Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen defiantly insists his players can cause an upset and beat Hearts at Tynecastle tonight then embark on a sustained run of success that will have other Premiership sides anxiously looking over their shoulders.
The Tangerines are now 10 points adrift at the foot of the league and have not won since October 31 while the Jambos are currently third top and will approach the game in confident frame of mind having drawn 2-2 with champions Celtic at home on Sunday.
Despite the odds being heavily stacked against United tonight in Edinburgh, Paatelainen believes that recent performances would suggest a much-needed victory is just around the corner.
He said: “I absolutely believe we can start a winning run against Hearts.
“Our game is in good shape. We were 30 seconds away from a very important victory up in Inverness.
“It’s all about us taking our chances and it will be difficult against Hearts.
“Robbie (Neilson) and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job.
“They work so hard and are very well-organised.
“We won’t create as many chances as we have done in previous weeks so we have to make sure we take whatever we create.
“It’s a great tight stadium and there’s plenty noise. We will learn about our players when we go there.
Paatelainen added: “Certain players get excited and perform a lot better in an environment like that.
“Some are more tame than usual but that’s what you learn.
“I feel we have enough strong characters to relish it rather than crumble.
“The elements are there but we’re not winning matches which is the most important thing.
“However, it won’t carry on like this for too long. We will start winning.
“And when we start winning, hopefully we get on that little run where we can gain enough points to get closer and closer to that pack.
“I’m sure one or two clubs will then start looking over their shoulder a bit because we will pick up.”
Paatelainen will be without long-term absentees Ryan Dow and Paul Paton for the Hearts game and he revealed that hamstring injury victim Florent Sinama Pongolle will also be missing.
The manager said: “Pongolle is out. He is touch-and-go for Saturday.
“Paton and Dow are out also.
“It will be very important to get Paton back because he is a ball-winning midfielder.
“He brings leadership and example.
“We have missed him and he will improve competition for places once he’s fit.”
Meanwhile, Paatelainen admitted there is a chance that Japanese goalie Eiji Kawashima, who has now formally signed for United subject to international clearance, may be handed his debut in Saturday’s derby against Dundee.
He added: “The keeper won’t make the Hearts game but he will be touch and go for Saturday.
“It’s a very tight situation but there is a chance he could play in the derby.
“It’s something I have to decide about throwing him straight in.
“He will arrive in good time to Dundee but we’ll see if he’s eligible to play.”