Dundee United target St Johnstone in key Premiership fixture

Dundee United can move into the Premiership's top four with a win at St Johnstone, with both sides locked on 13 points ahead of Saturday's McDiarmid Park encounter.

Dundee United can move into the Scottish Premiership's top four with a victory away to St Johnstone this Saturday. The two sides are level on 13 points, with United currently holding fourth place on goal difference ahead of the trip to McDiarmid Park.

United's recent form shows a team finding ways to win, having taken three victories from their last four league outings. That run includes a 1-0 win over Hibernian last time out, where Daniel Bennie scored the only goal, and a comprehensive 3-0 victory at St Mirren.

Key threats and absences

St Johnstone's main danger comes from striker Josh Fowler, who has five league goals this season. The hosts welcome back defenders Bozo Mikulic and Cheick Diabate, but will be without Zach Mitchell due to a long-term injury. For Dundee United, Mehdi Merghem is ruled out with a leg problem, while Emmanuel Agyei faces a late fitness test on a knee issue.

Statistical edge for United

Dundee United have created significantly more chances than their opponents this campaign, registering 91 total attempts and 124 open-play crosses. Converting that territorial dominance into goals will be the challenge against a St Johnstone side that is unbeaten in four. United also have a strong recent record in this fixture, having won the last three meetings by an aggregate score of 5-1.

A win would lift United to 16 points and stays in the upper half of the standings. The match kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday, 17 October, at McDiarmid Park. United then face a stern test at home to second-placed Rangers the following weekend.