Well derbies are always difficult to predict for all sorts of reasons. Form tends to go out the window and a statistician will tell you that
The way the two sets of fans are approaching the game is rather strange in my view. The United fans are talking about starting elevens and reflecting on which tactics Smith should employ, whereas the Dundee fans seem to be quietly confident that their superior players (in their view of course) will end the 90 minutes triumphant.
Their recent record against United isn’t too hot however and their last derby victory is rapidly becoming a distant memory but as I’ve said that will count for nothing on a day when both sets of fans will be as vocal as they ever become.
If United maintain their second half form from last week I can’t see past a comfortable victory – and the very fact that we’ve yet to win an SPL game this season will surely provide an incentive for the players to get the result at their own ground.
All sorts of permutations are possible on the playing front, as it seems that with each roll of his ever despairing dice Alex Smith pulls another surprise out of the bag! His bizarre selection of Derek Lilley at right midfield last week certainly didn’t go very far to reassure those doubters who are suggesting his grasp of tactics is not as good as others might assert!
Certainly the team seemed very much more balanced with his two half-time substitutions, although as I have written on this site half-time substitutions are possibly the actions of a man who knows his job will shortly be on the line. I’m looking for a starting place for Gunlauggson, perhaps at Miller’s expense – but then Charlie proved his value when he came on at halt time against Motherwell and it’s equally hard to see him being omitted from the starting eleven.
Craig Easton is a player I’ve always had a lot of time for, but his form so far this season has been somewhat erratic and I wonder whether he might be the player to drop out to allow a midfield pairing of Miller and the Icelander. McCunnie is another who’s form has been poor of late and I reckon it’s time for him to be rested for a few games with a full back pairing of Duff and new boy Cummings (who impressed on his debut) looking a firm possibility.
Lauchlan’s form has been poor also but I think Smith’s loyalty will prevent a disruption to the central defensive partnership of the
Up front, it’s easy to see that his
Starting eleven prediction: Gallacher; Duff, Lauchlan, McGowne, Cummings; Miller, Gunlauggson, McIntyre,
Subs: Jarvie,
As for the result? Well the last few Tannadice games have been tight affairs but I’m going to stick my neck on the line and plump for an emphatic 3-0 United win!