Rangers v Hearts, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Goodwin in focus

Just two months ago, Dundee United dispatched Wilfried Nancy's Celtic at Tannadice to move within four points of fifth place. Things were looking up after an oscillating first half of the campaign.

In the seven league games since, Jim Goodwin's side have won a single match, against basement dwellers Livingston.

In fact, those victories against the champions and the bottom side are United's only triumphs since late October, a run of two wins in 15 matches.

Their assignment on Saturday is among the toughest in the top flight - a trip to high-flying Falkirk, who already look to have earned an unassailable foothold in the top six.

Celtic, Hearts and St Mirren are the only teams to emerge with three points from the Falkirk Stadium this season.

Goodwin and his players are in danger of being mired in a relegation fight, perched as they are five points clear of 11th-placed Kilmarnock, albeit with two games in hand.

St Mirren and Dundee are two points behind United having played a game more. Only the bottom two have conceded more goals.

Goodwin did not mince his words after watching his team's late collapse to Hibs at Easter Road last Wednesday, a 2-1 lead dissolving into a 3-2 defeat in stoppage time, with both goals the product of balls into the box.

"Defensively pathetic at times," was the manager's verdict.

With the midweek visit of Aberdeen postponed, Goodwin has had a few more days to stew on that defeat.

He, and his charges, need a reaction.