United fans may be frustrated at what they are witnessing this season but they are simply hitting the downside of the natural cycle which all provincial clubs follow. They were good – very good – and then in a short space of time lost Webster, Gomis, Buaben, Conway and Goodwillie, a clutch of players who would be highly regarded almost anywhere in the SPL. Previous talents have also declined as Scott Robertson isn’t the same player as before his injury and Willo Flood has never recovered from moving to Celtic.
They are not to be underestimated though and a gritty win over Hearts last week brought them back into the fight for a top six place. It is hard to see them really challenging for Europe this season but it would still not be a complete shock were we to slip up. There is also the threat of Jon Daly, someone who seems to score against us with an ease which is positively alarming.
On our side there is no reason not to be optimistic. Saunders and McHugh are injured and Clancy completes his ban but Stephen Hughes is a week fitter and can be considered for the bench. Higdon has emerged from his scoring slump and the previously quiet Daley will hope to build on his superb goal last week – though cynics will say this brief burst of action is the only thing keeping him in the team given the rest of his performance.
Our record at home is not nearly as impressive as on our travels and against a United side content with a point or attempting to steal a winner against the run of play, there is little reason to think we will hit the heights. A win, in our own gritty style, is surely not beyond us though and hopefully we can celebrate a 2-1 success on Saturday evening.
Remember the last time United visited?
Source: FOOTYMAD
