Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin speaking to BBC Scotland ahead of the game tonight: "Kai Fotheringham didn't start against Queens Park, he was just carrying a bit of a knock so we thought it was best not to risk him.

"Kai has been one of our star performers this season so delighted to have him back in the team.

"Everybody got used to seeing us score four and five goals at the start of the season and then you don't score for two games and all of a sudden it becomes a bit of a crisis.

"Unfortunately we have hit a little bit of a dry spell in front of goal but we are still creating opportunities so I think the goals will flow at some point."

Thistle have had slightly better form in the last five Championship games.

Dundee United have won two of their last five, drawn two and lost one whilst Partick Thistle have won three, drawn one and lost one.

The last time these two sides met in the league doesn't really bring fond memories for Partick Thistle fans.

They were on the losing end of a 5-0 hammering back in October that also saw Aaron Muirhead sent off at Firhill Stadium.

If they can make up for that performance and get a win tonight, they'll be just three points behind United, albeit Jim Goodwin's side have a game in hand.

Image source, SNS

Both teams make just one change to their starting lineups from the pre-Christmas fixtures.

Kai Fortheringham replaces Mathew Cudjoe for United.

Stuart Bannigan comes in for Blair Alston for Thistle.

Second choice goalkeeper David Mitchell is replaced by Mason McCready on the bench after he picked up a knock.

Dundee United: Walton, Holt, Grimshaw, Moult, Sibbald, Middleton, Tillson, Fotheringham, Gallagher, Watt, McMann

Substitutes: Newman, Denham, Graham, Glass, Freeman, Duffy, Mochrie, Cudjoe, Stirton

Partick Thistle: Sneddon, McMillan, Milne, Muirhead, Neilson, McInroy, Bannigan, Graham, Lawless, Fitzpatrick, Stanway

Substitutes: McCready, Williams, Robinson, Alston, Lyon, MacKenzie, Diack Adeloye

It's a battle between second and third tonight as Dundee United welcome Partick Thistle to Tannadice.

We've got you covered with all the action.

First up, the teams...

Image source, SNS