It has to be said that the recent performances of our defence means that a vast improvement will be required if we are to get a positive result. Goals have been flying past our ‘keeper and while both Frankie and Woods have made errors, it is the weak defence which has to take most of the blame.
William Kinniburgh saw action for the first time in a while against Celtic and he is surely worth a start.
The defence looks better with three at the back but Tony Vaughan seems to unsettle everyone. His reading of the game is poor and he is one of the slowest players we have ever seen. Others end up having to cover for his mistakes and a seat on the bench or in the stand for Tony would probably cheer up most ‘Well fans.
David Cowan is obviously out with his broken ankle and if Terry decides to stick with 3-5-2, either Dougie Ramsay or Martyn Corrigan will be dispatched to the right flank. Derek Adams is suspended but Keith Lasley should be available to come in as a direct replacement. McFadden will lead the line, probably alongside Clarkson.
Hibs will be on a high after winning their last two games and will fancy their chances of making it three in a row. They’ll have to rely on Derek Riordan and Scott Brown up front with McManus and O’Connor missing with injuries. Yannick Zambernardi will join them on sidelines. Derek Townsley will no doubt be looking to frustrate us yet again but if (or probably when) the going gets tough, will guys like him go for everything knowing they are not going to be at Easter Road much longer? Finances stop John O’Neil and Freddy Arpinon even being named in the squad.
Dundee United will fancy their chances at Livingston and while a win for us is unlikely, it is crucial we avoid defeat. We will, with a 1-1 draw.