Where Hibs clash will be won or lost

FRIDAY night’s clash of the Championship top two has been billed as Dundee United’s biggest game of the season so far.

A win for the Tangerines sees them draw level with leaders Hibs — lose and six points is a big old gap to close as the race for promotion heats up.

And, with a bumper crowd set to rock up at Tannadice to see the best two teams in the league battle it out under the lights, it promises to be a contest to savour.

With the match still a couple of days away and the two managers finalising plans for the clash, the Tele have put together what could turn out to be the key battles on the pitch.

Mark Durnan and William Edjenguele v Brian Graham and Martin Boyle

Durnan has been in fine form for United over the past couple of months, defending well and popping up with important goals.

He’s become an important part of the backline but he and partner William Edjenguele will have to work hard against the Hibs front two.

The visitors’ last game — an easy 4-0 win over Queen of the South — saw Graham partner Boyle up top ahead of Grant Holt and Jason Cummings.

Both got on the scoresheet and it looks likely former United man Graham and pacey ex-Dundee forward Boyle will line up again.

Simon Murray v Darren McGregor

At the other end of the park, Murray looks set to continue his recent run of four consecutive starts.

He’s picked up two goals in those games and is always a threat with his direct approach.

Of the Hibs centre-backs, it’s been ex-Rangers defender McGregor who’s been gaining the plaudits from manager Neil Lennon.

“An animal defensively, hungry, quick, strong — (rubbish) on the ball,” was the way his gaffer referred to him.

He’s not as fast as his manager says, though, so Murray will be keen to take him on in a foot race as often as possible.