Dunfermline host Dundee United in one of the most eagerly-anticipated matches of the season thus far. The Pars are top of the Championship and are scoring goals for fun, while the Tangerines may be finding top form at the right time. Our football writer Ian Roache looks at four key match-ups ahead of the East End Park encounter.
Ryan Williamson v Paul McMullan
Williamson will go into this game feeling as tall as the towers on the Queensferry Crossing after being called up for the Scotland under-21 squad. The right-back has been in sparkling form for the Pars this season. He could find his match in McMullan, though, with the former Dunfermline man likely to be handful on the left flank. His pace and trickery could keep Williamson busy.
Kallum Higginbotham v Jamie Robson
Higgingbotham has been instrumental in Dunfermline’s successful start to the season. He slaughtered St Mirren’s Stelios Demetrious, so much so that the Buddies’ left-back was hooked at half-time in that match. That all adds up to a real challenge for United’s Jamie Robson, who is very highly thought of but has struggled at times.
Declan McManus v Mark Durnan
The outcome of the game is likely to hinge on how well United’s defenders cope with the home attacking threat. The Tangerines are short of fit defenders due to injury and illness but we can still expect the central pairing to be Durnan and William Edjenguele. McManus has scored six times this season, including one apiece in the recent wins over St Mirren and Brechin, so his confidence will be sky-high.
Callum Morris v Scott McDonald
It is extremely possible that McDonald is the United player Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston fears most going into this game. He was sharp and alert to pounce for the winner against Morton and looks happy in a two alongside James Keatings. The visitors will look to stretch the Pars at the back and get in behind Morris and his colleagues. The ex-United defender, though, is looking solid and poses a real threat at setpieces at the other end of the park.
