Dundee United

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Aberdeen defender Kristers Tobers will be assessed. Ester Sokler (hamstring), Dante Polvara (leg) and Jack Milne (ankle) are back training while Vicente Besuijen (knee), Jamie McGrath, Gavin Molloy (both shoulder) remain out.

Ross Docherty (thigh) and Louis Moult (calf) are still missing for Dundee United. Will Ferry limped off along with Luca Stephenson against Hibernian on Wednesday night and will be assessed.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premiership trip to Aberdeen.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• On his criticism of the VAR decision to overturn Sam Dalby's goal in the midweek loss to Hibs, Goodwin says "I stand by everything I said" and adds: "There isn't a conclusive angle that shows there was any handball".

• The United boss had a "productive" meeting with Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum on Thursday.

• While he didn't want to go into detail, Goodwin did say he told Collum the decision went against Ifab rules, adding: "I think from the audio and from the video angles that we have seen there is no suggestion of a handball."

• Goodwin hopes the decision doesn't prove too costly for his side, who are now fifth in the table, and says a third-place finish "could be worth millions of pounds in prize money".

• He is still a big supporter of VAR if the technology is used properly and says instances like the Dalby one could perhaps be avoided if Scottish football implemented the top-level VAR package.

• United "have to" channel their frustration into Sunday's game against the third-place Dons.

• Goodwin knows it is going to be a "difficult game" at Pittodrie and is well aware there are still points to accumulate to secure top-six status.

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• Aberdeen have only lost one of their past 15 home league games against Dundee United (W8 D6), and are unbeaten in their past seven (W5 D2) since a 3-0 reverse in August 2014.

• After their 1-0 win in December, United could enjoy back-to-back league victories over Aberdeen for the first time since November 2008 under Craig Levein.

• Since Christmas, no side has lost more games (eight) or scored fewer goals (five) in the Scottish Premiership than Aberdeen.

• United have lost their past two away league games by an aggregate score of 4-0; not since January 2021 have they suffered three successive away defeats without scoring in the Scottish Premiership.

• After their 3-1 defeat to Hibernian last time out, United have lost 16 points from winning positions in the Scottish Premiership this season, with only Dundee (20) and Hibernian (18) dropping more. Conversely, only Hibs (13) and Kilmarnock (12) have recovered more points from losing positions in the division this term than the Tangerines (11).

United fans, we asked for your opinions on the 3-1 loss to Hibernian in which Sam Dalby had a goal ruled out for a contentious handball.

Here's what some of you said:

Jamie: The worst officiating I have seen in 30 years of watching football at Tannadice. A clear goal disallowed after almost five minutes of VAR desperately trying to find a handball that only they seem to be able to see. Time for United to take a stand and walk off the pitch.

Andrew: What is the point of VAR? Wasn't it supposed to be for clear and obvious errors? The on-pitch referees are as poor as the off-pitch ones. Fouls not given, corners not given. Time taken for VAR decisions far too long and players cool down and more prone to injuries. Nobody in ground knows what goes on. It's a disgrace.

Colum: The concern isn't the United performance, but the sub-standard officiating again. There is nothing for VAR to check for the Dalby goal.

Stephen: That referee and his team absolutely ruined that game. United were well on top and when Dalby scored were rightly 2-1 up. Then it felt like the officials were trying everything they could to chop it off and there are videos showing it's clearly a good goal. We've been done by incompetence.

Dave: Absolute disgrace. No one apart from the VAR assistants can see Dalby's 'handball'. That decision will now likely define our season. Goodwin has also upset our momentum with the January signings, none of whom have contributed much at all. Frustrating.

Kieran: Overall the team put in a great shift, Will Ferry and Ryan Strain looked dangerous most of the game whipping in cross after cross on the flank. Subs left a lot to be desired, no Glenn Middleton or Kristijan Trapanovski to give us more pace and width late in the game. Don't get me started on the officials, the antiques expert David Dickinson could have refereed this game better.

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• Hibs are undefeated in their last 12 games in the Premiership, their last joint longest unbeaten streak was from 31 January 2018 to 5 May 2018.

• Nectarios Triantis has assisted five goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Hibs player.

• Ross Graham scored his third goal in the Premiership this season, a new career high in a single edition of the tournament. The Dundee United defender has now scored two goals in two league appearances against Hibs.

• Hibs have beaten Dundee United for the first time in the Premiership since 26 December 2021, a run of six games without a win.

• Hibs have won 13 points from losing positions in the Premiership this season, more than any other team.

• Dundee United have lost 16 points from winning positions in the Premiership this season, only Dundee (20) and Hibs (18) have lost more.

Watch the best of the action as Hibernian come from behind to win at Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

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Late goals from substitutes Kieron Bowie and Junior Hoilett gave Hibernian a dramatic late victory at Tannadice as they moved above hosts Dundee United into fourth in the Scottish Premiership.

Let us know your thoughts on United's performance., external

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "Everyone who watches the highlights will understand why we're frustrated, disappointed and a bit angry as well. Some big decisions went against us. At 1-1 we score what we think is a very good goal.

"It gets chalked off for a handball. It takes about 3-4 minutes for the VAR guys to decide it hits his hand. Prior to Hibs scoring their second goal we should have had a corner.

"It was clear and obvious from where I was standing that the spin on the ball shows Lewis Fiorini had kicked the ball off a Hibs player. So we should've had a corner and the chance to go and get that second goal. A goal kick was given. We should defend the situation better, but it [the decision] leads to the goal.

"The big talking point is the handball. I've watched it from six or seven different angles and I can't for the life of me see where it hits his hand.

"If I'm wrong I'll certainly apologise, but from what I've seen a perfectly good goal has been disallowed."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland

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Before the match, United manager Jim Goodwin said a point would not be a disaster, as it would have taken his side third on goal difference while maintaining momentum following the weekend win over Motherwell.

The fact his side were so close will frustrate him - as will some of the refereeing by David Dickinson and his team.

There was widespread confusion as to why Dalby's effort was ruled out, with an initial offside check aborted due to an inability for VAR Matthew MacDermid to draw the lines due to the number of players blocking the view.

When guidance filtered through that it was for handball, it made things clearer but the replays did not scream a clear and obvious infringement.

Moreover, before Bowie's winner, United were insistent they should have had a corner. Hibs were awarded a goal kick, and a minute later they scored.

Overall, though this was still a pretty good showing from United, who were applauded off by a home crowd who didn't see those late Hibs goals coming.

United looked particularly threatening from the wide areas, in which Will Ferry and Ryan Strain excelled, hitting double figures for crosses between them.

There' is still plenty to play for in United's season, with a top-six finish - and potentially better - very much in their own hands.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Is Sam Dalby the signing of the season?

His goal against Motherwell at the weekend, to get Dundee United back to winning ways, aptly summed up the English striker's importance to this Tannadice side.

He tops the Premiership scoring charts with 12 goals - not a bad return from 24 league appearances. With 47 shots, Dalby boasts an accuracy rate of 55% and conversion rate of 26%.

He has been a key factor behind what has been an excellent campaign so for United. As he continues to add to his impressive stats the discussion about where his long-term future lies will continue.

On loan from Wrexham until the end of the campaign, when he also becomes a free agent, the 25-year-old will not be short of suitors – many of whom will be able to offer him greater riches than United can.

But one thing the Tangerines could have in their favour come the summer, which most (if not all) of those other teams eyeing Dalby won't, is the potential lure of European football.

If Jim Goodwin's team can land that prize it would certainly give their star striker plenty of food for thought.

Until now, Dalby has spent most of his career at clubs who won't get near the continental stage.

Should that be an option with United next season, it could be a big factor when Dalby decides where his future lies.

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• Dundee United are unbeaten in their past six Scottish Premiership games against Hibs (W3 D3) since a 3-1 home reverse in December 2021.

• Hibs have lost each of their past three away games at Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, this after winning three in a row across 2020-21 and 2021-22 beforehand.

• Dundee United have lost four of their past five Premiership matches played on a Wednesday (D1) since a 3-0 win over Ross County in December 2022.

• Hibs are unbeaten in five away league outings (W2 D3), last going longer without defeat on the road in the Scottish Premiership in December 2017 (nine).

• Dundee United's Jim Goodwin has won each of his last four Premiership home games against Hibs (two with Aberdeen, two with Dundee United) – his longest run of home wins against any side in his managerial career in the competition.

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Dundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald is close to returning after a groin injury.

Louis Moult missed Saturday's win over Motherwell due to a calf issue, while Ross Docherty is struggling after being forced off with a thigh problem.

Hibernian captain Joe Newell has suffered a fresh injury and drops out after returning to the squad on Saturday but Alasana Manneh is free of suspension and on-loan midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu is available after being ineligible to face parent club Celtic.

Dylan Levitt could also return, but Elie Youan (foot) is still out.

Kevin Holt denies he threatened to refuse to play for Dundee United in order to force through a transfer to Derry City. (Derry Journal), external

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin praised the impact Kevin Holt had at Tannadice after the club "reluctantly agreed" to sanction a sale.

Holt joined League of Ireland side Derry City on Saturday, and in a statement United hinted the 32-year-old had forced a move by intimating that he "may be unavailable for selection" for the remainder of the season.

Goodwin says he is happy with the make-up of his squad despite defender Holt's departure.

"It's obviously disappointing to lose one of your key players," Goodwin said. "Kevin has been a terrific player for us over the past 18 months and played in pretty much every game he was available. He played a significant role getting us into the Premiership.

"Obviously got a very good offer from Derry City, one he felt was right for him and his family. Reluctantly we agreed to let that move happen.

"I've got a fantastic group available to me now and that's what I tend to focus on. It's all about the squad that's available to us."

Goodwin pointed to the various options he has in the heart of defence and praised the work done in the transfer market to provide flexibility with several signings comfortable in multiple positions.

"Our recruitment strategy at the beginning of the season was to identify players who could play different positions," he added. "Ross Graham, Declan Gallagher and Emmanuel Adegboyega played the game on Saturday.

"We've got Sam Harding, who we've got high hopes for, and Vicko Sevelj can play there as well. We feel we've got great cover in all areas."

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

It had been 11 weeks since our last Saturday 3pm kick-off at Tannadice. And what better way to rediscover the winning feeling than against our bogey team this season - Motherwell.

They had beaten us in all three previous meetings and arrived hoping for a new manager bounce, with Michael Wimmer taking charge for the first time. Decked out in Stone Island jeans and trainers, you'd have thought he was meeting us in the Snug after the game for a few jars.

Both teams came into the match in poor form, but Scotland's top marksman Sam Dalby returned to doing what he does best.

His glancing header was the difference as we finally got the Motherwell monkey off our back with a 1-0 win - Super Sam notching his 13th of the season.

Declan Gallagher led the defence superbly and when the back three didn't snuff out the Well attack, Jack Walton was there to clean up. Only the Old Firm have kept more clean sheets than United this season.

There wasn't much between the teams and it was far from a classic, but at this stage, points over performance is all that matters as we head into the final six games before the split.

One of the standout performances came from Will Ferry. Rested last week at Parkhead, he looked refreshed, hungry, and tireless. He won possession, created chances and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. He was everywhere and excellent.

But the game also brought yet another injury setback for skipper Ross Docherty, who limped off with a thigh issue. United are a stronger team with him on the pitch, but these recurring injuries could mean his future lies elsewhere come summer.

Already away is Kevin Holt, who threatened to throw his toys out the pram over his move to Derry City.

Once seen as the model professional, Holt's messy exit left a bitter taste. United's strongly worded statement about him and his representatives made that clear. In my humble opinion, he won't play for a bigger club than Dundee United in his career.

That said, the move makes sense for him. At 32, he gets the security of a two-year deal and a wage increase, while United bank a five-figure fee for a player out of contract in the summer.

Slán leat, Ballon d'Or Kev!

Ronny Costello can be found at The Dode Fox Podcast, external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Dundee United keep the pressure on third-placed Aberdeen with a narrow victory over Motherwell and they have one player in my TOTW.

Getting a striker who steadily gets you important goals is gold dust. Dundee United have struck gold with Sam Dalby this season, the Premiership top scorer with 12 and counting.

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Jim Goodwin believes his January transfer business has been vindicated by the United's busy schedule and the injuries in his side.

Midfielder and captain Ross Docherty succumbed to another injury in the first half of the win over Motherwell but Goodwin is happy with the depth in his squad.

"We need as many options as we can which is why we did the business we did in January," the manager said.

"We wanted to strengthen that midfield area which is why we brought the likes of [Lewis] Fiorini in. It gives me great options now especially in the week we have with three games in eight days."

Fiorini adds to the likes of Luca Stephenson, David Babunski, Vicko Sevelj, Craig Sibbald, and Allan Campbell in the middle of the park.

"We ask a lot of the players when they are out there so it gives us a chance to freshen things up if we have to.

"All in all, I am really satisfied with the game and the end result. Obviously the disappointment is losing Ross Docherty."