Iain Russell


What: Scottish Cup final
Who: Dundee United vs Ross County
When: Saturday 15th May, 2010, at 15:00 BST
Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland

League season performance

Dundee United: 3rd in the Scottish Premier League
Ross County: 5th in the Scottish First Division

Time to pick up silverware

This has been a memorable first season in charge of Dundee United for Peter Houston. After taking over from the new Scotland manager Craig Levin few would have expected Houston to do so well, especially after a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Rangers at the beginning of his reign.

However, the Glaswegian steadied the ship and it looked at one point as if his side would split the Old Firm. Dundee United ran Celtic close, but their challenge eventually fizzled out and they had to settle for third spot, thus qualifying for the Europa League.

An excellent league campaign has coincided with a magnificent cup run which has seem the Tayside outfit reach the Scottish Cup final for the first time in five years. Now they will want to ensure it is they who pick up the trophy.

One more shock?

Derek Adams' side shocked the Scottish game with one of the biggest upsets in the country's football history by beating Celtic in last month's semi-final. The Highlanders have won many fans with their free flowing attacking football which has seen them challenge for promotion to the top division. Re-scheduled games and the fantastic cup run caught up with them though and their push for the First Division title ended with five games to go.

The players however can be proud of their achievements. Dingwall, the home of the club, has a population of just over five thousand, which makes the feat of reaching the Scottish Cup final seem ever more unimaginable.

Recent form

Dundee United:
Dundee United 0-2 Hibernian (9/5/10; Scottish Premier League)
Hearts 0-0 Dundee United (5/5/10; Scottish Premier League)
Dundee United 1-2 Rangers (1/5/10 Scottish Premier League)

Ross County:
Raith Rovers 4-1 Ross County (1/5/10; First Division)
Ayr Utd 0-1 Ross County (28/4/10; First Division)
Ross County 2-1 Morton (26/4/10; First Division)

Key absences

Dundee United – Darren Dods (knee); Danny Cadamateri (doubt), Michael Kovacevic (doubt), Paul Dixon (doubt)

Ross County – None

Players to watch

Dundee United – David Goodwillie: Named the Clydesdale Bank Premier League Young Player of the Season, the Scotland Under-21 striker has enjoyed his best-ever campaign at Tannadice, scoring eight league goals. The hard working pacy attacker has a wonderful eye for goal and the County rear guard will have to be at their best to keep him quiet.

Ross County – Michael Gardyne: A wonderful season for the former Celtic youth player saw him being nominated for the First Division Players Player of the year. A quick and skilful attacking midfielder, Gardyne will be a real handful for Dundee United and he has the ability to turn a game in a second. A match winner for County and will have to be closely watched.

Match prediction

Being the Premier League side Dundee United will be favourites for this match. However after watching Ross County easily dispose of Celtic in the semi-final the top flight side will have to be wary. Two attacking sides suggest goals and perhaps Dundee United by the odd goal in a high scoring match could be a possible outcome.

 


Fancy a bet on this exciting game? Remember, you can find and compare the prices of all major online bookmakers at tip-ex.com. Plus: Read our interview with Danny Cadamarteri.

 

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