McNamara eyes timely boost
Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara believes a win over Aberdeen would set them up perfectly for the European run-in.
United slipped to fifth place in the Scottish Premiership last weekend before losing to Celtic but they have a game in hand, against Inverness, on St Johnstone above them.
United have only won once in 13 matches and McNamara knows a New Firm derby win over an in-form Aberdeen side would be a major boost.
"There were some positive signs against Celtic last week and it's about trying to take that into this match with Aberdeen," McNamara said.
"We want to get as many wins as we possibly can in the remaining games this season so obviously it would be a big boost if we could get three points against Aberdeen.
"We all know it will be difficult. They're a very good side who have done well this season. But we have to approach it positively and if we can get the result we're looking for it could set us up nicely for the rest of the games."
United went down 1-0 at Pittodrie two weeks ago but have beaten the Dons twice this season.
"There have been some good games between the two sides this season," McNamara said. "I don't think this one will be any different.
"Aberdeen have strengths all over the park and we know what they're capable of. But we'll have to focus on ourselves first and foremost and try to be positive being at home.
"Hopefully the fans get behind us and we can give them something to be happy about."
Nadir Ciftci returns from suspension for Dundee United but midfielder Calum Butcher drops out with a one-game ban.
Ryan Dow (groin), Paul Paton (knee) and Mario Bilate (hamstring) are all out for the season.
Andrew Considine's friends let him know exactly what is expected from his Aberdeen team - but the Dons defender is happy to be facing growing demands.
Aberdeen remain without Barry Robson and Russell Anderson at Tannadice.
Robson completes his suspension after being sent off when the teams met in a rearranged fixture at Pittodrie two weeks ago.
Anderson will be given another game for the development team before he returns to the first-team squad following a long-term knee injury.
Aberdeen have more than met their fans' hopes in the Scottish Premiership this season having secured second spot for the first time in 21 years before facing Dundee United on Saturday with four games remaining.
But Considine knows supporters will expect even more next season after pushing Celtic beyond the split, and failing to follow up last season's Scottish League Cup triumph.
The 28-year-old, who has spent his whole career at Pittodrie, said: "A good few of my friends are season-ticket holders and every year I think they expect more and more.
"After winning the League Cup last season, it's almost like we should be winning cups each year. We have the squad to do it, we really do.
"I know we are sitting second at the minute but there are a few games that we will look back on and think 'that was silly points that we dropped here and there'. We could be sitting just a couple of points off Celtic.
"As an Aberdeen fan myself, we should be competing a lot better in cup competitions. It's expected of us now."
Considine feels they have the manager in Derek McInnes who can push them and encourage them to meet those demands.
McInnes was this week named on the PFA Scotland manager of the year shortlist having won the trophy last year.
"Ever since he has been here, he has changed the squad and changed the belief of the players," the defender said.
"The confidence he has instilled in the squad is incredible and it has shown on the park. His man-management is outstanding and fingers crossed he can pick up that trophy."
Source: PAR
