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

The visitors head into the game on the back of a win, which was their only one to this point in the campaign following their opening three games.

Match preview

Despite a strong 2021-22 campaign when they finished in fourth place, Dundee United have had a difficult start to the new campaign, having failed to win in their opening three matches.

The Terrors kickstarted their SPL season with a draw against Kilmarnock, but it was a disappointing one as they conceded a 91st-minute equaliser to share the points.

Following on from that Jack Ross has witnessed his team lose 1-0 to Livingston and 4-1 against Hearts, which are results the squad now look to put behind them.

On top of that, Dundee United suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat at the hands of AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of their Europa Conference League third-qualifying round, despite the fact they won the first game 1-0.

With a mixed bag of results across all competitions to kickstart the season, the Terrors need to find some consistency in order to start making the necessary progress they want.

The visitors have only won a single game so far, showcasing that they are not in the strongest of form themselves, but that win did take place in their most recent outing.

That took place against Ross County with Richard Tait's 50th-minute goal being enough to separate the two teams on that particular day, which they will be hoping to repeat on Saturday.

Prior to that, the Buddies were defeated by Motherwell and Aberdeen, with one issue for the squad being their attacking capabilities as they have only scored twice across the three games.

St Mirren will need to address that situation in order to pick up more points as the season goes on, especially since this was a problem for them in the previous campaign as well.

Only the two teams who were relegated ended up scoring fewer goals than them in the 2021-22 season, which showcases that this is a long-term issue.

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

Dundee United form (all competitions):

St Mirren Scottish Premiership form:

St Mirren form (all competitions):

Team News

Steven Fletcher came off the bench to score for Dundee United in their most recent outing, and considering their need for goals and the experience the striker brings, he could be used from the start this time around.

Glenn Middleton is another attacker that will likely be featured early on to provide some width to the team while Charlie Mulgrew should be in the heart of the midfield.

Steve Robinson might look to make no changes at all to his St Mirren starting lineup after they won their first game of the season, especially since the squad kept a clean sheet as well.

The three-at-the-back system that the Buddies operate is something different from their opponents, and that could end up working in their favour, particularly when it comes to their wide options.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Birighitti; Smith, Edwards, Graham, Behich; McGrath, Mulgrew, Harkes; Fletcher, Middleton, Watt

St Mirren possible starting lineup:

Carson; Fraser, Shaughnessy, Dunne; Strain, Baccus, Erhahon, Kiltie, Tait; Ayunga, Main

We say: Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren

Dundee United may not have won a game in the Scottish Premiership this season, but they do have a squad capable of picking up results, and this could be the turning point for them.

St Mirren will be sure to provide a stern taste for the hosts in this particular encounter, but it is one that the Terrors may just edge.

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