Dundee sign exciting youngster
Dundee Football Club have completed the signing of 21-year-old forward Joe Bevan, who joins The Dark Blues on a two-and-a-half-year deal from English top flight outfit Burnley. The transfer is subject to international clearance. Joe, who will wear the number 27, has previous experience playing in Scotland. The exciting prospect started his career with Kilsyth Athletic and Camelon Juniors, before going on to sign for Albion Rovers, where he spent two seasons. Following his time in Scotland, Joe joined English side Burnley after a successful trial in January 2024, one year later, the Scotsman remained in England, signing for Carlisle United on loan, where he made 14 appearances. Joe has spent the first half of the 2025/26 campaign playing for the Burnley U21s, where he made 11 appearances and scored 4 goals. Steven Pressley on the signing: “There was a lot of interest in Joe, we had to move quickly to secure him. He’s a player with real high potential, and we feel he has a big future ahead of him. We’re very pleased to have him join the squad, and to work on his development.”
Dundee United vs Dundee Match Preview
The Dundee Derby returns this weekend as Jim Goodwin’s inform Dundee United side take on Steven Pressley’s Dundee side who come into this fixture off the back of back-to-back league wins at Dens Park. The last meeting between these sides came in late August this year at Dens Park, where United won 2-0. Summer signings Sapsford and Dolcek scored the goals to give the visitors all 3 points. Results have been very even in the past 7 meetings, 3 have ended in a draw, Dundee have won 2 and so have Dundee United. Dundee United come into the fixture off the back of a 3-1 win away against bottom of the league Livingston, which now means that they are currently on a run of 5 games unbeaten, 3 draws and 2 wins, which started with a 0-0 draw against high-flying Motherwell, then a 2-1 win against the champions Celtic, a 1-1 draw against David Gray’s Hibernian, a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and that 3-1 win in Livingston in their last outing. As a result, The Tangerines now sit in 6th place, above Aberdeen in 7th on goal difference, who lost 2-0 at Easter Road in their last outing, and 1 points above Falkirk in 8th, who lost 1-0 at Dens Park in their last match, albeit having played a game more than both. Dundee come into this fixture off the back of back-to-back league wins for the first time under Steven Pressley and for the first time since March 2024, where they beat Aberdeen at Dens Park then went on to beat St Johnstone in Perth. The Dees now sit in 9th position, 1 point ahead of St Mirren in 10th, albeit having played 2 games more, and 6 points ahead of Kilmarnock in 11th. Should Dundee beat Dundee United this weekend, they would move only 3 points behind their city rivals. However, it will be far from easy based on their away form. The Dark Blues have only picked up 3 points on the road this campaign, 3 draws and 7 losses, which is the worst record of any team thus far. Both sides have only kept 3 clean sheets in 20 matches in the league so far, only Livingston have less with 1 in 19. In terms of goals scored in the league, Dundee United have found the net on 28 occasions, whilst Dundee have only found the net 18 times. Only St Mirren, who have scored 16, have scored fewer thus far. Jim Goodwin on Dundee United’s display against Livingston: “I’m delighted with the overall performance. “The result was the most important thing, but from start to finish we were pretty seamless. “Going in at half-time with just a one-goal advantage was disappointing given the dominance we had in the opening period. “This was the first time we’ve started really quickly and kept that performance going for 90 minutes. “That’s the bar that we have to set now. We have to follow that performance up with another really important performance on Saturday. “We know what Saturday means to the supporters.” Steven Pressley’s on Dundee’s win against Kilmarnock: “We played so well in the first half and went in 1-0 down. I said to them in the dressing room ‘there can be no hard luck stories tonight, we need to make sure we get what we deserve from the game’. They reacted brilliantly. “There’s been so much growth in them recently. We had a really good result against Falkirk and coming into this game, I stressed we hadn’t recorded back-to-back victories in 20 months. “We’re nowhere near where we need to be. We’re progressing, showing some positive signs, but football can change so quickly. But tonight was a really significant for us, a monkey off the back with the 20 months, and the players can take a great deal of confidence.”
Rangers sign off 2025 with narrow 2-1 win over St Mirren
Rangers finish the calendar year of strongly with a first win over St Mirren in over a year and leave themselves inside touching distance between league leaders Hearts and rivals Celtic. Rangers started strong, showing intensity and energy all over the pitch, and their hard work paid off as Jayden Meghoma and James Tavernier played a sharp move giving Meghoma space to perform a terrific cross which found Thelo Aasgaard and allowed him to head home. Mikey Moore almost doubled the lead before half-time, but Shamal George was alert enough to tip it onto the crossbar. Just after the interval, the League Cup winners almost equalised, a slip from John Souttar put Jack Butland right into action with Mikael Mandron’s effort being denied. Moments later, an inviting cross from Youssef Chermiti found Emmanuel Fernandez lurking at the back post to put it through George’s legs and into the back of the net. A comfortable evening for Danny Rohl’s side evaporated quickly, a VAR call for handball against Emmanuel Fernandez saw referee Ryan Lee point to the spot, but Marcus Fraser’s dull spot-kick was saved easily by Butland. But this wasn’t the end for the visitors, in the 82nd minute, the Buddies scored after Butland parried Miguel Freckleton’s effort into the path of Mandron. The late goal brought St Mirren right back into the match, but it was too little too late. And with many chances not taken, Steven Robinson’s side will disappointed not to take more away from Ibrox on this occasion, but going into the 2026 calendar year with a League Cup in the trophy cabinet I don’t think too many fans will be too ruthless about this one. For Danny Rohl, his biggest test awaits, as he visits CelticPark in a match that means so much in this crazy title race. Rohl, said: “Our belief is there. When we look at the moment, except from the 2-1 defeat, we took a lot of points. We had some great performances; we had also some performances where not everything was good. Now we go with confidence. It’s a huge game, but we are prepared for this. I think this is what we want to see. “In this game it’s important that we are strong. I think it’s important that refs are strong in this game as well. If we do this, we will have a fantastic game.” As the season enters a vital stage, Rohl will know that margin for error is small, but with recent results going in the right direction progress in this title race remains alive. Rangers: Butland 8, Tavernier 6, Souttar 6 (Nsiala 79, 3) Fernandez 7, Meghoma 6, Raskin 7, Diomande 7 (Curtis 91, 1) Aasgaard 7 (Barron 68, 4), Moore 7 (Aarons 68, 3) Gassama 6, Chermiti 7 (Danilo 79, 2) St Mirren: George 4, Richardson 5, King 5, Fraser 4, Freckleton 6, John 5, Gogic 5, Phillips 5 (Donnelly 87, 1) Idowu 3 (McMenamin 57, 5) Mandron 7 (Mooney 87, 1) Ayunga 3 (Nlundulu 37, 4).
Arsenal vs Aston Villa Match Preview
Arsenal will look to get revenge on Aston Villa when they come to the Emirates on Tuesday night. The last time these two sides met was early this month, when Aston Villa won 2-1 courtesy of a stoppage time winner from Emiliano Buendia. The last meeting between these sides in North London finished 2-2. Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz scored to put The Gunners 2-0 up, but two quick-fire goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins gave Aston Villa a point. In their last outing Arsenal beat Brighton 2-1 in North London, courtesy of a goal from their skipper Ødegaard and an own goal from Rutter. Brighton did pull a goal back in the 64th minute, but in the end, it was only a consolation. The Gunners remain top after 18 matches, but both Manchester City and Aston Villa are breathing down their necks. Manchester City sit 2 points behind in 2nd and Aston Villa only sit 3 points behind in 3rd. Aston Villa beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in their last outing to extend their impressive winning run to 11. Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the lead on 37 minutes, in a half which they dominated, however, in the second period, Unai Emery’s side turned the game around. Ollie Watkins equalised in the 64th minute and scored again in the 84th minute to give Unai Emery’s side all 3 points. As per @HandofArsenal, a reliable ITK, German forward Kai Havertz has been included in the Arsenal squad to face Aston Villa tonight, a decision will be made soon on his selection for the official match day team sheet. In continuation, English defender Ben White has an ‘outside chance’ of making the squad. Polish defender Matty Cash and French midfielder Boubacar Kamara will be unavailable for selection for Aston Villa as both are suspended. Arsenal have kept the most clean sheets in the league so far this season (9), while Aston Villa rank 9th (5). Arsenal have scored the 2nd most goals so far on 33, 10 behind Manchester City, while Aston Villa sit in 6th on 5. Arsenal have won 13 and drawn 2 of their last 15 matches at the Emirates Stadium. In that time, Mikel Arteta’s side have scored 35 goals and kept 9 clean sheets. Despite that, Aston Villa have been impressive on the road in the league so far. Unai Emery’s side have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their 9 games so far. Mikel Arteta on Aston Villa: “We have a really tough match. We know their level, what they are doing, but it’s a beautiful game as well to prepare and play. “They merit to be there. Look at what they are doing and how consistent they’ve been, and what Unai has done with the club. I think they fully deserve that credit because they are doing it on the pitch where you have to show your level.” Unai Emery on Arsenal: “They signed players last summer to have two players in each position,” he stated. “They are playing and competing fantastic; they have been so, so strong at everything. How they are building the team, each year they are getting stronger and stronger. It is the biggest test we are going to face this season.”
Scott Arfield could be set for the exit door as the Falkirk hero searches for game time
Falkirk midfielder, Scott Arfield may be on the verge of departing his boyhood club as the Falkirk man is in demand of extra playing time Arfield joined the Bairns back in February, helping guide his side back to the Premiership for the first time in 15 years. Scott was certainly a key player in the Championship last season, making 13 appearances where he netting on nine occasions which they went on to clinch the title following a 3-1 victory in a dramatic last game of the season against at the time, already relegated Hamilton which forced Livingston into a play-offs spot. The ex-Burnley man has only started four times in the top flight in the opening 19 games for John McGlynn’s side as the Falkirk star searches for more game time with a move becoming a real possibility. Arfield began his career in 2008 at Falkirk where he became a big player, being a regular starter before making a move down south to Huddersfield in 2010 after the Bairns were demoted to the Championship with a goalless draw with Kilmarnock sealing their fate. The midfielder spent three years with Huddersfield where he then went on to join Burnley. The ex-Huddersfield man has a short trial with the Lancashire side, impressing in a 3-0 victory over Cork City. Scott scored 9 goals within 49 appearances where he soon went on to secure promotion to the English Premier League in 2014. The Falkirk born man scored on his Premier League debut in a fascinating clash with Chelsea. Four years on, Arfield made his return to Scotland, joining Rangers. Arfield made his European debut in 2018 against FK Shkupi before making his league debut against Aberdeen. During his five-year stint in Govan, Arfield made over 200 appearances for the Ibrox outfit, netting 43 goals along the way. Scott Arfield then went to have a short spell in the USA with Charlotte before having one year at Bolton before making his return to Falkirk where Arfield was eager to make up for their relegation 15-years-ago in which they were successful, gaining promotion back to the top flight.
Derek Johnstone calls for greater intensity from Rangers during half time draw
Former Rangers legend Derek Johnstone demonstrated an astonishing rant on the Rangers squad after recent below par performances Rangers have been poor for majority of the campaign so far, sitting nine points behind league leaders Hearts. Danny Rohl, the successor of former boss Russel Martin, seems to be getting results domestically, even with the lacklustre performances on show. And with the match between Motherwell and Rangers being level at half time, Derek Johnstone, who was conducting the half-time draw, took the chance to express his and many other Rangers supporters’ emotions at this current time. Johnstone focused on the team’s lack of leadership and effort. He said: “At this club, you have to give everything. I don’t see that happening today.” He also spoke about the lack of fight for one another out on the pitch. Johnstone, who is deemed as one of Rangers most successful strikers, scoring 210 goals in 544 appearances for the club, left a passionate comment that energized the Ibrox crowd. Johnstone said: “No surrender” in an emotional manner to the Gers fans. Rangers won the match, with the only goal coming from Thelo Aasgaard in the 67th minute.
Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham: Spurs Manage to Win Against Unlucky Palace to End 2025 on a High
Archie Gray scored his first ever goal as Spurs got a win away at Selhurst Park despite struggling for large parts of the game against Crystal Palace. Palace have two wins and three losses in their last five league games and sit ninth in the table after 17 games. Tottenham have just one win along with a draw and three losses in their last five in the league and sit 14th in the table with 22 points. Palace made four changes to the team that lost on penalties to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, Walter Benitez, Chris Richards, Jaydee Canvot and Eddie Nketiah were replaced by Dean Henderson, Nathaniel Clyne, Will Hughes and Justin Devenny. Spurs made two changes from the team that lost at home against Liverpool, Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons who were both sent off in that game were replaced by Kevin Danso and Richarlison. The first real incident happened just five minutes in as Jean-Philippe Mateta played through the on-running Devenny who was tripped blatantly by Danso, the Spurs defender was booked and after a VAR review the yellow card was upheld. Palace again pressed forwards as Hughes and Devenny linked well, Devenny’s shot from just inside the box was blocked and fell to Mateta again, but it was stopped by Spurs keeper Gugliemo Vicario. Spurs put the ball into the net after 17 minutes with their first real chance of the game, Mohammad Kudus picks up a slack header and a couple of nice passes between him and Lucas Bergvall they then find Archie Gray whose cross found the head of Richarlison, however Bergvall was found to be offside by VAR and the goal didn’t stand. Palace would then go up the pitch and Adam Wharton would win back possession and played an exquisite pass to Mateta who took a decent shot at goal with the ball stuck under his feet but drifted wide. Another chance came for Oliver Glasner’s team as they won another free kick taken by Yeremy Pino, his cross deep to the back post was headed back across goal by Maxence Lacroix and met by Mateta who headed over from about five yards. As we passed the half hour mark the game was extremely one sided with Crystal Palace holding the majority of the possession, but Tottenham were defending very well. Palace again went close just a minute later as left wing-back Tyrick Mitchell’s cross was met by Devenny, but his header went straight at Vicario. Djed Spence plays a blind pass on the edge of his own box that goes straight to Wharton who is able to hit a curling left foot shot but again it was a fairly easy stop for the goalkeeper. The one-way traffic continued, this time it was Hughes who had a shot go over the bar after more good work down the Palace left from Devenny and Mitchell. Tottenham unbelievably took the lead as they managed to get a corner that was curled into the far post by Pedro Porro, it was knocked back across goal by both Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison before the vital touch by Gray for his first senior goal to give the visitors the lead. As we hit half time Tottenham had grown into the game more but were undeservedly ahead with that Archie Gray header. Palace should have had a few goals by this point in the game, but they couldn’t find the definitive finishing touch. The early moments of the second half were dominated by Crystal Palace, mirroring long spells of the first half but again the final touch evaded them. Palace’s first shot of the second half came after 55 minutes a cross by Pino was headed by Clyne and his header found Devanny around eight yards from goal who had to hit it on the spin, but his shot flew over the bar. As we passed the hour mark, the trend of the game continued as Palace remained on the ball a lot, having just over 70% of the possession but still looked lost once they reached the Tottenham penalty area. Spurs were just clinging on desperately to their one goal lead. Yet again Crystal Palace go close from a header, a Wharton cross headed back across goal by Jefferson Lerma and Lacroix this time puts it wide as it was almost beyond belief at this point that Palace hadn’t scored. Again, Spurs are able to break up the pitch once and put the ball in the net, a long ball by Porro found Kudus, a one-two with Gray and Kudus plays a wicked outside-of-the-foot cross for Richarlison. However again VAR denies Spurs a goal and the deficit is back to just one. A Wharton corner was met six yards out by Marc Guehi, and he became the latest Palace player to miss the target from a close-range header. Spurs have another flurry up the pitch again a long ball towards Kudus whose lay-off finds Richarlison but his shot is straight at Palace keeper Henderson. A Spurs free kick taken by substitute Joao Palhinha was headed goalwards by another sub Radu Dragusin but it flew over the goal. Spurs again went close as another sub Wilson Odobert hit the post with a powerful shot after good work from Palhinha to win back the ball and get it into Odobert’s path again. Spurs had one last chance late into injury time as Odobert got the ball to substitute Brennan Johnson who cut it back for Rodrigo Bentancur but his powerful shot was saved well by Henderson. The game finished with a 1-0 win for Tottenham in a game they deserved to lose, Palace had the majority of possession and chances, but they couldn’t get enough of their attempts on target and the ones that did hit the target were easy to save. This result took Tottenham up to 11th place as they face another away game as Thomas Frank goes back to his old club Brentford
Jimmy Thelin states “we don’t have many options” as Aberdeen target a central defender
The Dons are currently without duo Kristers Tobers and Gavin Molloy through injury with on-loan Tottenham Hotspur defender, Alfie Dorrington potentially being recalled by the Premier League side this January. “We don’t have many options,” Jimmy Thelin stated. “That’s also how they have managed this pressure, the players, to play so many games in such a short time and space. “So who knows? Tobers is out for the rest of the season. Let’s also see what we have in terms of how some players are pushing. “Maybe they still have a journey to do, but also in the academy, to create space and pathways for our players that we have invested in before the season and the way we’re working now with the academy. “In January, for sure there are going to be movements in and out. “We will see when January is over, what has happened.” So let’s see how we balance the squad after January.” Aberdeen skipper, Graeme Shinnie is currently eyeing up a new deal at Pittodrie with midfielder, Dante Polvara’s contract all expiring come the end of the season with the American international being linked with Hibernian a while back. He added: “Again, as I said, I’m always in the window. If we’re going to say something, we have something to say, but he’s a really good captain for this club.” Vicente Besuijen who’s been out on loan with Finnish outfit, HJK Helsinki has returned to the Granite City despite not being available to play until the January window opens. Jimmy Thelin said: “He is training. He has taken care of himself. He is prepared for when the window opens. He can’t play until the window opens again. He is in a good shape and he has brought a good energy to the team in a positive way.” There has also been talk of a move for Aberdeen midfielder, Sivert Heltne Nilsen with a possible switch to Asane being on the cards for the Norwegian international. Nilsen was struck with injury last campaign due to a rare eye injury but a move closer to home could be an option for the 34-year-old this January. The midfielder has made 13 appearances for the Dons so far this season where he popped up with a goal in the early stages of the campaign scoring in a 3-0 win over Greenock Morton in the Premier Sports Cup.
Celtic 3-1 Aberdeen – An early Christmas gift for Nancy as he picks up his first win as Celtic boss
Aberdeen make the trip down to Glasgow to face Celtic in a Christmas Cracker as the Dons hope to make it five defeats in a row for Wilfried Nancy and Celtic. An early pacey run for Maeda with a cross into the box but just a bit ahead of Kenny which doesn’t allow Celtic to take an early lead. Engles came close himself, a volley from the edge of the box which fired over the bar. Aberdeen had a dangerous attack but Trusty stopping Lazetic striking after giving away the ball to Karlsson. Trusty to the rescue again as Keskinen with a strike this time from close range but a very crucial block by the USA international. Nygren again following a few nice short passes beforehand with Mitov saving well to prevent a Celtic lead. Huge chance for Kenny, a mistake by Mitov which landed at McGregor with Kenny receiving the ball but the attempt strolling wide of goal. Nygren fired Celtic ahead, it began by a Lobban mistake which Yang won back, slotted the ball to Maeda who fed it into Nygren who made no mistake and fired Celtic ahead. Keskinen came close, twisting and turning and unleashed an effort at the near post with Schmeichel tipping it out. Karlsson was close shortly after, a strike from distance which fired wide of target. A phenomenal stop by Mitov in goal, McCowan with a powerful strike just out the box being well saved by the Dons keeper. Dylan Lobban was shown red following a Mitov error, Maeda was through on goal by the Aberdeen youngster pulling back the Celtic star which was surely an obvious red. Nygren should’ve fired Celtic two ahead early second half, a strike from the left hand side of the box which smacked the inside of the post where Mitov comfortably collected. Ralston this time, an effort from outside the box well saved by the Aberdeen number one. Engles then quickly smacked the bar following a shot from inside the box. A low cross into the box after an hour by Kenny which fizzled across the box failing to find its way into the net to keep it at just the one goal. Celtic rattle the post once again, a diving header by Arne Engles where he smacks the ball against the post. Nygren showing his class again, an effort from the edge of the box which fires just wide of target. Celtic should be more ahead but remain just the one goal separating the sides. Aberdeen fired level unexpectedly, Kjartansson winning the ball back, slots it into Bilalovic who makes no mistake and brings the visitors back on level terms. Brilliant defensive work by Aberdeen as Celtic kept trying to get back ahead. Very nervy end to the game at Celtic Park. Youngster Donovan whipped a great ball in, failing to be met by Maeda and Shin but there was Tierney to fire the ball in to bring Celtic back in front. James Forrest wrapped up the win as a low cross by the captain which landed at Forrest who made no mistake and converted past Mitov to seal the win. Shin nearly made it four, a header from outside the box which hit the outside of the bar to keep the score at 3-1. A very big three points in the Nancy era at Celtic as the champions return to winning ways over Aberdeen. Celtic: Schmeichel (6), Trusty (8), Nygren (8), Yang (7), McCowan (7), Kenny (6), Engles (8), Maeda (7), McGregor (8), Ralston (7), Tierney (9). Substitutes: Forrest (7), Shin (6), Scales (6), Donovan (7). Aberdeen: Mitov (7), Lobban (5), Devlin (6), Knoester (6), Milne (5), Jensen (6), Aouchiche (6), Armstrong (7), Karlsson (6), Keskinen (6), Lazetic (6). Substitutes: Gyamfi (6), Bilalovic (8), Kjartansson (7), Shinnie (6), Nisbet (6).
Dundee United 1-1 Hibernian – The points shared in a very dramatic match
Dundee United welcome Hibernian to Tannadice in the Scottish Premiership in a game which has proven to be high scoring in recent times. The opening 15 didn’t offer much in terms of attempts but both sides looking very energetic and up for it but remains goalless. Hibs had the best chance after 17 minutes, a darting run by Nicky Cadden who unleashed a strike from outside the box which rattled side netting. The visitors continued to up the pressure with a cross in from the left by Nicky Cadden who whipped a ball in but missing all bodies in the box. Dundee United went ahead after 21 minutes. Ferry crossed the ball in from the corner as Watters flicked the ball into Stephenson who struck it home to put Jim Goodwin’s men ahead. Nicky Cadden again, running towards the box with an attempt from range firing over the bar. A horror mistake by Sallinger giving away the ball to Watters who was through but Scotland International, Grant Hanley with an amazing block to avoid a two-goal cushion for the hosts. Bowie nearly had Hibs level, following a short corner, Bowie turning and unleashing a strike which hit side netting after the travelling support celebrated thinking they were level. Boyle should’ve had Hibs level, a low cross into the box with Bowie failing to connect with Boyle at the back post but only finding side netting. Hibs were level as a volley from Boyle on the left hand side of the box firing into the bottom right hand corner to draw Hibernian back level. Hibs very close to going ahead as Cadden whipped a ball into the box after a corner which found Zack Mitchell who headed the ball onto the bar which was cleared by the United backline. Into the second half, Max Watters had a great chance, through on goal but a heavy touch resulting in Sallinger collecting. United were very close, Mulligan losing possession as Sibbald robs the ball and feeds it to Watters who takes the shot off first time but fires far into the stands. A very even second half but no major chances but there were signs of a winner coming as both sides were really giving it their all. Trapanovski had a brilliant chance, a pacey run into the box where he cut inside and his effort was brilliantly stopped by Sallinger. The North Macedonian international again cutting onto his right, firing an effort just wide of target. Trapanovski continued to cause problems, doing well to skip past the Hibees midfield where he than took on a shot but struck just wide of the net to keep the match all-square. Hibs chance arrived, a ball into the box which was defended which fell to Levitt but his attempt was wide and over in which was a very weak effort. Ferry with a ball in Sevelj had a chance from range but his shot was deflected and caught by Sallinger in goals. Dundee United: Richards (7), Strain (5), Sevelj (7), Graham (6), Sapsford (7), Ferry (6), Sibbald (8), Fatah (7), Stephenson (8), Keresztes (6), Watters (7). Substitutes: Moller (6), Trapanovski (8), Cleall-Harding (7), Dolcek (6), Esselink (6), Naamo (6). Hibernian: Sallinger (6), Hanley (9), Bowie (6), Boyle (8), Iredale (7), McGrath (6),N. Cadden (8), Mulligan (6), Barlaser (7), Mitchell, Megwa. Substitutes: Campbell (7), Levitt (6), Klidje (6), Hoilett (6), Youan (6).
