Jim Goodwin is hoping to solidify Dundee United’s position in fourth as they host Ross County on Saturday.
The Dundee United manager has just signed an extension to his contract and will be looking to celebrate with all three points against a County side that has not won away from home in over 14 months.
The hosts
Some in the media had tipped United to be relegation candidates this season, but they have equipped themselves very well since being promoted. The Arabs are only three points behind Rangers, knowing a win today will have them level with the Glasgow side hosting Hearts tomorrow.
United earned themselves a draw last weekend with a late equaliser against Hibs but flattered to deceive much of the game. They are without a win in their last three fixtures, with defeats to Motherwell and Aberdeen.
Sam Dalby is the dangerman for The Arabs with three goals to his name this season, but this is a United side that has goals littered across the park. The Arabs have ten different scorers in the league this season, so there is danger in every area of the park for County.
The visitors
Ross County come into the game with a torrid away record. Don Cowie has spoken extensively about his side’s need to carry their impressive home form into their away fixtures if they are to avoid finishing in the relegation playoffs for a third season in a row.
County will be confident heading into the game, being unbeaten in their last three fixtures, taking five points from a possible nine. The Staggies are sitting ninth in the league currently, but with teams near the bottom so congested, a win today could see them rise into the top six.
Cowie has completely changed the defensive capabilities of Ross County since his arrival in February. Utilising a back 3 with effective wingbacks, the partnership forming with Akil Wright, Kacper Lopata and Ryan Leak is a key component in what makes this a Staggies side that is difficult to break down.
County are still without George Harmon. The defender has been progressing well but it is expected to be a while before the influential defender makes the County squad.
Previous meetings
These two met on just the second weekend of the season way back in August with the teams playing out a 1-1 draw. Ronan Hale scored his first league goal for the club as his 95th minute equailser ensured a draw in Dingwall.
Their last meeting at Tannadice was even more enjoyable for the Staggies as they managed a 3-1 victory back in May 2023.
Predicted lineups
Dundee United:
Walton; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt; Strain, Sevelj, Babunski, Ferry; Stephenson, Dalby, Middleton
Ross County:
Laidlaw; Wright, Lopata, Campbell; Brown, Randall, Denholm, Reid; Chilvers; White, Hale
Referee: John Beaton & VAR: Gavin Duncan