William worth a bet

Van der Velden calling for big performance tonight

Both sides had a week off last weekend, with a bye in the Scottish Cup third round as one of the top 16 sides in the country last season.

That means both squads should be fully refreshed and ready to go.

He said: “Fresh body, fresh mind. We could see in training everybody is fresh and fit, we can’t wait for the game.

“Of course, we maybe would have liked a game to keep our run going.

“We want to take this line of form and go up and go forward.

“If we win we are on the same points as Hibernian and that’s where we wanted to be.

“We want to go up really badly and you can taste it in the stadium, too.

“Everybody wants Premiership football and, if we win this game, there’s a big chance for us.”

The contest is live on BT Sport and the more cynical of commentators might be surprised tonight’s match is expected to be almost a sell-out with the chance to watch on TV at home.

But the cameras combined with a Friday night game as well as the quality of the teams and high stakes they are playing for makes it an enticing prospect to see first hand — for fans and players alike.

Van der Velden added: “I like to play at night — it makes me feel better and I think the atmosphere is excellent in the evening, also.

“The people on Friday are making the most of it, they’re free from work.

“We also do it for the fans and I can’t wait for the game.” IF bookies’ odds are anything to go by, there will be little to separate Dundee United and Hibs at Tannadice tonight.

William Hill gives Neil Lennon’s men a slight edge at 7/5 for the win, while United are priced at 6/4.

Anyone sitting on the fence and backing a draw can do so at 9/4.

Hibs strike pair Grant Holt and Jason Cummings are priced at 5/1 for the first goal, although it’s worth noting neither started in their side’s last game, a 4-0 win at home to QOS.

For United, Tony Andreu and Simon Murray are being offered at 11/2 to strike first but, for those who like a gamble, maybe William Edjenguele would be worth a punt.

The big defender is priced at 33/1 for the first goal and, having struck the equaliser at Easter Road

William Edjenguele and also finding the net recently at home to Dumbarton, he may be real value for money. For those who fancy a punt on the correct score, a 1-0 win for either team is on offer at 17/2 (Hibs) or 9/1 (Utd). However, if you think it’s...