Talking point

United’s players and fans will need to be patient today if, as expected, Dumbarton dig themselves in. That will be easier said than done, however, especially with the pressing need to get back on track after the St Mirren loss.

“That’s football, though, and you get bad results.

“We have to work on what we did wrong and start picking up results again.”

The Tangerines could hand a starting jersey today to striker Patrick N’Koyi, who scored the breakthrough goal in their 3-1 win in the Irn-Bru Cup last Saturday.

Stanton has been impressed by the Congolese Dutchman, saying: “Patrick has done really well in the cup games and made a real difference when he has come on as a substitute.

“So he offers us a different route to goal compared to the other strikers. “He is a bit more of a target man. “We can play a bit differently when he is in the side.”

Meanwhile, Sons boss Stephen Aitken has asked his players to repeat last season’s fine displays against United even though they are virtually a brand new team.

He said: “It would be fantastic to do as well again against United this season, especially as I think they have strengthened their squad.

“If you finish above them this season then I think you will have won the league.

“However, our ambitions are not as lofty as we are looking to just stay in the Championship but we want to go there and be competitive.”

Skipper Andy Dowie is suspended with Grant Gallagher and Danny Handling remaining out injured.

Dundee United’s Irn-Bru Cup game against Linfield will be played on Saturday October 7, kick-off 5.15pm, and will be live on BBC Alba. Brechin