Jim Goodwin will be on ultra defensive mode when he takes his Dundee United side to Glasgow for the first time - but they can target Rangers frailties according to one pundit.
Michael Beale's men have been in menacing form against almost all of the Premiership since his arrival in December, winning every match outside of a draw with Celtic. United are next to try their luck at Ibrox and are in dire need of points, rooted to the bottom of the league with some sort of hope needed in their battle against the drop.
Tannadice favourite Lee Wilkie senses that his old club could get at Rangers but he believes the Irishman will show the word defensive to be an understatement. He told the Courier: "Does Goodwin go for the ultimate park-the-bus tactic and try to frustrate the home crowd? I think that might be the option he goes for. With Ross County hosting Celtic and Kilmarnock facing Hearts this weekend, any of the bottom three picking up an unexpected point will likely gain an advantage over the other two.
"That tells me he wouldn’t be averse to keeping things as tight as possible. For United, a point at Ibrox would make a big difference.
"As a player I was often frustrated when a manager would change set-up, change the team for games against Rangers and Celtic. I always felt we were playing into their hands by changing our gameplans so drastically.
"Sometimes, though, you have to look at the bigger picture. And the bigger picture for United is a very serious one with relegation a distinct possibility.
"They’ve had a bit of time to think about how to approach this match at Rangers, too, so it will be very interesting to see how he chooses to go about things. Before his time, United have gone close to picking up big results a couple of times at Ibrox.
"That, though, was about being brave in possession and some of United’s youngsters really did impress. I’m interested to see how he sets his team up for this one.
"Form under Michael Beale has been impressive for Rangers but I don’t think United should be fearful. They do have frailties but it’s about whether United can do anything about them."
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