United Preview

After coming out of the blocks in striking form, Inverness travel to Tannadice this Saturday to take on Dundee United at the scene of an amazing game last season. If this game is half as entertaining as that fixture then we will be in for a treat, but let's not afford United a three goal start this time.

Capital Caley has been running the rule over these two contenders and has this preview ready for your eyes ahead of the second SPFL fixture of the season

Caley Thistle head to Tannadice top of the SPFL Premiership.   As we look down on the rest of the teams, there is confidence within the support that we can stay there for another week.  However Dundee United will be a stern test and look dangerous going forward.  Last season ICT scored 8 goals against the Arabs in the first two fixtures between the teams, with the most memorable one being the 4-4 draw at Tannadice.  United had been 3-0 up and ICT clawed them back only for the Arabs to convert a last minute penalty.  ‘We're gonna win 4-3’ were the chants from some of the fans whilst 3-0 down.  I’m sure this tactical sing song spurred the players on.

Unfortunately the last time the two teams met, a late goal from the Arabs resulted in a 2-1 defeat and proved pivotal in scuppering our European ambitions.   Revenge on Saturday in the City of Discovery will help us to forget about that though.  Many of the usual faces will be travelling to Dundee with the Centenary Bar on Clepington Road a meeting place for many of the Caley Thistle fans wanting a pre match pint.  However It will be sad to not see Mikey Diamond making his usual appearance with his big flag.  He will be missed at the games.  There’s a new security company in charge at Tannadice now.  The old Securitay company raised eyebrows in the past so hopefully the new lot are a bit more fan friendly!

United kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 draw at Partick Thistle.  If it wasn’t for the heroics of the Partick goalkeeper United could have scored a few.  It was a tough test for Manager Jackie McNamara who had to endure a barrage of loud tutting and disapproving looks from supporters of his former club.  David Goodwillie will be making his first appearance at Tannadice since returning to his former club.  He’s an incredible acquisition for the Arabs that could be the difference between top and bottom six.  Former Patick Thistle Captain Paul Paton is another summer signing that could cause problems.   United also added Calum Butcher to their squad during the summer.   Butcher certainly caught the attention of many fans with his heavy challenges during the Partick Thistle game.  A no nonsense tough defender, no relation to Terry though!

ICT are likely to go with the same line up that destroyed the Midden last week with Dean Brill looking like a fine replacement for Antonio Reguero.  We all need to know something though.  Has he ever heard of Tain?  The last time Caley Thistle won their first 2 games was back in 1998.  We finished runners up in Division 2 that season.  A strong start to the season will get us dreaming of a league position that a year ago we would have thought impossible. 

CapitalCaleys prediction:-  The fixture has produced some very high score lines in the past.  We like to score 4 against United!  Both teams look dangerous going forward with Billy McKay and David Goodwillie the danger men for ICT and Dundee United.  0-0.