Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
United must put floor during big
THE beginning of advent this week brought sweet treats for children (and adults) each morning as cardboard doors and tin foil wrappers were ripped open across the country.
The calendar in Dundee United boss Micky Mellon’s office will look a little different, however, with the Tangerines facing up to six formidable festive fixtures this month.
Will it be famine or feast for United? Likely somewhere in between as they look to build on a strong start to their first season back in the top flight since Championship promotion.
The Terrors currently lie fifth in the Premiership standings and will be hoping to hold on to that top-six spot going into the new year.
Today Tele Sport assess what lies in store for United in December as they look to do just that.
Saturday, December 5 LIVINGSTON (A)
A trip to managerless Livi this weekend provides a delicious offering for a Tangerines side hoping to build on a 2-1 win over Hamilton a fortnight ago and extend their seven-match unbeaten run.
Following Gary Holt’s surprise departure last week and a run of five games without a win in the league, the West Lothian outfit could be vulnerable.
However, under the guidance of No 2 Davie Martindale, there were no signs of weakness as the Lions thrashed Ayr 4-0 in the Betfred Cup on Saturday.
Their last win in the league was against United back in October but
Terrors gaffer Mellon has refined his side since then.
They look a different animal and, if they can find their scoring touch again, should win through.
Verdict: Three points.
Sunday, December 13 RANGERS (H)
Steven Gerrard’s Gers are absolutely purring right now as they seek their first league title in a decade and bid to stop Old Firm rivals Celtic’s 10-in-a-row.
Unbeaten, 11 points clear at the top of the Premiership, while scoring goals for fun and not letting many in at the other end, it will be a tough ask for United to get anything from this one.
However, with a stoic defence and home advantage, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility for the Terrors to frustrate the league leaders like they did the champions back in August.
We all know what happened that day, though, as the Hoops scored late to take all three points.
Unfortunately, I can see it being a very similar story for United against their Glasgow neighbours.
Verdict: No points.
Saturday, December 19 HIBS (A)
The Hibees are another side who have impressed this season with their attacking play and early pacesetting form.
However, things have tailed off a little for Jack Ross’ men in recent weeks, without a win in their last three league matches, but they still possess quality United should be wary of.
In Kevin Nisbet, they have the league’s second top scorer, trickery and guile from the likes of Martin Boyle and Jamie Murphy and a safe pair of hands between the sticks in Ofir Marciano.