With one game remaining until the Scottish Premiership splits into two sections, Livingston will aim to break into the top half when they take on relegation-threatened Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.
Livingston moved to within a point of the top six after defeating St Johnstone last weekend, while Dundee United find themselves outside of the bottom two on goal difference, despite a run of two straight wins.
Match preview
© Reuters
Dundee United head into Saturday's clash on the back of a 2-1 victory at Motherwell, as the Tangerines came from behind to claim back-to-back wins for the first time since January, courtesy of second-half goals from Ilmari Niskanen and Jamie McGrath.
Jim Goodwin's men defeated Hibernian by the same scoreline the weekend before, with McGrath snatching all three points for his side via a 90th-minute penalty.
Dundee United endured an 11-game winless run between early January and early April, while Liam Fox was sacked as manager following five straight losses in late February, opening the door for Jim Goodwin.
Having taken eight points from a possible 18 since the managerial change – recording two wins, two draws and two losses – it appears as if Dundee United are heading in the right direction under Goodwin.
That said, the Tangerines hold the joint-worst defensive record in the division, having conceded 58 goals in 32 games this season, so the new boss must tighten things up at the back if he is to steer the club clear of relegation trouble.
© Reuters
Following back-to-back 3-0 defeats to St Mirren and Motherwell, Livingston returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over St Johnstone last time out, thanks to first-half strikes from Joel Nouble and Stephen Kelly.
The Lions suffered six losses in nine league outings prior to defeating the Saints, conceding at least three goals in five of those defeats, so it was pivotal that David Martindale's men turned the tide last weekend.
Although Livingston have enjoyed plenty of success on home soil of late – losing just two of their last 10 league games at the Tony Macaroni Arena – they have struggled to replicate that form on their travels.
In fact, Livi has lost each of their last four away matches without scoring a single goal, with six defeats coming in their previous eight Premiership encounters on the road.
To make matters worse, only the bottom two teams – Ross County and Kilmarnock – have scored fewer goals than Livingston's 33 this season, so Martindale will be desperate for his attacking players to start firing.
Team News
© Reuters
Dundee United's injury list contains Glenn Middleton (muscle), Peter Pawlett (muscle), Dylan Levitt (knee) and Liam Smith (ankle).
Having scored in each of the past two games, Wigan Athletic loanee Jamie McGrath will continue to provide attacking support to veteran striker Steven Fletcher, who has chalked up an impressive eight goals and six assists this term.
At the opposite end of the pitch, Australian goalkeeper Mark Birighitti will continue to operate behind the centre-back pairing of Charlie Mulgrew and Loick Ayina.
Livingston have reported no fresh injury problems ahead of Saturday's clash, although defender Ayo Obileye (knee) remains sidelined and is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.
Joel Nouble has bagged four goals in 10 league outings since returning from injury, so the 27-year-old is likely to continue alongside Bruce Anderson and Steven Bradley in Livi's forward line.
Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Birighitti; Freeman, Ayina, Mulgrew, McMann; Sibbald; Niskanen, Harkes, McGrath, Behich; Fletcher
Livingston possible starting lineup:
George; Devlin, Fitzwater, Boyes, Montano; Shinnie, Holt, Kelly; Bradley, Anderson, Nouble
We say: Dundee United 1-0 Livingston
We expect Dundee United to continue their revival under Jim Goodwin by securing a third successive victory at the expense of Livingston, who are on course to suffer a fifth straight defeat on the road.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Ben Morris
