Match Preview: Dundee United
MORTON versus Dundee United
Saturday 9 December 2017
Cappielow Park, Greenock
Kick-off 3pm
Match Preview
Morton are back at Cappielow tomorrow aiming to build on a brilliant 4-1 win over Brechin as they go from facing the team at the bottom of the Ladbrokes Championship to the side at the summit inside seven days.
That emphatic victory over the division’s basement club saw Jim Duffy’s men claim maximum points for a second successive league fixture following a 3-0 win at Falkirk.
The Sinclair Street side’s wider form is also impressive, having now lost just one of their last seven matches with a record that reads: three wins, three draws, and one defeat.
That has pushed them above Queen of the South and pulled them level on points with Dunfermline in fourth, as well as taking them to within seven points of the table toppers who just so happen to be tomorrow’s opponents.
A third successive league victory, therefore, would see the Ton cut the gap on the Tangerines to four points whilst launching themselves right back into promotion mix.
The Tannadice outfit, though, still arrive in Inverclyde as firm pre-match favourites, having won four of their last five league fixtures, including triumphs over St Mirren and Dunfermline, to climb to the top of the pile.
Hungarian coach Csaba Laszlo, formerly Hearts boss between 2008 and 2010, has steered them to the summit with two wins and a draw since taking charge last month.
And so, despite their own confident frame of mind and fine form, it will be no mean feat for the hosts to turn over the Tannadice outfit on home turf in another highly-anticipated Cappielow clash.
Manager’s Thoughts
Team News
Long-term absentee Lee Kilday remains sidelined, as does goalkeeper Jamie McGowan, who was added to the injury list after suffering a dislocated shoulder, albeit he is currently on loan at Troon in any case.
Midfielder Connor McManus, however, has joined in full training this week and could make the matchday squad for the first time since starting against Falkirk on 30 September.
Current Connections
Morton frontman Robert Thomson is a product of the Dundee United youth academy and made two first-team appearances, coming off the bench in matches against St Mirren and Dundee in season 2012/13.
Dundee United recruited Paul McMullan in the summer following his release by Celtic, from whom he spent three months of the 2015/16 season on loan with us here at Cappielow, scoring one goal in 11 appearances.
Recent Meetings
Sat 6 May 2017: Morton 1-1 Dundee United (Ladbrokes Championship)
Tue 9 May 2017: Morton 1-2 Dundee United (Ladbrokes Premiership promotion play-off, first leg)
Fri 12 May 2017: Dundee United 3-0 Morton (Ladbrokes Premiership promotion play-off, second leg)
Sat 23 Sep 2017: Dundee United 2-1 Morton (Ladbrokes Championship)
Last Time Out
Jim Duffy’s men were on course for a share of the spoils when substitute Bob McHugh, who came on after Jai Quitongo was forced off with a tight hamstring, scored on 75 minutes to cancel out James Keatings’ opener
But Australian international McDonald forced the ball over the line seven minutes from time to edge Ray McKinnon’s men back in front.
Ton’s frustration was magnified at the death when Robert Thomson’s injury-time header appeared to be blocked by a home arm but was missed by referee Alan Muir and the hosts held on for a 2-1 win.
Officials
Referee: Gavin Duncan
Assistant one: Sean Carr
Assistant two: Simon MacLean
Supporters Notes
Supporters are asked to purchase tickets in advance for all home fixtures where possible in order to avoid excessive queues at the ticket office.
Fans without a season card can purchase briefs from the following outlets:
Cappielow – During office hours, 9am – 5pm.
Smiths of Greenock – During opening hours, 9am – 5.30pm.
Sinclair Street ticket office – Matchday, from 11am to 3pm.
The fixture against the Tannadice outfit can also be pre-loaded to fan cards on Interstadia’s dedicated club website, www.gmfctickets.co.uk.
Admission Prices
Tickets purchased after 1pm on a matchday are priced at:
Adults – £20*
Concessions – £15
Children aged 12-16 – £5
Children under 12^ – Free
*£2 from each adult admission will be invested directly into our youth development programme.
^ Children under 12 who do not have a season card or fan card will be required to collect a match ticket with a scannable barcode from our ticket office on the day of the game and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
However, fans who purchase tickets in advance – prior to 1pm on matchday – will enjoy a freeze upon last year’s pay-at-the-gate prices and these are:
Adults – £18
Concessions – £15
Children aged 12-16 – £5
Children under 12^ – Free
If you do intend to purchase a ticket at Cappielow after 1pm, please allow for the fact that there may be a queue at the ticket office.
Car park arrangements are the same as for last Saturday’s fixture against Brechin City: https://gmfc.net/2017/12/01/car-park-information-for-brechin-city-fixture/
Image: David Bell
