Match Preview: Dundee United

Ladbrokes Championship

Dundee United versus MORTON

Saturday 24 September 2016

Tannadice Park, Dundee

Kick-off 3pm

Match Preview

Just four days have passed since Morton and Dundee United went head to head at Cappielow in the Betfred Cup quarter-finals, a match in which the Ton triumphed 2-1 to book a semi-final spot, and the clubs come face to face again at Tannadice tomorrow.

Jim Duffy’s men have enjoyed a hugely positive seven days during which they ended a run of three consecutive defeats with back-to-back victories, learned they would face Aberdeen at Hampden and added two new recruits in Gavin Gunning and Andy Murdoch.

Although they head up the east coast in buoyant mood, they can be sure that they will face a doubly determined Dundee United side intent on gaining revenge for their midweek defeat in Greenock.

Manager’s Thoughts

Jim Duffy told gmfc.net: “At the end of the day, when you’ve not made a cup semi-final for 30-odd years you’re going to celebrate a little bit and to be fair there was only a bit of cheering from our players, nothing more than that.

“I think that from Dundee United’s point of view it will be more that their pride has been dented. If you lose in that type of game where you’re maybe expect to win – you’re favourites to win – you want to try and get a result in the next game to rectify it.

“Their priority is to get promotion, but our priority is to get three points. So for us it’s not about how motivated they are but how determined we should be to try and emulate the result and performance from midweek.

“It will be difficult, there’s no question about it. The game on Tuesday was really tough. I think they changes five players from the Saturday game against Falkirk, and if you look at their squad they could do the same tomorrow.

“That could freshen things up and give them a bit of impetus or the maybe the manager could throw the gauntlet down to one or two players who didn’t play.

“We don’t have that luxury because of the current injury list and the amount of work the players put in the other night. It was a fantastic effort, but adrenaline and confidence should be so hopefully that will be enough to get a performance.”

Team News

Defenders Lee Kilday (ankle ligament damage) and Ricki Lamie (hamstring) face weeks on the sidelines while Conor Pepper and Michael Tidser are still out despite joining in light training this week.

Striker Kudus Oyenuga is a major doubt having suffered a shoulder injury after an awkward fall in the match against Dundee United, one that required him to receive an X-ray on Thursday.

Goalscorer Jai Quitongo and a few others are suffering from aches and pains from the Betfred Cup quarter-final but are expected to be fit and available come tomorrow, as is new signing Andy Murdoch.

Current Connections

Defender Gavin Gunning was treated to an unfavourable reception by the away fans at Cappielow on Tuesday night and his likely to receive more of the same treatment when he returns to Tannadice for the first time since leaving Dundee United in April.

Ex-Tangerines forward Kudus Oyenuga, though, is unlikely to face his former employers due to the aforementioned shoulder injury suffered against them.

Recent Meetings

Tue 27 Feb 1996: Dundee United 4-0 Morton (First Division)

Sat 4 May 1996: Morton 2-2 Dundee United (First Division)

Tue 23 Sep 2003: Dundee United 3-1 Morton (League Cup, second round)

Tue 20 Sep 2016: Morton 2-1 Dundee United (League Cup, quarter-finals)

Last Time Out

Fantastic first-half goals from Jai Quitongo, who was later selected as man of the match by Radio Clyde DJ George Bowie, and Thomas O’Ware gave Morton a comfortable half-time lead at Cappielow in midweek.

Dutchman Nick van der Velden pulled one back early in the second half but a resilient display saw the Ton hold out for a deserved and unforgettable win as they booked their day in the sun at Hampden in the semi-finals of the Betfred Cup.

Officials

Referee: Barry Cook

Assistant one: Ralph Gordon

Assistant two: Chris Phillips

Supporters Notes

Entry is pay at the gate and admission prices are:

Adult – £20
Concession – £10

Image courtesy of Dundee United F.C.