Dundee United manager Csaba Laszlo has warned his players they must prepare for a physical battle at Livingston.
Laszlo watched Livi produce one of the results of the Championship season thus far when they hammered league leaders St Mirren 4-1 at the Tony Macaroni Arena on Saturday.
He was particularly impressed with the physical strength of the home players, who outmuscled the Buddies.
While that scoreline at Almondvale could be seen as a good one for the Tangerines, who have not yet conceded the title to St Mirren, it did put second-placed Livingston three clear points clear of United going into tomorrow night’s meeting of the sides in West Lothian, albeit the Tangerines have a couple of games in hand.
Laszlo’s men will do themselves the world of good with a win but he knows it will have to be hard-earned and that pretty football may not provide a path to success.
“That was a great result for Livingston and showed us that we must be careful when we go there,” said Laszlo.
“They are a very physical team.
“They have Ryan Hardie up front and he gives them more strength, helps their shape and can score goals.
“They play with the same style as before and it is very effective.
“Maybe they don’t show the most beautiful football but it works well for them.
“For that reason, we must be prepared.
“We must be ready for the battle first and foremost and then after that we can play football.
“That is because if you do the reverse then it could be a result like the one they got against St Mirren.
“St Mirren tried to be nice and were very confident. They are the Champiosnhip leaders but maybe they took (it) easy and you have the result.
“After just two minutes watching the match you were thinking it would be 3-0 to St Mirren but it changed very quickly.”
With still over a third of their league fixtures to play, Laszlo feels the door is still ajar when it comes to automatic promotion despite the Buddies’ boasting such a handsome lead.
He insisted: “It is a massive game for us but it is very important for Livingston, too.
“There are still a lot of games to go and 42 points available from our 14 games. That is a lot.
“The gap is not as big as it looks and nothing is finished yet.
The United boss will have more selection options available to him than he has had for a while.
Midfielder Jordie Briels and defensive duo Tam Scobbie and William Edjenguele are all expected to be fit to face Livi.
Laszlo said: “It is nice to have players coming back and becoming available again.
“Jordie played 45 minutes of the development match against Hearts on Tuesday, while William played for an hour and Tam has been training.”
