Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Their foot to the festive period
However, home hasn’t necessarily been a happy hunting ground for the Hibees this term, with four draws and a defeat from their seven matches.
The Tangerines can take something from this one.
Verdict: One point.
Wednesday, December 23 KILMARNOCK (H)
The 4-0 defeat in Ayrshire back in August will go down as the low point of United’s season so far.
It’s a result the players will be eager to put right and give themselves and the fans an early Christmas present.
They dominated Killie at Rugby Park in the summer but silly individual errors cost the Tangerines on the day.
Thankfully, those kind of mistakes are no longer associated with Micky Mellon’s team.
Verdict: Three points.
Saturday, December 26 MOTHERWELL (H)
Boxing Day brings the Steelmen to town as Stephen Robinson pits his wits against Mellon and his men.
Neither side are particularly potent in front of goal but, after a dreadful start to the campaign, ’Well have found their feet in recent times.
Tony Watt and Mark O’Hara are key for Robinson’s side going forward, while Scotland centre-half Declan Gallagher won’t give United’s frontline an inch.
At Fir Park back in August, United ran out deserved 1-0 winners and should have enough to edge Motherwell out again.
Verdict: Three points.
Wednesday, December 30 CELTIC (A)
Who knows what the situation will be at Parkhead at the turn of the year as boss Neil Lennon’s future hangs in the balance.
What is for certain, though, is a trip to the East End of Glasgow is always daunting with the players they possess.
Arguably, however, it’s a good time for United to play the champions, with the Hoops having won just twice in their last 10 games in all competitions after being dumped out of Europe and the Betfred Cup.
The night-time clash will also represent Celtic’s eighth game of the month and comes just before the second Old Firm derby of the season on January 2.
The picture will likely be very different, though, as the Celts focus fully on the Premiership, with the Scottish Cup Final out of the way, and cutting Rangers’ lead at the top.
There’s just too much riding on this for Celtic and I expect they’ll show up on the night.
Verdict: No points.
Total: 10 points.