I never thought at the start of the season that I would be writing bylines like that but it’s a sad reflection on the state United find themselves in that one quarter of the way into the season we face what could well be a relegation cruncher! After last week’s debacle we face the second bottom SPL team in a match which should we lose will see us cast adrift at the bottom of the table.
There were no great surprises in the team selection last week, and although Hegarty has promised changes for tomorrow’s match it’s hard to know how much confidence he can inspire in a team that’s yet to win an SPL game at home, and that must put considerable pressure on the players, or at least on those who care.
Many have been calling for a “big name” to be brought in as manager, and no-one knows for sure what Eddie Thompson’s thoughts are on the matter, but one thing’s for certain and that’s if we lose against Thistle Mr Hegarty may as well look out the directions to the nearest Job Centre.
McCracken is set for a come back to the first team, and not before time given the shocking defensive lapses shown by our centre halves in recent weeks, but beyond that it’s hard to know what changes might inspire success on the park.
A change in formation might indicate that Hegarty isn’t Smith in disguise, but although almost every fan I’ve met agreed that the 3-5-2 employed in the second half against Hibs at Easter Road produced one of the best performances seen this season, there appears little chance of our interim manager changing things that dramatically.
I visited Firhill on Tuesday night (in the home end I hasten to add) and would have to say that if we can’t beat Thistle at Tannadice we may as well give up and prepare for the first division. They’re really no great shakes, and I think their fighting performance against Celtic at Firhill must have been an aberration!
Predictions?
Och surely that 3-0 United win is bound to materialise eventually, but I’ll be more realistic and suggest a narrow 2-1 victory instead.