First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
United are looking to make it a clean sweep of derby victories this season against neighbours Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday and Paul Sturrock believes a repeat of the last visit there will do the trick.
Way back in October, the Tangerines won 2-0 at Dens in a game that Paul rates one of the best performances of the season.
"We played very well that night and that is the kind of performance I want to see tomorrow as we try to give the fans another derby win," he says. "That would be nice for them when they go back to work on Monday, but for us the most important thing is getting another three points to help us finish as high up the league as possible."
United look like being boosted by the presence of Hugh Davidson. The wide man hurt a knee against Celtic on Tuesday night but was back in full training on Friday and expected to be in the squad. "Hugh gives me another option and with Darren Patterson back in the squad the other decision I have to make is whether or not David McCracken keeps his place in the defence or I go with more experience."
If Paul decides to make a couple of changes and opts to use more seasoned campaigners for this one, Maurice Malpas could also feature.
He was rested for the Celtic game, but will be ready to play if needed.
The derby has been a good fixture for United this season, with the three games so far yielding 2-1 and 1-0 wins at Tannadice as well as that October victory. However, the last clash of the city rivals was back on December 12 and Paul feels next season they should be more evenly spaced.
"The whole town looks forward to this game, but after having three in just over four months, we've had to wait five months for the fourth," he points out. "I'd like to think the people who draw up the schedules could do a bit better next season."
Way back in October, the Tangerines won 2-0 at Dens in a game that Paul rates one of the best performances of the season.
"We played very well that night and that is the kind of performance I want to see tomorrow as we try to give the fans another derby win," he says. "That would be nice for them when they go back to work on Monday, but for us the most important thing is getting another three points to help us finish as high up the league as possible."
United look like being boosted by the presence of Hugh Davidson. The wide man hurt a knee against Celtic on Tuesday night but was back in full training on Friday and expected to be in the squad. "Hugh gives me another option and with Darren Patterson back in the squad the other decision I have to make is whether or not David McCracken keeps his place in the defence or I go with more experience."
If Paul decides to make a couple of changes and opts to use more seasoned campaigners for this one, Maurice Malpas could also feature.
He was rested for the Celtic game, but will be ready to play if needed.
The derby has been a good fixture for United this season, with the three games so far yielding 2-1 and 1-0 wins at Tannadice as well as that October victory. However, the last clash of the city rivals was back on December 12 and Paul feels next season they should be more evenly spaced.
"The whole town looks forward to this game, but after having three in just over four months, we've had to wait five months for the fourth," he points out. "I'd like to think the people who draw up the schedules could do a bit better next season."
