Aberdeen Preview

Dundee United’s bid to retain their Scottish Premiership status continues tonight with a vital match against North-East rivals Aberdeen at Tannadice. By Michael Blackley Two spirited victories – coupled with a poor run of results for second-bottom Kilmarnock – has left survival within United’s grasp. While no Arab is in any doubt that their team still faces a huge battle ahead, Killie’s defeat at home to Ross County last night gives United the opportunity to close the gap to five points – with a game in hand. And the Tangerines go into the match in a fine run of form, which has seen them pick up ten points from the last 15, as well as two Scottish Cup victories. Saturday’s 3-0 win in Dingwall was also United’s most resounding away  victory of the season, which will inspire renewed confidence. At yesterday’s press conference, Mixu Paatalainen said results and performances have both been better in recent weeks, which “gives us hope”. And he praised “man mountain” midfielder Paul Paton, whose return to the side has helped inspire the recent revival, not least with his two goals in the last two games. Callum Morris remains out, while Guy Demel is facing a fitness battle ahead of tonight’s match, but Mixu otherwise has a full squad to choose from. They face an Aberdeen side which has done well to challenge Celtic at the top of the table all season. However, an impressive seven game winning run recently came to an end with defeat in Inverness, followed by a home draw against St Johnstone on Saturday. Leading marksman Adam Rooney is missing for the visitors, while wide man Johnny Hayes is also out injured. United have failed to pick up a point against Aberdeen this season, in contrast to last season when the clubs both won two league matches apiece, while United also won a League Cup semi final against their North East rivals. With United now eight points behind second-bottom Kilmarnock with two games in hand, avoiding relegation is now in their own hands. With the backing of a noisy Tannadice crowd under the floodlights tonight, they will hope to make it three invaluable league wins on the trot – giving them a real chance of getting off bottom spot. Come on United! Ticket Info: Prices for the home support are as follows:- Season Ticket voucher 16 applies.  Please also note that admission to the George Fox Stand (Upper and Lower tiers) as well as the Eddie Thompson Stand Upper and Lower is by seat specific matchday ticket (purchased in advance at the ticket centre or online at dufc.co) or season ticket only. United fans can purchase admission at the cash turnstiles of the Jerry Kerr on the day of the game.  Please note the Jerry Kerr is an upper tier stand. We would respectfully request that all tickets, including season tickets, are used for the specific seat number detailed on the ticket to ensure that all supporters can readily and safely be seated. Season ticket holders who find their seat taken should speak to the nearest matchday steward for assistance.  The Ticket Centre in Tannadice Street sells matchday tickets until kick-off although it is advisable to purchase in good time ahead of the game. Online orders can be placed at dufc.co/tickets/ until 3pm on the day of this game. Tickets ordered (online or by phone) for collection and/or after the postal deadline must be uplifted from the Ticket Centre. The Aberdeen support is allocated the Jim McLean Fair Play Stand Upper and Lower tiers, plus the West Stand.  Tickets for the away support are available from Aberdeen FC. *Full time students must be in possession of a valid photo matric to qualify for a pre purchased concession ticket for the George Fox Lower tier, entry via gate 33 (home fans), and the Fair Play Lower, entry via gate 16 (away fans). Please be aware that proof of age may be requested for concession prices. Supporters please note that all tickets purchased by telephone and sent out by recorded delivery are subject to a handling charge of £2.25 per ticket (up to a maximum charge of £9 per total order in respect of orders for multiple tickets). The Health Safety Team at the Club have asked that Dundee United remind all supporters that they should mainly remain seated during a match in the interest of their own and other spectators’ safety. All fans are respectfully requested to conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring the Club and its supporters into disrepute and adhere to the Dundee United Ground Regulations. Please click here for information on Unacceptable Conduct.