Dundee Utd V Livi matchday guide

Last updated : 12 December 2003 By Dov

Livingston head up the M9 motorway on their travels next, and face the fierce rivals of today’s visitors, Dundee United. The Lions faced the Arabs in this seasons CIS cup last month and done the business by winning by a Stuart Lovell goal. Lets hope this match has another happy ending…

A happy hunting ground you say?

Tannadice seems to be a stadium where Livingston seem to be able to play some good football as the Lions have won their last three matches there. Last season Livi managed to make a remarkable comeback when they were 2-0 down at half time, but goals from Gary Bollan, a great solo goal from Barry Wilson and Eugene Dadi sent the Livi supporters home happy after he scored the winner with only a couple of minutes remaining. The next match saw Marvin Andrews claim all three points when he ran 40 yards and scored with only three minutes remaining.

Are we likely to win this time?

Livingston have no reason to fear any side in the league, so there is no reason why Livi cant come back to Almondvale with all three points. All the players are full of confidence at the moment, and players such as Marvin Andrews and Lee Makel will be looking to give another 100% for Livingston’s cause.

Any players I should watch out for?


Marvin Andrews could have been a United player by now, but thankfully the big man chose to stay with Livingston. Andy McLaren is a player the Livingston will need to keep tabs on. The former Lions is only 30 years of age but he has lots of experience, and he sure knows how to cross the ball. Billy Dodds is one of the players that likes to get on the end of McLaren’s crosses, and the despite the fact that he is only 5ft 8, he is probably more prolific using his head, than his right peg. Charlie Miller likes to run midfield during the matches and Lee Makel and co will need to stamp their authority on the match early on if they are to get anything from this one.

What are Dundee United’s aims for the rest of the season?


At the start of the season, with all the cash that United spent on players, I would have said top three and Europe. But looking at the bad start to the season they have had, I would say that they should be looking to avoid relegation.

What about the stadium?


Away fans are normally housed in the Fair Play Stand at one side of the pitch, where around 1,000 supporters can be accommodated.
Dundee United supporters are situated in the impressive two-tiered George Fox Stand, running along one side of the pitch. This stand has a large lower tier and a small top tier. On the other side is the Main (South) Stand and the Fair Play Stand. The Fair Play Stand was built as an extension onto the Main Stand, a few seasons back. Both stands are two tiered, with the Fair Play Stand having an unusual roof jutting out towards the pitch. The Main Stand extends around one corner of the pitch, towards the West Stand so that this corner of the ground is filled with seating.


Prediction?

Livingston will need to start the start of the match strong if they are to take anything from this one. David Fernandez will need to hold the ball up for the midfielders to run on to, and at the other end, Marv and co will need to keep Roddy McKenzie’s goal free from any danger. If all departments do what they are supposed to, then Livingston will be too strong for United and win by two clear goals.