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1244: Dundee United and Rangers both make major changes following their midweek Co-operative Insurance Cup exploits. Allan McGregor reclaims the gloves for Rangers, while David Weir, Steven Davis, Kris Boyd, Steven Naismith and Kenny Miller are all drafted back into the side after the midweek win over Dundee. Youngster Danny Wilson retains his place in the team with Madjid Bougherra and Lee McCulloch both still out injured. United also make changes after losing their tie against St Johnstone, with Nicky Weaver, Darren Dods, Craig Conway, Jennison Myrie-Williams, Damian Casalinuovo and Paul Dixon all starting. On-loan Rangers defender Andy Webster is among those who drop out of the side as a result of the terms of his loan deal.
Dundee Utd: Weaver, Kovacevic, Kenneth, Dods, Dixon, Myrie-Williams, Buaben, Gomis, Conway, Casalinuovo, Goodwillie. Subs: Banks, Dillon, Cadamarteri, Swanson, David Robertson, Fotheringham, Shala. Rangers: McGregor, Whittaker, Weir, Wilson, Papac, Naismith, Davis, Thomson, Lafferty, Miller, Boyd. Subs: Alexander, Novo, Rothen, Beasley, Smith, Fleck, McMillan. Referee: M Tumilty
1237: Dundee United Stephen Thompson has just been on BBC Radio Scotland clarifying his own club's financial problems. Manager Craig Levein told us earlier in the week that, like Rangers, United were talking to their bank and were looking for some leniency in the current climate. That story grew arms and legs, so to speak, and there were all sorts of suggestions about United's problems. However, Thompson stresses that there is no chance of the club going into administration and that they were just looking for some leeway in light of the loss of the Setanta broadcasting contract at the end of last season.
"We're playing with two wingers, taking a bit of a gamble, but we owe our supporters a performance and a win, if we can do that. Rangers are unbeaten, but they're difficult to play at any time, but I feel we cannot afford to underestimate Rangers, so we'll have to be at our very best today" Dundee United manager Craig Levein
"It's probably a more recognisable Rangers team today, but United will guarantee us a tough physical game. The players have handled things really well and have kept us challenging at the top of the table. While things aren't ideal off the park, what the fans want to see is performances on the park and they're keeping up their end of the bargain" Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist
1224: Rangers have made six changes from the side that defeated Dundee in the Co-operative Insurance Cup, having used the competition to rest a few of their first-choice players. Full details to follow.
1215: Good afternoon to you all. Today we've got Dundee United entertaining Rangers at Tannaice. Rangers will be glad to start doing their talking on the pitch again today after another traumatic week off the field. The stats are contradictory. Rangers are unbeaten in last eight meetings with Dundee United, the home side's last victory being by 2-1 on 28 October 2007. The Glasgow club won 3-0 in their last visit to Tannadice in May as they clinched the Scottish Premier League title. That was Rangers' first win there since April 2006 and followed three draws on United's home ground. Rangers are seeking their second win in the city within five days having knocked United's neighbours, Dundee, out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup with a 3-1 victory at Dens Park on Tuesday.
That was Rangers' first win in three games after a bruising 4-1 Champions League defeat at home to Romanians Unirea Urziceni and a 1-1 draw with Hibernian, also at Ibrox.
However, although all the talk has been talk of a crisis at the Glasgow club, it has to be remembered that, while Rangers are third in the SPL table, they are unbeaten in the league this season and will move back above Hibs and to within a point of leaders Celtic should they win at Tannadice.
United are fifth going into the game and will draw level with Rangers should they emerge the victors.
Craig Levein's side, looking to bounce back from their midweek cup disappointment at the hands of St Johnstone, are unbeaten in their last four league games but have failed to record a victory in their last two home games.
A defeat by Motherwell was followed by a draw with the Fir Park club's neighbours Hamilton Accies. Levein will be determined to prevent a hat-trick of victories from invaders from Lanarkshire. And he will be hoping to end a run of 10 games without a win over the Old Firm.
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