The importance of Sutton’s late, late goal against Celtic last week is evident from a look at the league table. Motherwell now enjoy a seven point lead over United and with only four games remaining it would take a catastrophic collapse from Motherwell combined with an impressive surge from our opponents (touch wood!) for positions to switch. Indeed, our focus should be upward and a good result will keep the pressure on Aberdeen – a three point gap is easily closed.
No claret and amber at Tannadice
The balance of this season's earlier clashes is with United. They have taken seven points from the three meetings and have home advantage for the third time thanks to the inequalities thrown up by the infamous league split.
Our hosts have a few weeks to prepare or the cup final and it may be that some tinkering with their starting eleven will take place. Reports suggest that it was a poor United side that caved in easily at McDiarmid Park last week and we can be sure that the players selected will be aware that places for the cup game are up for grabs. Jackie McNamara will continue to serve his three match touchline ban.
Lasley will return after sitting out the Celtic game because of a one match suspension. Much was made of our injury list before that match and as another week passes the manager will be hoping that his options improve as players return to fitness. Hammell will receive as special welcome from the travelling fans as he appears in claret and amber for the 500th time. It's difficult to believe that we'll see that landmark reached again.
There will be a minute’s applause for the much respected Frank Kopel before kick off. He was a fixture in the United teams in the 1970s and passed away last week.
While this would be the perfect time to record the first win of the season at Tannadice, a draw would suit our purposes very well. A 2-2 stalemate will do nicely.
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