Levein orders lightning start

The Tannadice manager had expressed concern his team have only been hitting top form in the second half of their matches recently, although they proved his fears were unfounded with a powerful first-half display at Hamilton last weekend.United have often left themselves playing catch-up but Levein knows from reading the statistics that teams who score first more often than not end up winning.With their place in the top six now guaranteed, United have third-placed Hearts firmly in their sights but know they have to defeat Killie to keep their European dream going.Levein said: "Last weekend against Hamilton, we started the game very well and that's what we're looking for again."In previous weeks, we had to wait until the second half to reach a level of performance."But, against Accies, we set the tone for the game early on and getting that early goal helped."At this level, it's often the case that when you take the lead, you go on to win the game."It's much easier to win being ahead in the game and that's what I've been telling the players this week."Killie have been haunted by relegation worries this season after a slump sent them spinning towards the bottom end of the table.Despite their troubles, they have beaten United twice and were responsible for ending their opponents' long unbeaten run just before Christmas.So the Tannadice players need no warning about how dangerous Jim Jefferies' team can be.Levein said: "On their day, Killie are a very good side."We've found that out to our cost this season because they have beaten us twice already."Like most of us, inconsistency has been a problem for them."Where it has cost them is that they've probably been a wee bit more inconsistent than most; that's why they're down there at the bottom end of the table."But there's no doubt they have good players and, after beating Falkirk last season, will want to go on and show that."United signed James Wesolowski on loan from Leicester and Celtic's Paul Caddis in January and both have emerged as important players.Levein targeted the pair to add depth to his squad following the loss of Willo Flood and Scott Robertson so believes their signings could prove a pivotal in his club's season.He said: "James Wesolowski has really come on to a game for us and I think he's got a big part to play between now and the end of the season."When you consider he's only about 85% fit after being out with a broken ankle for a while then his performances have been very impressive."That's one of the reasons I think we're going to finish the season strongly - because Jimbo is improving all the time and so is Paul Caddis."We brought them both in during the January window and I think they've been great additions to the squad." Dundee Utd 4/6, Draw 5/2, Kilmarnock 9/2  

Source: Team_Talk