Preview : Dundee United (a)

Last updated : 15 January 2009 By Firparkcorner

United are in third place right now but after a bad start their last run of games - well over a dozen - has seen them take the same number of points as Rangers. That's an incredible feat, even if they have been lucky with injuries and suspensions, and they deserve a lot of respect.

It does have to be said we completely outplayed them at Fir Park earlier in the season even if we couldn't convert out dominance into a win. Mark McGhee will no doubt be reminding the players of that but our current run should ensure we have a little bit of confidence going into the tie.

Malcolm gets the elbow

Craigan has strengthened the defence since his return but we will struggle to cope with the power and height of United at set pieces. The other obvious worry is our right hand side. While Quinn is competent, it is likely to be O'Brien in front of him. The winger will look to impress against his old club but he isn't likely to help out too much defensively and against an excellent combination in the form of Dixon and Conway, this could be a problem.

Lasley is suspended and that should see Fitzpatrick return in the midfield. It is hard to see any other changes being made though as having found a functioning team, Mark McGhee will surely be loathe to change it.

This will be a huge result for us if we could take three points but even one would be worth a minor celebration. It will be hard work but we might just get it in a 1-1 draw.

Remember the last time we were at Tannadice?