Prospects for second tier contenders

DUNDEE UNITED

It has been a hectic start to the season for the Tangerines even before the league kicks off, thanks to a Betfred Cup derby against Dundee.

That they came out on top in the penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw at Dens will have given United a real boost for the one that really matters – Saturday’s Championship opener against Inverness Caley Thistle in the Highlands.

It could have been an easier first league game for Ray McKinnon’s men, that’s for sure, and they don’t have their selection troubles to seek just now.

However, this looks like being the season when United show everyone they have what it takes to get back to the Premiership after last season’s play-off final failure.

They will have too much strength in depth, pace and talent for their opponents and with Hibs now elsewhere they should stamp their authority on the division once they have all their players fit and available.

Key man: Scott McDonald. Target: Promotion. Prediction: First.

DUNFERMLINE

Dunfermline took longer to adjust to the Championship than most expected and missed out on the play-offs because of it. Not being able to score a penalty didn’t help.

But they banished any fears of getting caught up in a relegation scrap like their Kirkcaldy neighbours and looked like a promotion play-off team in the waiting by the end of it.

Pre-season was a bit of a worry but the Betfred Cup has shown the folly of reading too much into friendlies. By knocking out Hearts, they’ll go into the league opener on a real high. Dundee United apart, you could make a case for the Pars having the strongest options up front in the Championship.

Allan Johnston isn’t finished in the transfer market and the fixture list has given them a chance to get the strong start that was lacking 12 months ago. It’s probably more optimistic than realistic to expect a title challenge but if they can establish their play-off credentials early, rather than play catch-up, they look a better bet than Morton and Inverness Caley Thistle and every bit as strong as St Mirren and Falkirk. Key man: Dean Shiels. Target: Play-offs. Prediction: Third.

BRECHIN CITY

It hasn’t been a bed of roses for Brechin in the Betfred Cup, with the shoot-out success against Forfar the one bright spot among the defeats to Inverness Caley Thistle, Stirling Albion and Falkirk.

That is perhaps a message to the club that it won’t be easy surviving among the bigger boys in the Championship this season.

There is no doubt this campaign will be a challenge for City and their talented manager Darren Dods. The key thing could be keeping cool heads if they get a bad run of results.

That is not to say that there won’t be the odd great result in there and they should give some teams a test at Glebe Park.

Key man: Graeme Smith. Target: Survival. Prediction: 10th.

Graeme Smith: vital to Brechin’s hopes.