On Wednesday, they travel to Livingston for a re-arranged clash and, either side of that, have Kilmarnock and Motherwell at home.

Such has been the Tangerines recent record at Tannadice, seven games unbeaten, there’s no question the minimum the manager expects is six points from that card. And if two home wins were to be augmented by a midweek win in West Lothian, he accepts his side would be well on course for their first top-six finish.

“We can’t lose sight of the fact that, after the next eight days, we’ll still have three games to go before the split, and could get the points we need from these games. Even if we do well in the next week, there will be more work to be done. But if we get the results we want, it’ll be a big help.”

Record books suggest winning tomorrow won’t be easy. While United have a fine home record, Killie haven’t lost at Tannadice since the mid-90s.

Ian, though, prefers to take another stat into account as he plots a path to victory. “We’re on our best home run since something like 1996 or ’97 and would like to keep that going,” he explained.

“I wasn’t aware of Killie’s record here, and it will be a difficult game against them. But the way we’ve been playing at Tannadice means we’re confident we can win this one. We’re aware this is a big game for us and, with the crowd behind us, the boys will be up for it.”

Still injured are Tony Bullock, Jim Paterson and Graeme Holmes.

The Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs have reacted to this week’s confirmation that United have agreed to ground-share with Dundee.

While the federation stopped short of giving their unreserved backing to the plan, given their close relationship with chairman Eddie Thompson, any objection would be a major surprise.

They’ve said they’ll “retain an open mind” on the matter and backed the Tangerines board to act in the club’s best interest.