienna with everything still to play for after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Rapid Vienna at Tynecastle. The visitors struck first in the 30th minute when Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao rose highest from a corner to head Rapid into the lead. Hearts had chances to respond before the break but found themselves behind at half-time, leaving Wouter Vrancken’s side needing a stronger second-half showing. And they delivered. The Jambos came flying out after the interval and were rewarded in the 55th minute when Josh McPake’s delivery was turned into his own net by Raux-Yao. The momentum had shifted and Hearts sensed an opportunity to take control. Vrancken then made a decisive change, bringing James Wilson off the bench in the 56th minute. Just six minutes later, the teenager produced a moment that will live long in the memory. Wilson collected the ball outside the box before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner from around 30 yards. Tynecastle erupted as Hearts completed the turnaround and suddenly found themselves 2-1 ahead. Rapid, however, refused to go away. The Austrian side increased the pressure as the game entered its final stages and eventually found an equaliser in the 79th minute. Nikolaus Wurmbrand finished from a difficult angle after Rapid won a corner, restoring parity and denying Hearts what would have been a memorable comeback victory. There was still time for both sides to search for a winner, but neither could find the breakthrough. The final whistle confirmed a 2-2 draw and leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Vienna. For Hearts, there is plenty to take from the performance. They showed character to recover from going behind, Wilson’s spectacular goal provided another glimpse of his huge potential, and the Jambos proved they can compete with a strong Rapid side. But the late equaliser will undoubtedly leave Vrancken frustrated after his team had fought so hard to turn the game around. The prize is now clear. One more big performance in Vienna could send Hearts into the Conference League group stage. Hearts 2-2 Rapid Vienna ⚽ Rapid: Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao (30′), Nikolaus Wurmbrand (79′) ⚽ Hearts: Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao OG (55′), James Wilson (62′) Second leg: Rapid Vienna v Hearts — Thursday, August 27
Gent 0-0 Hibernian: Hibs hold firm in Belgium to set up huge Easter Road second leg
Hibernian produced a disciplined defensive performance in Belgium to hold Gent to a goalless draw and give themselves a major opportunity in the second leg at Easter Road. Hibernian have given themselves an excellent chance of reaching the Conference League group stage after holding Gent to a 0-0 draw in Belgium. David Gray’s side survived an early spell of pressure before growing into the game and ultimately leaving the Planet Group Arena with a result that could prove hugely valuable. The biggest opportunity of the night fell to Hibs in the 15th minute. Owen Elding stepped up from the penalty spot with the chance to give the visitors the lead, but his effort was saved low to the goalkeeper’s left. It was a huge opportunity missed, but Hibs did not allow the disappointment to affect their performance. Gent continued to look dangerous, with Hibernian having to remain organised and disciplined without the ball. Raphael Sallinger played an important role behind the Hibs defence, while the visitors worked hard to limit Gent’s opportunities. The first half ended goalless and Hibs could take encouragement from the fact they had weathered the hosts’ early pressure. Gray turned to his bench in the second half, introducing Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath as Hibs looked to add more attacking threat. The game became increasingly tense as both sides searched for an opening, but neither could find the decisive touch. Hibs defended their penalty area impressively during the closing stages, with Gent unable to find a way through. Gray’s players also showed considerable discipline, despite picking up a number of bookings late in the game. The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw — a result which leaves the tie perfectly poised heading back to Edinburgh. There will undoubtedly be some frustration at the missed penalty, particularly given the opportunity it represented, but Hibs will be delighted with the overall outcome. They now return to Easter Road knowing that victory will send them into the next stage of the competition. After a long European journey, Hibernian are just 90 minutes away from potentially securing a place in the Conference League group stage. And with home advantage behind them, Gray will believe his side have every chance of finishing the job. Gent 0-0 Hibernian ❌ Owen Elding missed penalty (15′) Second leg: Hibernian v Gent — Thursday, August 27
Motherwell 1-3 Freiburg: Well suffer second-half collapse after stunning start against Bundesliga opposition
Motherwell’s European adventure suffered a blow at Fir Park as Freiburg came from behind to claim a 3-1 victory in the first leg of their Conference League play-off. Motherwell will have it all to do in Germany next week after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Freiburg at Fir Park. Alfred Johansson’s side made the perfect start when Regan Charles-Cook fired Motherwell ahead inside just two minutes, sending the home support into raptures. The Steelmen were fearless in the opening stages and looked capable of causing a major upset against a Freiburg side preparing for another European campaign. Charles-Cook’s opener came after Emmanuel Longelo created the opportunity, with the forward keeping his composure to fire into the bottom corner. Freiburg gradually began to settle, however, and started to exert greater pressure on the Motherwell defence. Alex Paulsen was called into action on several occasions, while Derry Scherhant struck the post with a free-kick as the visitors began to find openings. Motherwell’s resistance was eventually broken in the 28th minute. Matthias Ginter rose highest from a Freiburg set piece to head past Paulsen, with the goal eventually confirmed following a VAR review. The equaliser changed the momentum of the game, but Motherwell went into the interval level at 1-1 and still had every reason to believe they could take something from the tie. The decisive moment came just after the hour mark. Martin Moormann was initially shown a yellow card after a challenge inside the Motherwell box, but following a VAR review the decision was upgraded to a straight red. Freiburg were awarded a penalty and Ginter stepped up to send Paulsen the wrong way, completing his second goal of the evening and putting the German side 2-1 ahead. Motherwell were now facing the difficult task of taking on Bundesliga opposition with ten men. Despite being reduced to ten, Johansson’s side continued to battle and had opportunities to make life uncomfortable for Freiburg. Seb Palmer-Houlden went close with a header late on, while Paulsen continued to keep the visitors from extending their advantage. Motherwell’s effort deserved credit, but Freiburg’s quality eventually told in stoppage time. Keisuke Goto rose to head home Vincenzo Grifo’s corner in the sixth minute of added time, putting the visitors 3-1 ahead and leaving Motherwell facing a huge challenge in the return leg. It was a harsh ending for a Motherwell side who had competed bravely for long periods, but the red card and penalty ultimately swung the tie firmly in Freiburg’s favour. Johansson’s team will now travel to Germany next Thursday knowing they need something special to overturn the two-goal deficit. Motherwell 1-3 Freiburg ⚽ Motherwell: Regan Charles-Cook (2′) ⚽ Freiburg: Matthias Ginter (28′, 65′ pen), Keisuke Goto (90+6′) 🟥 Motherwell: Martin Moormann (65′) Second leg: Freiburg v Motherwell — Thursday, August 27
Rangers 1-0 Jablonec: Naderi gives Gers slender advantage as McInnes admits there is still work to do
Ryan Naderi’s second-half strike handed Rangers a narrow first-leg advantage over Jablonec, but Derek McInnes’ side were forced to defend their lead with ten men after Cammy Devlin’s red card. Rangers take a slender advantage to the Czech Republic after beating Jablonec 1-0 at Ibrox in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off. Ryan Naderi scored the only goal of the night shortly after half-time, but the victory was far from comfortable for Derek McInnes’ side, who were forced to play the final stages with ten men following Cammy Devlin’s dismissal. The result gives Rangers something to take into next week’s return leg, but McInnes was quick to acknowledge that his side remain a work in progress. After Sunday’s emphatic 5-1 victory over St Mirren, there was a noticeable drop in performance during a first half which ended with the Ibrox crowd voicing their frustration. Jablonec looked organised and were able to frustrate Rangers’ attempts to build momentum, with the visitors creating the first meaningful opportunity of the evening when Polidar tested Ivor Pandur inside the opening five minutes. Rangers gradually began to find their feet, with Djeidi Gassama seeing an effort saved before Vanja Dragojevic went close from distance. Dragojevic then came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute when his effort struck the post, as Rangers struggled to turn possession into clear-cut chances. Naderi also had an opportunity before the interval after a cut-back from Thelo Aasgaard found him in a dangerous position, but the striker couldn’t make the necessary connection. The home side needed a response after the break — and they got it just five minutes into the second half. Dan Neil delivered the ball towards the back post, where Daisuke Yokota headed it back across goal. Naderi was in the right place at the right time, smashing the ball into the roof of the net from close range to give Rangers a 1-0 lead. The goal immediately lifted the atmosphere inside Ibrox and Rangers had an excellent opportunity to double their advantage shortly afterwards. Naderi turned provider for Gassama, but with the forward presented with a golden opportunity from close range, he somehow lifted his effort over the crossbar. That miss would prove increasingly significant as the game entered its final stages. McInnes introduced Cammy Devlin from the bench, but the midfielder’s evening lasted just five minutes. Devlin was shown a straight red card after a high challenge on Jablonec’s Jiri Slama. The decision was reviewed and ultimately upheld, leaving Rangers with ten men for the closing stages. McInnes later admitted there was no argument with the dismissal, although he felt the incident looked worse than the actual intent behind the challenge. Rangers were forced to manage the game rather than push for a second, with Jablonec unable to make their numerical advantage count. The Czech side will know they remain very much alive in the tie, but Rangers have at least secured a lead to take into the second leg. For McInnes, the clean sheet and victory represent another small step in a rebuilding process that is still very much underway. The Rangers boss admitted there is “still loads of work to do”, while stressing the importance of building confidence through winning matches. He also highlighted the need for greater composure, communication and responsibility from his players as they continue to adapt to his methods. The 4-3-3 system has now produced consecutive victories, following Sunday’s win over St Mirren, although McInnes has previously suggested that he would prefer to play with two strikers. For now, though, Rangers have another victory, another clean sheet and a lead to defend. The real test comes next Thursday. Rangers travel to Jablonec for the second leg knowing that a draw will be enough to secure their place in the Conference League group stage — but based on Thursday night’s performance, McInnes knows his side will have to improve if they are to finish the job. Rangers 1-0 Jablonec ⚽ Rangers: Ryan Naderi (50′) 🟥 Rangers: Cammy Devlin (74′) Next up: Jablonec vs Rangers — Thursday, August 27