DUNDEE UNITED lost their unbeaten record in the Scottish Championship last week to title challengers Raith Rovers.
And they will need to get right back to winning ways against bottom placed Queen's Park on the Friday night before Christmas at the National Stadium or else suffer Hampden humbug.
Last week's home defeat shouldn't be fatal for United in the long term, but it was the culmination of a few bad weeks for Jim Goodwin's side.
They got knocked out of the Challenge Cup at League One Falkirk, the Scottish Cup by Queen of the South from the same league and only narrowly defeated Ayr United at home.
So they need to reset and go against a struggling Queen's Park side.
The former amateurs were so close to returning to the top flight of Scottish football for the first time in six decades last season, but this season has been a disaster really.
The departure of director of football Marijn Beuker to Ajax was quickly followed by the axe falling on manager Robin Veldman. Dutch countryman Paul Nuijten is now in charge.
Last week's defeat at Morton was their fourth loss in a row in all competitions and they haven't won a league match since August where they did a quick double over Arbroath.
How the bookies view it
Dundee United are strong odds-on favourites here at 11/20 with bet365.
Queen's Park can be backed at 5/1 with Paddy Power. The draw is 7/2 with McBookie.com.
Recent head to heads
United romped to a 4-1 win at Tannadice in September. United haven't played a league game against Queen's Park at Hampden since season 1959/60 when they won 8-1. The Spiders' last win in this fixture came in 1955.
Players to watch
Ruari Paton has got goals in him and he's managed an impressive 12 in 22 for a struggling side. He is 2/1 to score anytime with bet365.
A fit Louis Moult should be far too good to play in the second tier of Scottish football, but he's summed up United's recent malaise with no goals in his last six games. He is better than that and Queen's Park give you chances. He is 6/5 to score anytime against with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
United surely should have too much for a Queen's Park team, who play nice football, but seem to lack the dig and bite to stay afloat at this level.
On the wide open surface of Hampden, United should be too strong for an off-form Queen's Park. Back them to win minus a goal on the handicaps at 9/10 with bet365.
They will want to take out last week on someone and Queen's Park have averaged conceding over two goals per league game. Back United to score over 2.5 goals with Paddy Power at 13/8.
This Scottish Championship match between Queen's Park and Dundee United will be played on Dec 22, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Queen's Park vs Dundee United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
