Saints v Dundee United Preview

The hardest defeat to take was last month in the Scottish Cup. Having gone 2-0 down, Saints had clawed it back to 2-2 and a replay was looking likely until United scored in injury time. Various dodgy refereeing decisions made it an even worse defeat to take, so Saints will be desperate to get their own back tomorrow. Perhaps actually playing the full 90 minutes, rather than when we go 2-0 down, may help us in our quest.

For the first time since the start of the season Saints will have a few new signings on display tomorrow. Midfielders Stephen O'Donnell and Paul Lawson should feature at some stage, although it's unlikely that both will start. O'Donnell in particular will be desperate to feature against one of his former clubs. Fellow new boy Eddie Malone will have to wait a while for his debut as he is currently suspended.

The first half performance in our last game against Aberdeen was atrocious, and changes must be made. We already know there will be at least one change, with Simon Lappin now at Norwich City. However, there need to be more. Andy Millen and Kevin McGowne need to be dropped with the excellent John Potter returning. At least one of Lawson or O'Donnell should start in midfield as well to freshen things up We have the players to beat Dundee United, if we use them effectively and correctly.

United are on a poor run of form at the moment, like ourselves, and we are the only team they have beaten in 2007. Their new signings have yet to make an impact for them, which should ensure tomorrow is the day and they pick up their first league win of the year! Barry Robson has harmed us already this season and could do so again (if he's not suspended), whilst Collin Samuel or Noel Hunt could take the mickey out of our defence if even one of McGowne and Millen features.

We could do with a win to ensure we're at least eight points ahead of Dunfermline tomorrow evening, but I can't see it. Dundee United to win 2-0.