A month ago the game was billed as a 'second top v second bottom' affair and the home crowd gathered with expectations high. United had collected two points from their previous five games, their manager was under pressure and Daly was due to play at centre back rather than centre forward. Then the lights went out.
Fans are reminded of the unusual ticketing arrangements for this one. A match abandoned voucher, a ticket, season book voucher 5 or cash at the turnstile will be needed for entry to the game.
Match abandoned...not happy!
The Tangerines have had a mini-revival of late with a draw against Aberdeen, a win in Paisley and a last gasp draw with Celtic on Sunday. There's no doubt that our opponents will have gained in confidence since early October but that self belief will be matched in the home dressing room.
Motherwell's win in Perth last Saturday was widely described as 'stopping the rot' following a disappointing run and the emphatic nature of the victory would seem to justify that tag. Murphy relished his altered role and it seems likely that he'll start behind the front pair again. The game may have come too soon for Hutchinson and Kerr so a prediction that the back four will be unaltered seems fair.
We're midway through this Tayside triple of games with the bizarre prospect of a return to the top of the table if we can beat both Dundee teams in four days. Both teams will be looking for the win and an open game is in prospect with plenty of goalmouth action likely. With any luck we'll edge a five goal thriller 3-2.