Caley Thistle manager John Hughes says he does not read into Dundee United’s abysmal form in the countdown to today’s Premiership encounter with the Tannadice outfit.
United are eight points adrift at the bottom of the Premiership, having won just two league matches all season, and have picked up only four points from a possible 24 since manager Mixu Paatelainen replaced Jackie McNamara in October.
Hughes senses United are getting closer to a change in fortunes and he has urged his Inverness side not to let that happen at Caledonian Stadium today.
Hughes said: “Dundee United are where they are but over the last two or three weeks they’ve been very unlucky not to be winning games.
“We’re going to have to be at our very best to go and beat them. Don’t buy into them being where we are and where they are. Any team in the Premiership is capable of beating each other.
“It’s just another tough game but it’s one I’m really looking forward to.”
Hughes was wanted by United chairman Stephen Thompson following the sacking of McNamara earlier in the season, with Caley Jags standing firm in the wake of an approach to speak to the former Falkirk and Hibernian manager.
Thompson eventually opted for Paatalainen, who played alongside Hughes during his time with Hibs, with Hughes recently agreeing a new two-year contract extension in the Highlands.
Hughes believes the Finn is the right man to steer United out of trouble and he added: “They’ve got a cracker in charge in Mixu. He is a friend of mine, and I had the privilege to go and play with him.
“He was a fantastic player, a fantastic professional, with great character and great personality. He’s a funny guy but a tough guy.
“Over the last few weeks I can see him slowly but surely getting his ideas across, imprinting his personality on the team.”
Inverness midfielder Ross Draper faces a late fitness test and is back in contention after an ankle injury.