Dundee United’s trip to Ross County today might just be the biggest game of the Championship season so far.
The pair have already met this term, when the Staggies hammered the Tangerines 5-1 at Tannadice in September.
This time, though, the meeting of the pair who were pre-season favourites for promotion comes with both in a fine vein of form.
And while surprise leaders Ayr United cannot be dismissed from the equation, for many this clash will give the biggest indication so far of who is most likely to live up to that billing.
Just a third of the way into the season, however, experienced United defender William Edjenguele believes such talk is premature.
Make no mistake about it, the big Frenchman knows this is an important game.
He also believes the twists and turns that will inevitably come in the months ahead mean it’s way too early to say how the season is going to unfold.
“How many games are we in, 12 or something? Don’t get me wrong, Ross County are a good side and we are going to be able to test ourselves against them and see where we are,” he said.
“But a big game? It’s still early so I would not put a name on it, other than to say it’s a chance for three more points and to get us closer to the top.
“That’s about it. They are doing well, so are we and we want to be up with them, so we want to win.
“That’s how I see it. It is a chance to see our progress and to keep moving forward.”
On a personal level, for Edjenguele this is set to be another chance to show fans he’s still alive and kicking.
Used sparingly since his return from a broken foot in the early part of the year, he was drafted in at the last minute for last week’s win over Queen of the South after Frederic Frans pulled up injured in the warm-up.
With Frans only returning to training today, Edjenguele looks set to be in the starting line-up again. And he’s determined to make the most of an opportunity he’s had to wait patiently for but knew would come under new gaffer Robbie Neilson (right).
“I’ve had a tough few months, almost a year in fact, between injury and not playing and that was going from playing a lot,” he added.
“It was tough but when the manager came in we had a chat and from that chat I was happy to make sure I was ready.
“Don’t get me wrong, I will always work hard and be ready to play, but I have bought into what he is trying to do here.
“When he spoke to me he was honest with me and I went with that.
“I wanted to know if I was still in the squad, just for some honesty about my situation and that’s what I got from him.
“I didn’t want him to beat around the bush and he didn’t.
“Going into last Saturday I felt I had to be ready because you never know when you’re going to be called on.
“It was unfortunate for Freddy because he’s been doing so well for the team but it gave me the chance to go and show that I am still here and I can do a job for the team.
“It’s great to be involved again and we are going well.”
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