Preview - Dundee United

We have four points from our opening three games, a total which is more than satisfactory. However, our humiliation at Kilmarnock should give Terry and the players something to think about and we will need a positive reaction to take anything from this game.

Dundee United were given a very tough start to the season and whilst they only have one point from three games they should not be underestimated. Their solitary point was a good one against Aberdeen before they lost at Parkhead and were stream-rollered by the Hearts train. One thing which may aid us is their European campaign – they got a positive result in Finland but the tie is still in the balance and will be decided at Tannadice next mid-week. No doubt they will deny it, but the UEFA Cup tie will be praying on their minds.

Scott McDonald should be fit enough to return to the starting line up for us and we all know the difference he can make to the side. He scored in both home games against United last season and he seems to enjoy playing against the team which turned him down.

Unfortunately there are reports that the team sustained a couple of injuries during the week. New keeper Smith has a broken pinkie and it seems that he will be out for several weeks. Colin Meldrum will be between the sticks (assuming he doesn’t pull a muscle while pulling on his boots!) and we will see the unusual sight of a second consecutive goalkeeping debut in consecutive games at Fir Park. Richie Foran has a groin strain.

Paul Ritchie will still be out of the United defence which is a big break for us but the concern will be their attack. Crawford can still be useful on his day whilst Jim McIntyre is always an awkward opponent. Their main goal threat will be Lee Miller and given the dismal nature of our defending last week a vast improvement will be needed to contain him.

It is ridiculous to talk about ‘must win’ games at this stage of the season but there is no question that this is the type of game we need to win if we are to be top six contenders. With two tricky away games coming up, three points on the board would be vital here.

More likely though both teams will have to be content with a point in a 2-2 draw.