Aberdeen FC vs Dundee United: Key Stats & Performance Comparison

Ah, Aberdeen FC vs Dundee United—one of those old rivalries that never loses its edge, no matter how many times the league table shuffles. I’ve been covering these two since the days when the Tannadice roar could shake the stands, and let me tell you, the numbers don’t lie. The Aberdeen FC vs Dundee United stats tell a story of two clubs that know each other inside out, where every tackle, every shot on target, and every last-minute winner carries weight. Over the years, I’ve seen United’s counterattacks tear through Aberdeen’s defence, just as I’ve watched the Dons grind out results with that trademark resilience. But dig into the recent Aberdeen FC vs Dundee United stats, and you’ll find a few surprises—like how United’s pressing game has evolved, or how Aberdeen’s set-piece threat hasn’t quite faded. It’s not just about the points; it’s about the way they do it. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that in this fixture, stats alone won’t tell you everything—because when these two meet, the script gets torn up. Still, the numbers give us a starting point, and right now, they’re painting a fascinating picture.

How to Compare Aberdeen FC and Dundee United’s Attacking Efficiency*

Right, let’s cut to the chase. Comparing Aberdeen and Dundee United’s attacking efficiency isn’t just about goals scored—it’s about how they create chances, convert them, and whether their style suits the players they’ve got. I’ve seen both clubs go through phases where they look lethal, then suddenly dry up. It’s all about context.

First, the raw numbers. Over the last five seasons, Aberdeen average 1.3 goals per game in the Premiership, while Dundee United sit at 1.1. But that’s not the full story. Aberdeen’s xG (expected goals) over the same period is 1.4, meaning they’re slightly underperforming their chances. United, on the other hand, have an xG of 1.2—so they’re punching above their weight. That’s the kind of detail that tells you whether a team’s luck is running hot or cold.

Now, let’s talk about how they do it. Aberdeen’s been more direct under recent managers—more long balls, more crosses, more reliance on their big man up top. That’s worked when they’ve had a proper target man, but when they’ve been short, they’ve struggled. United, meanwhile, have been more patient, playing through midfield, relying on quick combinations. It’s a different approach, and it’s why their xG is lower but their efficiency is higher.

Here’s the thing: if you’re Aberdeen, you need to be clinical. You create more chances, but you’ve got to take them. United, on the other hand, might not get as many, but they’ve got to make every one count. That’s the difference between a team that looks dangerous and a team that actually is.

• Aberdeen’s strength: Volume of chances, but need better finishing.
• Dundee United’s strength: Higher-quality chances, better conversion.
• Key takeaway: If Aberdeen want to outperform United, they need to stop wasting big chances.

The Truth About Which Team Dominates Midfield Battles*

Midfield dominance isn’t just about possession stats—it’s about control, creativity, and the ability to dictate the tempo. I’ve seen Aberdeen and Dundee United trade blows in this department for years, but the numbers tell a clearer story than the headlines.

Let’s look at the raw data. Over the last five seasons, Aberdeen have averaged 52.3% possession in midfield battles, while Dundee United sit at 47.7%. Doesn’t sound like much, but when you break it down, it’s the difference between a team that dictates and one that reacts.

Aberdeen’s midfield trio—whether it’s Ferguson, McGinn, or Shinnie—have been more consistent in keeping the ball moving. They complete 428 passes per game in midfield areas, compared to Dundee United’s 392. That’s nearly 40 more passes per game, which means more control.

But don’t sleep on Dundee United. They’re no pushovers. Their midfielders win 19.5 tackles per game, compared to Aberdeen’s 18.2. It’s a fine margin, but in tight games, those extra tackles can be the difference.

• Aberdeen’s Strength: Better passing accuracy, more progressive play.
• Dundee United’s Edge: More aggressive in midfield duels, better at breaking play.

In my experience, Aberdeen’s midfield is the more polished unit, but Dundee United’s physicality and work rate make them dangerous. If you’re betting on who’ll dominate midfield battles, the stats favour Aberdeen—but don’t be surprised if Dundee United outmuscle them on the day.

5 Ways Aberdeen’s Defence Has Outperformed Dundee United This Season*

Aberdeen’s defence has been a revelation this season, and if you’ve been watching closely, you’ll know Dundee United’s attack has struggled to break them down. I’ve seen defences come and go, but this Pittodrie backline has something special. Here’s how they’ve outclassed United’s forwards in five key ways.

• Clean Sheets: Aberdeen have kept 12 clean sheets this season, while Dundee United have only managed 5. That’s nearly two and a half times fewer. In my experience, that kind of gap isn’t just luck—it’s a system working.
• Tackling Success Rate: Aberdeen’s defenders win 78% of their tackles, compared to United’s 69%. Small margins, but in tight games, that’s the difference between a point and three.
• Aerial Dominance: At set-pieces, Aberdeen win 62% of their duels. United’s best aerial threat, Mikael Mandron, has been nullified time and again by the likes of Leighton Clark and Calum Naylor.
• Press Resistance: Aberdeen’s backline absorbs pressure like no other. They’ve conceded just 0.9 goals per game at home, while United’s attack has managed only 1.2 goals per game on the road.
• Injury Resilience: Despite losing key players like Declan Gallagher, Aberdeen’s defence hasn’t missed a beat. United, meanwhile, have been shaky without their first-choice backline.

Here’s the cold, hard data:

I’ve seen United’s attack click before—last season, they were lethal. But this year? Aberdeen’s defence has been a brick wall. If you’re betting on this fixture, don’t ignore the stats.

Why Dundee United’s Home Form Could Turn the Tide in the Next Clash*

Dundee United’s home form this season has been their secret weapon, and if Aberdeen FC underestimate it, they’ll regret it. I’ve seen teams do it before—ignore the Tannadice factor at their peril. The Terrors have lost just twice at home in their last 12 matches, a record that’s quietly impressive in a league where parity is everything. They’ve turned Tannadice into a fortress, and their ability to grind out results—even when not at their best—is what sets them apart.

Aberdeen’s away struggles? They’ve dropped points in six of their last eight on the road, and that’s where Dundee United’s home advantage could make the difference. The Terrors’ defence has been solid, conceding just 12 goals in those 12 home games—a stat that speaks volumes. Aberdeen, meanwhile, have been leaky away from Pittodrie, and if United’s backline stays organised, they’ll make life difficult.

• Key Insight: Dundee United’s home goalscorers—Liam Smith (5), Paul McMullan (4), and Charlie Mulgrew (3)—know how to find the net in front of their own fans.
• Aberdeen’s Away Weakness: They’ve conceded 16 goals in their last eight away games, a trend that won’t inspire confidence.
• Tactical Edge: United’s 4-2-3-1 at home has stifled opposition attacks, while Aberdeen’s 4-3-3 has looked vulnerable on the counter.

I’ve seen Aberdeen bounce back from bad runs before, but if they don’t address their away-day frailties, Dundee United’s home form could be the difference-maker. The numbers don’t lie—this is a clash where the Terrors’ Tannadice resilience might just turn the tide.

A Data-Driven Look at Who’s More Consistent: Aberdeen or Dundee United*

If you’ve followed Scottish football long enough, you know consistency is king. And when it comes to Aberdeen and Dundee United, the numbers don’t lie—though they might surprise you.

I’ve seen Aberdeen’s resilience first-hand, especially under Derek McInnes. They’ve been the model of mid-table stability, finishing in the top six in 11 of the last 12 seasons. But consistency isn’t just about league position; it’s about performance. Over the past five seasons, Aberdeen have averaged 1.47 points per game in the Premiership—solid, but not spectacular. Dundee United, meanwhile, have been the wildcards. They’ve swung between relegation battles and European qualification, but their average of 1.39 points per game over the same period isn’t far off.

Where Aberdeen pull ahead is in home comfort. Pittodrie’s been a fortress, with 12 wins last season—United managed 10 at Tannadice. But United’s away form? That’s where they’ve been sneaky good. They’ve picked up 24 points on the road in the last two seasons, while Aberdeen scraped by with 22. It’s not a massive gap, but in tight seasons, those extra points matter.

• Aberdeen’s Edge: Reliable, predictable, and rarely drop clangers.
• Dundee United’s Edge: More unpredictable, but capable of stunning runs.
• The Verdict: Aberdeen’s consistency wins on paper, but United’s ability to punch above their weight makes them dangerous.

At the end of the day, if you’re betting on steady returns, Aberdeen’s your team. But if you fancy a dark horse with a knack for upsetting the odds? United’s got that in spades.

The clash between Aberdeen and Dundee United showcased two sides with contrasting fortunes, with Aberdeen’s resilience and attacking flair standing out against Dundee United’s defensive struggles. While Aberdeen’s home advantage and clinical finishing proved decisive, Dundee United’s midfield control and set-piece threat offered glimpses of their potential. The match highlighted Aberdeen’s ability to convert pressure into goals, while Dundee United will need to tighten their defence to turn possession into points. For fans, the key takeaway is to watch how Aberdeen sustain their momentum and whether Dundee United can refine their approach. As the season progresses, one question lingers: can Aberdeen maintain their consistency, or will Dundee United find the spark to turn their possession into victories?