Preview: Dundee United vs. Kilmarnock - prediction, team news, lineups

Dundee United host Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night as both sides look to end a poor run of form.

Micky Mellon 's men have only won one of their last six matches, but Killie's recent woes will give them hope of turning their fortunes around.

Match preview

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It has been a decent start to life back in the top flight of Scottish football for the Tangerines.

After winning promotion from the Championship last season, former boss Robbie Neilson departed to re-join Hearts, making the Tannadice outfit's task even harder.

Mellon came in and has steadied the ship with Dundee United's 21-point haul enough to have them in mid-table after 18 games.

Goals have been an issue for the side, though, with their 14 strikes the third-lowest total in the league and, more worryingly, seven of those have come from one man, Nicky Clark.

Nevertheless, a 1-1 draw away to a high-flying Hibernian side last time out will be deemed a very good point by United, and they will be looking to build on that result in midweek.

Kilmarnock were tipped to struggle by many at the start of the campaign and, despite a strong start, it appears that that will be the case.

Alex Dyer 's men are currently sitting in ninth place in the Scottish Premiership table and are only above the relegation playoff place courtesy of their advantageous goal difference.

The Rugby Park outfit have lost their last three games without scoring a single goal, a factor that will be of serious concern to Dyer.

If Killie are to stop the rot and pull away from the drop zone, then they are going to have to find their scoring touch once again.

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form: WDWLLD

Dundee United form (all competitions): DDWLLD

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form: LLWLLL

Kilmarnock form (all competitions): WWWLLL

Team News

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Dundee United should have leading scorer Clark available for the full 90 minutes after he made his comeback in the draw with Hibs over the weekend.

Midfielder Peter Pawlett also returned to the side at Easter Road and could feature from the off in this one.

Mellon will still be without 20-year-old Logan Chalmers, who continues to suffer from an ankle injury, as well as long-term absentee Declan Glass (knee).

Dyer has a fully fit squad to choose from, although left-back Brandon Haunstrup is suspended after his red card against Aberdeen.

Veteran midfielder Chris Burke is pivotal to how Kilmarnock play, with his five goals and three assists indicative of his importance to the side.

It will be interesting to see if Killie persist with Eamonn Brophy up front after the forward was restored from the off but failed to find the back of the net against the Dons after being dropped the previous week.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Siegrist; Smith, Connolly, Edwards, Reynolds, Robson; McNulty, Fuchs, Harkes, Sporle; Clark

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Rogers; McGowan, Broadfoot, Rossi, Waters; Kiltie, Power, Tshibola, Pinnock; Kabamba, Brophy

We say: Dundee United 1-1 Kilmarnock

This will be a game both sides are targeting to pick up three points in, but in reality neither side would complain too much if they come away with a share of the spoils. It will be a game of few chances, and one nobody will want to lose, meaning they could end up cancelling each other out.

Top betting tip

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