Jack Ross made two changes from Dundee United's opening day 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park as they began their Europa Conference League qualifying adventure with a 1-0 win against AZ Alkmaar at Tannadice on Thursday. Kieran Freeman replaced Scott McMann, playing at left-back. Ian Harkes kept his spot in midfield against the Dutch side, but will miss this match due to being sent off against Killie courtesy of two bookings in Ayrshire. Debutant Jamie McGrath came off the bench to provide for Glenn Middleton - on his first start for United at Tannadice - to give United the advantage heading to Holland. It wouldn't be a surprise to see both start here as a result. David Martindale handed a Livingston league debut to a few new recruits as Livi lost 2-1 to last season's runners-up Rangers in their Scottish Premiership opener despite taking the lead. Goalkeeper Shamal George has joined Livi from Colchester United. Centre-back Phillip Cancar has traded Western Sydney for West Lothian but was playing on the left hand side of the defence in front of him. With no recognised winger in the starting XI, Scott Pittman and Andrew Shinnie were tasked with supporting lone striker Joel Nouble who opened the scoring after just five minutes.
Despite Dundee United finishing top six last season, and Livi being consigned to the bottom half, the Terrors couldn't beat the Lions in their three Scottish Premiership meetings. However, United host Livingston full of confidence after a comprehensive performance and superb result that sees them head to the Netherlands a goal to the good. They'll want to head into that clash on Thursday having picked up their first three points of the Scottish Premiership season, particularly given it was an injury-time effort that saw them leave Kilmarnock with just one point. Livingston, meanwhile, opted to try and sit on the early lead that they took against Rangers and ultimately failed to do so. They've been dealt a tricky start by the fixture computer so will be hoping to pick up points sooner rather than later. While United were excellent in midweek and morale is sky high, their recent record against the Dundonians should give them belief of leaving Dundee with something. That being said, United's first European match in a decade was one to savour and they'll feel on top of the world heading into this one. 2:0