Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has urged his side to treat Dundee United’s Premiership position with a pinch of salt ahead of today’s trip to Tannadice.
United are five points adrift at the bottom of the table, having won just once all season, with new manager Mixu Paatelainen replacing the sacked Jackie McNamara this month.
Last season, County found themselves six points short of St Mirren by early February after winning just two of their first 24 games, before making a sensational turnaround that saw them win 10 of their final 14 matches to remain in the top flight.
McIntyre knows one game could be all it takes to change United’s fortunes and he is desperate to ensure that does not happen against the Staggies.
He said: “We know how difficult it is going to be going to Tannadice, where they’re competing for every point and desperate for a first win under their new manager.
“If there’s a lesson to be learned, we just have to look at our own situation last season. We were biting and scratching for every point – and we weren’t far away.
“We just needed that one result to kick start the season and it can be very much like that for Dundee United and that’s where we have to be on our guard.
“It’s going to be a difficult match. There can’t be any complacency. We’ve got to make sure we’re right at it, right from the start.
“We know we will be facing a team coming out all guns blazing and we’ve got to make sure we match that – and try to better it.”
County reached the semi-finals of the League Cup for the first time this week, by defeating Highland rivals Caley Thistle on Tuesday.
McIntyre has called on his side to cast thoughts of cup glory aside and focus on continuing their fine start in the league, with the Staggies fourth in the table.
McIntyre added: “The boys are in a happy place but we need to forget about the semi-final now and concentrate on the league.
“We’ve got to make sure we have that same intensity in our play as we had on Tuesday and through most of the season so far.”