Dundee United v Morton: Tough task awaits Dougie Imrie's men

The visitors could not be facing a tougher task as they attempt to dig themselves out of the rut that has seen them lose three of their first four league games of the season.

It's the first of two consecutive away fixtures, with a potentially tricky trip to Dunfermline Athletic coming up next weekend, so the Greenock men are up against it at the moment.

They have their backs to the wall after failing to not only capitalise on successive home matches, but suffering damaging defeats in them.

Their last league outing was a truly miserable one for everyone connected with the club as they were thrashed 4-1 in front of their own supporters by Partick Thistle.

With no love lost between the two outfits it was a sore one for players, staff and supporters alike and Ton now face a true test of character as they look to get things back on track.

They will hope that they have at least started the process by recording a 2-1 win over Elgin City in the SPFL Trust Trophy last Saturday, but must be aware that what is coming next is a different kettle of fish entirely.

It hasn't taken title favourites United long to hit their stride and top the table, and with the squad and resources they have at their disposal that's exactly where they should be finishing come May.

Manager Jim Goodwin has been able to add proven Premiership players to his squad following relegation over the summer, in the shape of Louis Moult and Declan Gallagher, but significantly he was also in a position to cherry-pick talented players from the second tier too.

Liam Grimshaw, pictured, Ross Docherty and Kevin Holt were all added to his squad during the close season and the belt-and-braces signing strategy should mean that United are able to avoid any major pitfalls over the coming months.

They are unbeaten after four games and continued their good recent form last weekend with a comfortable 3-0 cup victory over Dunfermline, which just reinforces the task facing Dougie Imrie and his squad at the weekend.

Not too many teams will come away from Tannadice with points in their pocket this term and the ones that do will likely rely on a break of the ball or the home side having an off-day while they play to their maximum.

From Morton's point of view, you could argue that tomorrow's game is as much about putting up a performance as it is the result.

They will not be expected by most to avoid defeat, and games against United are not going to define their season.

While no one wants to lose any match defeat itself wouldn't be a disaster, but they do need to tighten up and show some signs of resolve after a tough few weeks.

The optimism which was in the air after their display against Rangers in the League Cup has been quickly suffocated and over the next couple of weeks they are going to have to dig deep.

There have been mitigating circumstances for their slow start, with injuries biting down hard on what is a threadbare squad.

Jack Baird, Grant Gillespie, Jai Quitongo, Robbie Crawford, pictured, and George Oakley have all been on sitting on the sidelines at one point or another.

They are all key players and those absences have hampered the team badly.

Rank bad fortune with injuries has been compounded by the lack of depth to the playing pool, which has left the team exposed in certain areas.

Defensively in particular it has been a real struggle for the Greenock men.

A solid rearguard was the bedrock on which their successful 2022-23 campaign was built, but with only four games played this term they have already conceded 11 times, which is both alarming and easily the worst record in the division.

Moreover, opposition teams are not having to work hard for their goals; Morton have been too easy to play against, porous in midfield and prone to elementary errors at the back.

They will have to rediscover their miserly streak at some stage to turn things around.

A key step in doing so could be the arrival this week of defender Tyler French, who has come in on loan from Dundee and is a welcome addition.

French, above, is here for the season as he looks for first-team football after nine months out with a broken leg.

The 24-year-old will be able to fill the glaring void at right back which has bedevilled Ton from day one and this will free up the likes of Cammy Blues, below, Darragh O'Connor and Iain Wilson to play in their respective recognised positions.

Injuries will again pose problems for Imrie at the weekend.

But all the same the manager will still be looking for improvements across the park, as what was served up against both Arbroath and Partick clearly won't cut it.

The players themselves have admitted that performances have been below the standard that has been set over the last couple of years and it has to be a whole-squad effort to change that.

This is something that may take time, given their current selection woes.

What Morton have to put up tomorrow on Tayside is a bit of resistance, which would offer some signs of encouragement for the weeks ahead.