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

Dundee United's search for their first victory of the Scottish Premiership campaign will continue on Saturday when they host St Johnstone at Tannadice Park.

The visitors have not been enjoying much more success themselves as they have averaged a point per game across the opening seven.

Match preview

Dundee United have had a torrid start to the 2022-23 campaign across the opening seven matches, and they are the only team in the Scottish top flight without a victory.

The poor performances have left the Terrors bottom of the league heading into this weekend, but that could all change with their maiden win.

Kilmarnock currently sit just two points above them, but Dundee United have not managed to pick up any positive results at Tannadice Park yet, with their two draws taking place away from home.

A big reason for that is the poor defensive displays that the Terrors have been showcasing, as they have conceded 20 times already this season.

While Dundee United need to tighten up at the back, they also must begin to focus on the attacking side of their game having managed to score just three times so far.

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The fact that the hosts have been struggling for goals is something that St Johnstone will likely be pleased to hear considering the fact they have been playing well defensively as of late.

The Saints have kept consecutive clean sheets heading into Sunday's match, which should provide plenty of confidence for the squad.

However, St Johnstone were unable to find the back of the net themselves in their most recent performance, with their game against Ross County ending in a goalless draw.

Prior to that, Craig Davidson's squad did record an emphatic 3-0 win over St Mirren, and a repeat of that performance would be welcomed by the fans this weekend.

St Johnstone's previous away match was a five-goal thriller that saw them come out second best against Hearts, despite goals from Graham Carey and Andrew Considine.

Team News

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New Dundee United boss Liam Fox will be looking to implement his own ideas onto the team now he is in charge, which means there could be a slightly fresh look and formation to how they set up this weekend.

Tony Watt is likely to retain his place up front though, with his experience and goal threat being something that will prove vital to their efforts to survive this season.

Peter Pawlett was sidelined for the Terrors before the international break with an Achilles problem, but the rest may have proved to be long enough for him to return to full fitness.

After consecutive clean sheets for the visitors, Remi Matthews will be keeping his place in between the sticks on Saturday in a bid to extend that run of good form.

The combination of Nicky Clark and Stevie May up front is something that Davidson might look to tap into once again, with their attacking experience likely to be important on Saturday.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Eriksson; Smith, Edwards, Mulgrew, Graham, Behich; McGrath, Devitt, Harkes, Niskanen; Watt

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Matthews; Wright, Mitchell, Gordon, Considine, Montgomery; Hallberg, Murphy, McGowan; May, Clark

We say: Dundee United 0-3 St Johnstone

St Johnstone will see this as the perfect opportunity to extend their two-game unbeaten run considering the fact that their opponents are having such a difficult start to the season.

Dundee United have struggled drastically with their defensive performances, and that is something that the visitors are more than likely to exploit.

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