Preview: Dundee United (a)

Although Motherwell have found it difficult to play at their best in the last few weeks the form shown by Dundee United has not been much better. In their last eight outings they have won only once, and that was against Gretna, but they can point to the two recent draw against either side of the Old Firm as an indication that they may be returning to their best.

We lost to a late Dods' goal in October in the first meeting of the season but we played them off the park when they visited Fir Park on December 29. Our sparkling play that day was an irrelevance in the light of the death of Phil O'Donnell. Motherwell fans recognise the exemplary behaviour of the United supporters on and after that sad day and a link has been made which goes beyond the usual rivalry.

There is a lot a stake in this game. Both teams are almost guaranteed a top six finish (we need one point from the next five games to make certain) and the prospect of third place is still a reality. It will be a tense affair but both teams will go for the win.

Paul Quinn will complete his suspension by missing this one and the manager has to decide if he can risk Malcolm in the right back position. Those who saw him trundle around Easter Road in our last outing will be hoping that an alternative can be found.

We'll have to hope that the forwards can regain their scoring touch if the trip is to be a success. Two goals from the last four games are not enough and they will be desperate to find the net. This one seems too close to call so it seems right to plump for the draw - 1-1.

United v 'Well October 2007