Rose Fit For Aberdeen

United host Aberdeen at Tannadice at three o’clock today. The fixture remains listed by United and the SPFL this morning. Jim Goodwin’s side begin sixth on twelve points, one point above the visitors, after two wins and two draws in their last four league games. Victory would move United four points clear of Aberdeen and strengthen their place in the top six. Goodwin says the group is still improving, with stronger relationships developing across a settled defence and more control through midfield.

The Courier reports that Lachie Rose is fit after the ankle knock he suffered at St Johnstone. Rose missed training early in the week because of swelling, but Jim Goodwin says he has looked sharp. Mehdi Merghem, Will Ferry and Emmanuel Agyei miss out. Goodwin says the same starting eleven has brought continuity over the last three matches, but changes remain possible for tactical reasons. He also expects the substitutes to play an important role after Abdoulaye Yoro, Neil Farrugia, Zac Sapsford and Rose all made an impact in Perth.

Goodwin believes United’s play from defence into midfield has been strong, and says the team have often been exciting from midfield forward. The missing element has been a more reliable finishing touch. He does not accept the idea that Aberdeen are in decline. He describes them as an experienced side with serious attacking threat and singles out Kevin Nisbet as one of the league’s most natural scorers. United’s focus, he says, has remained on improving their own game and avoiding the mistakes that cost them at St Johnstone.

On Aberdeen, Stephen Robinson says a virus has run through the club all week. Various players missed training, more fell ill on Friday, and selection will be left until the last minute. Stuart Armstrong says several players have been affected, but Aberdeen have a large squad and will not use illness as an excuse. The Dons are trying to record consecutive league wins for the first time this season after beating St Mirren three-one last weekend.

Jack Walton is in line to make his one hundredth United appearance. He says reaching the milestone over two spells would be a proud moment, and that he feels at home in Dundee after pushing hard to return permanently in the summer. Walton believes the Portugal camp helped a squad with many new faces build relationships. He says the back four are beginning to settle, while the goalkeeping group keep demanding more from one another. His message to the home crowd is to make Tannadice as loud as possible.

Storm Boelo is also part of the matchday picture. The Met Office yellow warning for wind covering Dundee begins at noon, with possible disruption to road and rail travel. The stronger amber warning starts at nine tonight, after the scheduled finish. The match remains scheduled for three o’clock, but supporters travelling should check the latest club, traffic and transport updates before setting off.

Sources:
SPFL
Dundee United Football Club
Dundee United Football Club
The Courier
Dundee United Football Club
Dundee United Football Club
Aberdeen Football Club
Aberdeen Football Club
Aberdeen Football Club
Dundee United Football Club
Dundee United Football Club
Met Office
Dundee United Football Club
Traffic Scotland