Dundee United v Ayr United: Lineups, Predictions and Betting Tips

Dundee United vs Ayr United Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: January 17, 2026 | Tannadice Park | Scottish Cup | 15:00 GMT

Dundee United welcome Ayr United to Tannadice in the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup. The Tangerines enter the clash on the back of consecutive league defeats to Dundee and Celtic. Meanwhile, Ayr have only lost one of their last 11 matches in all competitions with recent form leaving the Honest Men three points clear in the Scottish Championship promotion play-off places.

Key Betting Tips: Dundee United to Win @ 1.57 odds on QuinnBet, or 1.57 odds on BoyleSports.

Dundee United vs Ayr United Predicted Lineups

Dundee United Predicted XI (5-3-2): Richards, Sevelj, Graham, Keresztes, Ferry, Sibbald, Camara, Stephenson, Naamo, Stirton, Sapsford

Ayr United Predicted XI (3-5-2): Russell, King, Holt, Dick, Rus, Bannigan, Dempsey, Murphy, McMann, Dowds, McKenzie

Dundee United v Ayr United Current League Standings

Dundee United are seventh in the Premiership and sit five points adrift of a place in the top six. A five match unbeaten run came to an end after their derby defeat to Dundee earlier this month which was followed by a 4-0 demolition at Celtic. It is an inability to secure consecutive wins that has plagued Jim Goodwin's men so far this season and it is an issue that they will need to solve if they want to push for an European place in the second half of the season.

Since Halloween, Ayr have only lost two matches which has allowed Scott Brown's men to consolidate their position in the top four as they eye a promotion play-off place. In fourth, the Honest Men are three points clear of fifth place Dunfermline and seven behind Arbroath in third, albeit they have a game in hand. This season has seen the club record 11 draws, the highest in the league and turning those points into wins going forward would help to strengthen their top four credentials.

Dundee United v Ayr United Head-to-Head Timeline

Apart from a League Cup tie two years ago, the most recent encounters between the two teams were in the Championship. Jim Goodwin's men have been victorious in their last five meetings against Ayr with Scott Brown's charges having to go back to September 2019 to find their last win over the Tayside club.

Over the past decade, the Tangerines have won ten matches to Ayr's four while three occasions have ended in a share of the spoils. Therefore, the Tannadice club's track record in this fixture should point to progression into the last 16.

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

• 20 July 2024: Dundee United 2-1 Ayr United (Scottish League Cup Group Stage)
• 20 April 2024: Dundee United 1-0 Ayr United (Scottish Championship)
• 3 February 2024: Ayr United 1-2 Dundee United (Scottish Championship)
• 9 December 2023: Dundee United 1-0 Ayr United (Scottish Championship)
• 26 August 2023: Ayr United 0-3 Dundee United (Scottish Championship)

Dundee United v Ayr United Recent Matches Analysis

Dundee United Last 5 Matches:

• Dundee United 1-1 Hibernian (Premiership)
• Aberdeen 1-1 Dundee United (Premiership)
• Livingston 1-3 Dundee United (Premiership)
• Dundee United 0-1 Dundee (Premiership)
• Celtic 4-0 Dundee United (Premiership)

Dundee United have entered inconsistent form in their last five with two draws, one win and two defeats. They have scored five and conceded eight.

Ayr United Last 5 Matches:

• Ayr United 2-4 St Johnstone (Championship)
• Dunfermline Athletic 2-3 Ayr United (Championship)
• Greenock Morton 1-1 Ayr United (Championship)
• Ayr United 1-1 Airdrieonians (Championship)
• Ayr United 4-1 Stranraer (Challenge Cup)

Ayr United have recorded one defeat, two draws and the same number of defeats in their last five. In that period, they have conceded nine goals and scored two more.

Dundee United v Ayr United Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with a 40.00% confidence in Dundee United to Win. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Dundee United vs Ayr United Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: Dundee United to Win @ 1.57 on BoyleSports

Key Players to Watch: Dundee United v Ayr United

Zachary Sapsford (Dundee United): The 23-year-old Australian has impressed since joining the Tangerines in the summer with six goals scored in 22 matches, such as, the 2-1 victory against Celtic and 2-2 draw at Rangers.

George Finney (Ayr United): The teenager scored and created an assist just hours after arriving on loan from Everton in their Challenge Cup victory at home to Stranraer. His talent is evident and it will be interesting to see if he has any impact in this weekend's tie.

Dundee United v Ayr United Match Facts

Broadcast Details: N/A

Referee: N/A

Stadium Information: Tannadice Park has been the home of Dundee United since 1909, when they went by the name of Dundee Hibernian. It is located 200 yards away from Dens Park, the home of neighbours Dundee F.C. The two grounds are the closest senior football stadiums in the UK.

Dundee United v Ayr United: Final Prediction

Dundee United 2-1 Ayr United