Preview

The final home fixture of 2016 takes place at lunchtime Christmas Eve as bottom of the table St Mirren arrive to face the Tangerines. By Ally Stewart After extending the unbeaten run to 13 games following last weekend’s goalless draw in Kirkcaldy there is a real sense of confidence ahead of the match. Recent form has propelled United into second place in the table with only goal difference maintaining Hibs' place at the summit. The festive period is always a crucial stage in the season and with a trip to Easter Road coming soon into the New Year it is therefore crucial that we aim for no less than maximum points from the next two matches - starting on Saturday. Despite their lowly position in the table we can’t take anything for granted as under Jack Ross the Paisley outfit have gained 7 points out of a possible 9 over the last few weeks and are showing clear signs of recovery. With plenty experience amongst the squad including Andy Webster, John Sutton, Rocco Quinn and Jamie Langfield their early season form perhaps belied their position to an extent. Scott Fraser and Tony Andreu were on the scoresheet in the only other meeting so far this season in October as United comfortably ran out 2-0 winners at The Paisley 2021 Stadium. The last Tannadice meeting was just over 2 years ago when a dominant Terrors side won 3-0 thanks to Paul Paton, Nadir Ciftci and Charlie Telfer. A win that day sent the Tangerines top of the Premier League – while the battle this season is a far cry from those lofty heights let’s hope there is a bit of an omen there to cling onto... On the selection front there is pretty much a full squad to choose from for Manager of the Month Ray McKinnon. Following his red card at Raith, Lewis Toshney will sit out through suspension with either Sean Dillon or Frank van der Struijk the likely replacement. Having edged closer to full fitness both Stewart Murdoch and Simon Murray are both be pushing for starting places with other changes possible as McKinnon looks to keep things fresh during a busy upcoming schedule. To say the support this season has been good would be an almighty understatement – the backing received both in terms of numbers and voice has been nothing short of immense. Every game just now is huge and this support will be needed again on Saturday to make home advantage count and keep up the pressure on Hibs at the top. Let’s get Christmas 2016 off to a flyer. Come on United!!! Full ticket info here.