Partick clash to provide welcome relief for Dundee United
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It has been a turbulent season thus far for Dundee United, but with speculation rife over who will be handed the reins at Tannadice, attention for now can switch to the on-pitch action.
The Terrors sit 11th in the Ladbrokes Premiership, but head to a Partick Thistle side still winless this term and one who haven’t won any of their last 13 fixtures in all competitions as they prop up the table.
United, for now led by assistant youth coach Dave Bowman following Jackie McNamara’s departure earlier this week, can also point to an excellent record at Firhill.
They’re undefeated at Partick in their last 11 visits, a run stretching back over 20 years to March 1995.
Such is their dominance in this fixture that Thistle have claimed just one win in the last 17 meetings between the clubs.
United are actually slight outsiders for the contest this weekend at 9/5, with Partick priced up by Ladbrokes at 7/5 while a draw can be backed at 23/10.
The Tangerine’s price looks particularly notable given Partick’s current form.
Alan Archilbald’s side haven’t won in the Ladbrokes Premiership since a 3-0 win over St Mirren in early May, and have suffered five straight defeats going into this weekend’s games.
Three draws in their opening four fixtures was a solid start, but those five losses in which Partick have netted just a single goal have seen them firmly cast adrift at the foot of the table.
Ahead of the game, United interim boss Bowman hasn’t been one to shirk an opinion on the cause of McNamara’s departure.
He told BBC Scotland: “Ultimately, it’s the players who cost the manager his job.
“That’s the bottom line. If the players are not performing, the manager pays the price for it.”
United are 5/2 for a top six finish this season, emphasising the quality of the squad at Tannadice Park.
Following his comments, Bowman looks set to rally the troops this weekend, and fortune may just be on his side with the Terrors’ fine history at Firhill.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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