Source: Team_Talk
Houston: Midfield key to derby spoils
The Tannadice caretaker manager, whose future in the role will be resolved next week, looks at the team sheets for both clubs and expects a titanic battle between the players in the middle of the park.[LNB]United's Morgaro Gomis, Danny Swanson, Craig Conway and Prince Buaben have all hit peak form lately, but they will come up against a Saints side marshalled by former Chelsea player Jody Morris and Scotland target Murray Davidson.[LNB]Houston is aiming to lead United to a fifth consecutive victory and remain ahead of Hibernian in the race for Europe but knows from previous experience this season they face a tough task to keep their good run going.[LNB]He explained: "St Johnstone have great quality in Jody Morris, Murray Davidson, Liam Craig and Chris Millar in the middle of the park.[LNB]"They really work their socks off and I can see similarities between the teams in that area.[LNB]"I see our energy back in the middle of the park and that's encouraging.[LNB]"Prince Buaben, Morgaro Gomis, Craig Conway and Danny Swanson have all got back to the level of performances we know they are capable of.[LNB]"So Wednesday's game will be a great battle between two very good midfields."[LNB]Houston continued: "I expect it to be a right ding-dong and I suspect the winner might come from the team who can dominate that area.[LNB]"Our boys have been really at it lately. Their workrate has been brilliant and I think we improved a notch or two against Falkirk on Sunday.[LNB]"We won't always play as good as that but the one thing we need is the same level of work.[LNB]"Our games against St Johnstone have been very close and this one will be no different."[LNB]With third-placed rivals Hibs at Celtic Park, Houston knows this is a chance to steal a march on John Hughes' side.[LNB]But he has been in the game long enough to know the perils of looking at other team's games and instead just wants his players to focus entirely on the job in hand.[LNB]He explained: "With Hibs playing Celtic and Hearts facing Aberdeen, it could be a good chance for us to stay ahead of the pack.[LNB]"But this league is so tight there's no reason why they can't win their matches.[LNB]"So it's a case of focusing on what we do, making sure we continue with the same level of performance and hopefully get the right result. "[LNB]United have doubts over Andy Webster, Garry Kenneth and Darren Dods. Of the trio, Webster is least likely to make it after picking up a calf knock against Falkirk on Sunday.[LNB]Houston revealed: "Andy Webster, Garry Kenneth and Darren Dods have not trained since Sunday's game. Webby is the one we've got most concern about."[LNB][LNB]
