Source: Team_Talk
Levein not taking Saints lightly
Former Hearts manager Levein was delighted to see his players learn from last season, where they had to wait five games to put a league win on the board.
With memories of struggling in the early days of 2008-09 still fresh in most minds, coupled with the fact Hearts were the opponents in what was ESPN's first live SPL match, ensured United's players were fully focused on the job in hand.
They now head to Paisley for what will be a much more low key occasion against Gus MacPherson's men.
But Levein is doing his best to ensure his men maintain the same level of performance.
He said: "In a sense, going to St Mirren this weekend is likely to be more difficult than it was playing against Hearts.
"St Mirren have their first home game so they will be desperate to get up and running after losing last weekend.
"When Hearts came to us on Monday, we had a focus sharpener in that we'd lost our first game last season so the lads were desperate that wouldn't happen again.
"It was also live on television and was against Hearts, a team in Europe and a team we'd been battling with last season for places at the top end of the table.
"So everything was in place for people to perform.
"This weekend is more the bread and butter.
"There's no doubt it will be hard-fought; Gus always has his teams well organised and up for it.
"Doggedness and determination are the things which will win games like these."
United have not been to St Mirren's new stadium before so Levein knows the fixture will be a trip into the unknown.
The manager has targeted more points from away days this season so is hoping to record a perfect start at St Mirren Park.
He said: "Our away record is something I want to improve on; we want more points on the road than we got last season.
"Winning games away from home is difficult in the SPL because most teams have decent home records and there are no easy places to go.
"We've not been to St Mirren's new stadium yet so we can't say how it compares to Love Street.
"It's a bit of a step into the unknown for us; obviously we've had them watched but we won't know exactly what the place it like until we're there."
United have a doubt over star midfielder Morgaro Gomis, who injured his groin against Hearts but he will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness.
Levein revealed: "Morgaro didn't train again today so that's a wee bit of a concern.
"Usually, he's one of those lads who always says: 'Don't worry, it will be fine'. But that's a few days now.
"We'll have a look at him on Saturday morning before making a decision."
Dundee Utd 11/8, St Mirren 2/1, Draw 9/4
