However, he points out that, in his time at Tannadice, when the two have met, places as well as points have been at stake.

“In my first few months here, Motherwell and ourselves were battling with each other to avoid finishing bottom and face possible relegation,” he explained.

“Then, last season, it was a straight fight between us for fifth and sixth places, and tomorrow we meet with both of us again in mid-table and looking at the top six.”

In fact, with Motherwell lying in sixth just a point ahead, and seventh-placed Hibs not playing until Sunday, United know a victory in this one will elevate them to the top half of the table for the first time this term.

And a win is exactly what Ian regards as the acceptable result going into this game.

He said, “Terry Butcher has done a great job getting his team up the league and I always regard Fir Park as one of the most difficult places in the country to go. But we think this is one we are more than capable of winning.”

The attempt to do that will see skipper Derek McInnes restored to the starting line-up for the first time in a month, though his inclusion will not necessarily mean Mark Kerr, whom he replaced at half-time in last week’s draw with Aberdeen, drops to the bench.

“That’s the obvious change, but there might still be room elsewhere in the team for Mark. Right now, though, all I’ll say is that Derek is a definite starter and he deserves it.”

Just as he is restoring McInnes to his first XI., Ian expects to see Jim Paterson’s name on the Motherwell team sheet.

The ex-United wide man did not start in ’Well’s draw at Dunfermline, but Ian is guessing he’ll return tomorrow.

“I think you’ll see Jim in their team. He’ll want to do well against us and we’ll have to try to stop him, but it will be good to see him again because he is a good boy and I am sure he will do a good job at Motherwell.”