The task of reversing the recent loss will be made more difficult as team selection will be compromised by our injury list. Ruddy seems unlikely to return and it well see Fraser making a second successive appearance. Both Craigan and Lasley had to be substituted at Parkhead on Tuesday and they must be rated as doubtful. The pair have signed contract extensions this week and are rarely on the treatment table it has been an eventful week for them.
One of the features of the long successful run that saw us secure the top half finish was the stable defensive line that was able to boast of so many clean sheets. Our ability to keep the door shut without Ruddy and Craigan is less likely.
Our mascots last time United visited
United have their own troubles. Not content with losing Dixon to a red card when we last visited Tannadice, they repeated the gaff on Wednesday when Kovacevics undisciplined kick again reduced them to ten men. They have completed a ten game unbeaten run of league and cup games and, as we know, will be riding high on a wave of confidence. They wont be easy to beat.
Despite the recent arrival of spring the Fir Park pitch will still be far from perfect even though the grass has wakened from the winter slumber. It will add a random factor to the game and it may upset the form book a 1-1 draw might satisfy both teams.