Dundee Football Club will host St Johnstone at Dens Park this week, seeking a response after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Hibernian on 30 August. The match preview, reported by the Dundee Football Club - Official Website, comes as the Dark Blues sit fifth in the Premiership with seven points from five games, a record of two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their recent form reads DLWWL, and they have scored six goals while conceding four so far this season.
Joe Westley scored a late consolation for Dundee seven minutes from time against Hibs, a powerful header with an expected goals value of 0.87. Martin Boyle had put the visitors ahead in the first half, and Callum Wright doubled their lead early in the second period. The underlying numbers from that match told a story of a tough afternoon. Dundee's expected goals total was 1.50, while Hibernian's was a more dominant 2.70. The home side managed 41% possession and allowed an opposition pass before each defensive action every 24.6 passes.
How did Dundee perform against Hibernian?
Despite the result, there were positive defensive battles won in the air. Dundee claimed 19 of their 30 aerial duels. Centre-back Ryan Astley was imperious, winning all six of his aerial contests. His partner, Owen Bevan, was nearly as effective, securing six of his seven aerial challenges. This physical presence will be vital against a St Johnstone side that struggled in the air during their own last outing.
St Johnstone arrive at Dens having lost 2-1 to Hearts the day before Dundee's match. James Wilson headed Hearts in front inside ten minutes, a chance rated at 0.29 xG. An own goal from Enes Alić just before half-time gifted Hearts a second, but Ruari Paton gave the Saints hope three minutes after the restart with a left-footed strike. Paton remained a threat, forcing a save from the Hearts keeper twelve minutes later with a shot worth 0.22 xG.
What can Dundee expect from St Johnstone?
The Perth side's attacking output increased from 0.30 to 0.42 attacks per minute after half-time against Hearts, though the Edinburgh club's second-half rate was 0.36. St Johnstone's overall expected goals was 1.20, compared to Hearts' 1.87. They won 60 of 135 total duels but were particularly weak aerially, winning only 8 of 27 aerial battles. Defender Zach Mitchell lost every aerial duel he contested. In midfield, Jason Holt and Cheick Diabaté provided a platform, completing over 90 accurate passes between them. Josh Fowler also headed a first-half chance over the bar, a opportunity valued at 0.25 xG.
Where does this fixture fit in Dundee's season?
This match represents a chance for Dundee to solidify their top-half position before the international break. They currently trail league leaders Celtic by five points in the title race. A positive result would provide momentum ahead of their next fixture, a home match against Motherwell on 19 September. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures and standings pages. The squad's current depth and form is also detailed on the official squad list.
Dundee's task will be to exploit St Johnstone's aerial vulnerability while maintaining their own defensive solidity from set-pieces. The late goal from Westley against Hibs showed a fighting spirit the team will want to channel from the start. The final whistle at Dens Park will signal the start of a brief pause, with Dundee's next Premiership contest set for 19 September 2026 against fourth-placed Motherwell.
