As the SPL table currently stands, we are one point behind United but with a game in hand against Celtic this Wednesday. It is hard to predict what will happen in the remaining games but it is undeniable that a defeat would allow the Tannadice team to breath much more easily. A win would not guarantee our safety but with Dundee United having two away games out of their last three, we would definitely be in the driving seat.
Both teams lost last Saturday, albeit in differing fashions. United were 1-0 up at half time but conceded a silly penalty and then allowed Hibs to score a laughable last minute winner. This would be a game they were looking to win and the manner of their defeat will have hurt them. Goalkeeper Paul Gallagher made another howler for Scotland mid-week and rumours suggest that he may be replaced by Alan Combe.
Dundee United have a shaky defence but between Latapy, Miller and Dodds, they have a very clear goal threat. We will need to make drastic improvements if we are to keep them out. Terry Butcher will be kept awake at night trying to figure out how to make these improvements. After the debacle last week it would be utter madness to leave out William Kinniburgh but the whole defensive system may need to be overhauled. A back three is a distinct possibility and if either (or indeed both) Partridge and Vaughan are dropped, they will have few complaints.
Thankfully the midfield will be different with Pearson returning from suspension and Leitch hopefully being fit again. Pearo will give us a crucial outlet and if James McFadden is carefully marked, Pearson may well be able to take advantage of the space. If we do manage to win, Leitch will undoubtedly play a crucial role both in breaking up United’s play and feeding Pearson and Faddy with the ball.
As mentioned earlier, the Dundee United defence does have more than a passing resemblance to a sieve, with a league high 63 goals finding their net. McFadden will cause problems if he can get on the ball but in the race to be his partner, there is no clear winner from Lehmann, Craig and Clarkson.