Ross County boss McIntyre wary of Dundee Utd ahead of clash
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Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has made it perfectly clear Dundee United are to be respected ahead of their meeting at Dingwall this weekend, especially with his Staggies side facing a number of absentees for the game.
County are fighting hard to land a spot in the top half of the Ladbrokes Premiership ahead of the split, while Dundee United are desperately looking to avoid relegation.
Staggies boss McIntyre heads into the game without Marcus Fraser, while Jamie Reckford and Richard Foster are both suspended.
“We are coming into a time of year when bookings start to mount up and you get suspensions,” the Scot said.
“Every team is the same and we’ve just got to handle it.”
After defeats to Hearts and Celtic, County beat Hamilton last time out to maintain a hold on fourth in the table, though teams below them have games in hand.
For Dundee United, Mixu Paatelainen’s men have doubtless improved of late, claiming wins over Kilmarnock and Hearts in addition to a draw with Hamilton.
A 3-0 loss at home to Motherwell has been the only negative across United’s last four games, but McIntyre feels they were hard done by.
“I was at their game against Motherwell where it was never 3-0 in my eyes,” the Scot said.
“They had a couple of great chances to score at 1-0 down and if they go in it changes the picture,” McIntyre added.
United bounced back to record an impressive 2-1 win last weekend at home to third-placed Hearts, and that result only served to make the County boss more alert.
“That is the message we needed, if we ever needed one. They have plenty spirit about their side and they are doing their utmost to try and put a run together.”
The hosts are 20/21 favourites for victory in the Highlands on Saturday, with United 11/4 to make the 149 mile trip back to Tannadice with another important three points.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
