Source: Team_Talk
Levein looking for anniversary win
The former Hearts and Leicester manager replaced Craig Brewster in October 2006 and led his new side to a 2-1 victory over Rangers only days later.[LNB]Levein's United take on the same opponents again in the SPL on Sunday and, with the fixture list throwing up a quirk of fate, he is hoping for the same outcome.[LNB]During his three years, Levein has transformed United from perennial relegation battlers to a side with genuine aspirations of challenging the Old Firm.[LNB]But while they have significantly closed the gap on Rangers and Celtic over the past three seasons, Levein knows Walter Smith's beleaguered side remain dangerous opponents.[LNB]He said: "It's a coincidence that we're playing Rangers three years on and if it's the same result, I'd be delighted.[LNB]"It has been some three years for both clubs. Obviously, we've overhauled things here but Rangers have also gone through a lot of changes.[LNB]"Paul Le Guen was the manager in that first game but, since then, they've appointed Walter and he gave them a massive lift.[LNB]"They've not had their troubles to seek in recent weeks but, for me, that makes them dangerous.[LNB]"They are a wounded animal at the moment and we all know that when a club like Rangers gets criticised, they come out fighting.[LNB]"With Walter in charge, they have a man with loads of experience who can lead them through this."[LNB]Rangers were tipped towards crisis following their humiliation at the hands of Romanian minnows Unirea Urziceni in the Champions League two weeks ago.[LNB]News of their deepening financial problems have exacerbated the hurt at Ibrox but Levein insists they are a better side than the critics suggest.[LNB]He said: "Since the European game the other week, they've had a decent result against Hibs and got into the cup semi-final.[LNB]"It's easy to forget that they're still unbeaten in the league, although the amount of draws has cost them points.[LNB]"We only have to look to the final game of last season, when they beat us 3-0 to win the title, to see how dangerous they can be."[LNB]United were dumped out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup at St Johnstone on Tuesday and Levein said: "I'm looking for a positive reaction from the players.[LNB]"We were really disappointed with our performance and have talked about it.[LNB]"But how we bounce back is the main thing now. This is a massive game, it's against the champions and on the telly, so there are huge incentives."[LNB]United have a doubt over goalkeeper Nicky Weaver, who has a thigh strain, so player-coach Steve Banks is waiting in the wings.[LNB]Levein revealed: "Nicky joined in training on Friday but hasn't kicked a ball yet.[LNB]"He's got a thigh strain so it's a bit of a dilemma for us.[LNB]"I don't want to end up playing him with someone else taking the goal-kicks for him.[LNB]"Because if you go down that road, what do you do in open play?[LNB]"So it's a case of waiting to see, I'll give him every chance to make it.[LNB]"But if he doesn't then we've got Steve Banks, who is a top quality keeper and has loads of experience."[LNB][LNB] Dundee Utd v Rangers. Click here to bet.
