Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson is backing his players to cope with Palmerston’s plastic pitch the second time around.
The Tangerines were hit for four by Queen of the South on the previous occasion they experienced the artificial surface at the Doonhamers’ ground.
That was back on October 19 and it was the Tangerines’ last defeat – they have won nine and drawn one since that dark day in Dumfries.
United head back south tomorrow with a 14-point lead at the top of the Championship and Neilson believes they will have what it takes to deal with the rather challenging pitch.
Neilson said: “You have to manage the surface there.
“Before we play on astro we usually go up to the performance centre at Dundee because the surface is great there and you can pop it about no problem.
“But the one at Palmerston is different so we will use an older one this week to get a bit of similarity.
“It is about getting used to it and trying to find a way to win.
“That was a difficult day at Palmerston at times.
“We lost two bad goals from set-plays and couldn’t get going again.
“If you want to win titles you have to win games like ones away to Queen of the South so we want to see an improvement on the last time.”
Neilson has to be happy with the commanding position United find themselves in going into 2020.
They are bang on course for promotion despite only drawing with Dundee in the city derby at Tannadice last Friday.
The Tangerines’ manager added: “The first half of the season has been pleasing but, like I keep saying, nothing is done yet and you can only focus on winning the next game.
“We have got ourselves into a decent position but in football things can change very quickly.
“One minute you can be doing well and the next a few results go against you and you are struggling.
“So it is about remaining focused on the next game and just trying to build up as many points as we can.”
