Almost without anyone noticing, the Championship title battle looks to have become a two-horse race.
Livingston are the closest challengers to the leading two after their midweek win over Dumbarton but the gap to United is still seven points and they are nine behind leaders St Mirren, albeit having played a game fewer.
So with the automatic promotion party now looking like it will be held at either Tannadice or in Paisley, tonight’s clash takes on even greater significance than the two previous meetings between the sides this season.
My feeling is that a draw would suit the Tangerines just fine.
They would remain a couple of points behind their opponents in second spot going into 2018 but would have a game in hand over the Buddies (away to Queen of the South) and, most importantly, have them to play again at home on March 3.
When making a prediction for tonight’s match, it is not entirely useful to look back at the two previous clashes this season.
United lost badly at the Paisley 2021 Stadium on August 26, with goals from Lewis Morgan (two) and Ian McShane giving Saints a comfortable 3-0 win and handing the Tangerines their heaviest defeat since doing down by the same scoreline at Falkirk last February.
However, United are in much better shape now under Csaba Laszlo than they were back then and perhaps the game at Tannadice on November 4 gives a truer reflection of their well-being.
Although the Tangerines won by just 2-1 that day, the scoreline flattered the unimpressive Buddies.
United dominated their visitors in both possession and chances created, just as they have done against most of their rivals of late.
It will be tight tonight – if pushed I would predict a scoring draw – but if United don’t get beaten then they should still enjoy a happy new year when it comes.
