Match Preview

United face a huge early season match this Sunday at home to Championship rivals Dunfermline. With the all important first league game of the season only a week away it would be a huge boost for United if they can progress out of a tough group in the Betfred League Cup. By Gareth Scott With Inverness now on top of the group and facing Arbroath in their final game the likelihood is that the winner of the United v Pars match will take one of the best runners up spots and move on to the knock out stage of the competition. With the game being on Sunday, both clubs will know exactly what they need to do come 3pm. Last time out Allan Johnston's men were hammered 5-1 at home by ICT and they will be looking to bounce back with a positive result. United had a good draw in the Highlands last Saturday and secured the extra point on penalties so confidence is high in the home ranks, particularly after the last home performance against Cowdenbeath. Naturally promotion is the priority this season for all Arabs but United are traditionally a good cup side and the fans will want to see the team progress. Dunfermline visited Tannadice in the league cup last season as a League One side and despite there being two divisions between the sides at the time they put on a great show. They had a tremendous backing on the night and in the end extra time goals from Fraser and Spittal ensured United won through to the next round. United will be looking for a win in regulation time on this occasion. Ray McKinnon is certainly making his mark on the United squad and it is shaping up nicely for the season ahead. Scott Fraser looks set to be fit again which may alter the formation up front. If the game comes to soon for Paul Dixon, who injured his knee last weekend, then it will be interesting to see how the defence lines up. The major positive so far has been the form of Cammy Bell and therefore the hope is that the team in front of him can play in a confident, positive way. The bookies have United and Dunfermline as two of the stronger teams in the Championship so this should give us an early indication of how United are shaping up. The game has been chosen for live broadcast on BT Sport but the kick off time remains 3pm. C'mon United !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Prices for this League Cup tie are as follows: Adults: £15 Concessions (65+, Under-18s, FTS, Disabled): £5 Admission to this match is by paying at the turnstiles on the day of the game whilst tickets for the central section of the George Fox Lower and Upper Stands are available now in person at the Tannadice Ticket Centre, via telephone with credit/debit card to hand on 01382 833166 (option 1) and online.  Please note the Tannadice Ticket Centre is open from 9am – 1pm on Saturday 30 July and 1pm until 3pm on Sunday 31 July. The Dunfermline support is allocated the West Stand. Full info here.