Dundee United will aim to blunt one of the most consistent attacking sides in the SPFL when Airdrieonians visit Tannadice on Saturday.
Rhys McCabe’s free-flowing Diamonds are on a remarkable 37-GAME scoring streak as they prepare for their Championship showdown against the Tangerines.
One must go back to a 2-0 defeat at Alloa Athletic in October 2022 for the last time the Lanarkshire outfit failed to ripple the net, with McCabe implementing a forward-thinking passing style.
Since that reverse against the Wasps, Airdrie have scored 88 times; an average of 2.4 goals per game.
In March alone, they put five past Clyde, notched six against Helty Hearts and smashed Peterhead 7-0. McCabe’s men also battered Falkirk 6-2 in the Championship playoff semi-final on their way to promotion.
They aren’t going to change. It’s a breath of fresh air.”
Jim Goodwin on Airdrie’s attacking philosophy
United boss Jim Goodwin has made no secret of his pride in the Terrors’ recent defensive record — four clean sheets in five games — but this is a stern test of their new-found stability.
Airdrie play style ‘a breath of fresh air’ says Dundee United boss
Indeed, Goodwin is fulsome in his praise of the Diamonds and their promising young player/boss.
He lauded: “It’s great to see young managers like Rhys (McCabe) being given an opportunity and then, when that chance comes, being brave enough to have an identity and play in a certain way.
“All the players seem to really buy into it.
“I was very impressed with them when I watched them against Dunfermline. They try to play a passing game and it’s very entertaining when they get it right.
“They’ll make mistakes along the way — of course they will — but I like the fact he continuously encourages them to play that way. It’s clearly the way they train, and they aren’t going to change. It’s a breath of fresh air.
“They are a very good team, straight from a very good season last year, and it’s going to be a tough game on Saturday.”
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