Dundee Utd V Ross County at Tannadice Park : Match Preview

20 December 2013 19:01
Dundee Utd V Ross County - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


United not taking County lightly

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara insists his side will show struggling Ross County every respect when they meet in the Scottish Premiership at Tannadice.


Second-bottom County have not won in seven games and are one of the many teams to have conceded four goals against United this season.


United are widely fancied to take full points again this weekend and continue their own recent run of fine form after netting 21 goals in five games.


However, McNamara insists it will not be easy and he would never take the visitors from the Highlands lightly.


He said: "County will come here looking for a positive result.


"Even though results haven't been going their way recently, they're still a capable side. They've got some good players who will be wanting to try and get back to winning ways.


"So we will be showing them every respect as we do every team in the league.


"There are no easy games in this league and we know we'll have to play well to win this one."


United's fans have been treated to a glut of goals in recent weeks which has seen them move up into third top place in the table.


And McNamara hopes another bumper crowd can turn out to roar his side on to victory.


He said: "The fans can play their part.


"They've been enjoying what they've been watching recently which is what it's all about.


"It always helps when there's a big crowd inside Tannadice with a good atmosphere. The players respond to it and hopefully it's another successful day for everyone.


"We have a style of play which we stick to and that is what has brought us success."


United are the form team in the country but McNamara is adamant his players will not get carried away.


He said: "They're a level-headed bunch of lads.


"The younger ones have all been getting a lot of praise this season, but they are just focused on playing their football and helping the team get results.


"Things are going well just now and we want that to continue.


"It's through hard work that we are getting our rewards.


"That's the way we approach it and that will never change."


Gavin Gunning hopes to overcome a knee injury in time to play and fellow defender Keith Watson is bidding to shake off a leg knock.


County midfielder Marc Klok drops out of the squad with a shin knock and joins defender Steven Saunders (hamstring) on the sidelines.


However, Branislav Micic returns from a hamstring problem and County have no other injury problems.


County are likely to attempt to soak up the pressure that is sure to come their way at Tannadice and try to hit United on the break.


"You have to deal with the threats that they have got and they have very good threats," manager Derek Adams said. "But they do take chances, they get forward in numbers.


"If they lose possession we have to see if we can exploit the areas where they are short. But every game in this division is difficult for us and we have shown over the last year how well we can do."








Source: PA