Willo Flood has seen Jimmy Thelin surge Aberdeen ahead of Rangers.
Now the Irishman reckons Dundee United are capable of emulating that feat by doing damage at Pittodrie and also leaping above the Light Blues. Flood is relishing Saturday’s sizzling showdown between his former clubs. Thelin has his side joint top of the table and six points clear of the Ibrox team ahead of Philippe Clement’s side going to the Granite City on Wednesday.
Flood feels the Reds are also ahead in terms of performances and said: “Yeah it definitely looks that way. They look as if they’ve gelled a lot quicker than Rangers have at this moment in time. I’m sure when it comes to the game next week, Rangers will have something to say on the occasion.”
Beforehand, Flood’s former clubs go head-to-head in another potential cracker. United’s four wins in eight games has them sitting just a point behind Rangers themselves.
With Clement’s team not playing St Mirren until Sunday due to Euro commitments, Goodwin’s men could also jump above the Ibrox outfit by inflicting a first defeat of the campaign on the Dons. Flood says it’s possible as he stated: “I just think United are well organised, they’re very dangerous on set-plays and they’re a goal threat. So I think they’ll cause Aberdeen problems and I’m sure it’ll be a decent game.”
Flood is thrilled that both sides are riding high in the Premiership at this stage. The Swede and the Irishman have fired their respective clubs this term and he said: “I think Thelin has done a brilliant job.
“Steven Gunn was a big factor in bringing Thelin to the club, so he has to get a lot of credit as well. I think that game on Saturday [against Celtic] has definitely helped them. He had a decent squad of players and brought in one or two in that have made a difference.
“There’s been a few if I’m being honest. I think the Irish player coming in at centre back, Gavin Molloy, has done really well. He’s made a massive difference to them. The goalkeeper who’s come from St Johnstone [Dimitar Mitov], he’s been brilliant, too.
“Obviously Graeme Shinnie is what he is, he does well every week. He’s quite consistent, he’s a leader, he’s a winner. So, listen, they’re on a good little run at the moment and long may it continue.
“Jim Goodwin has done a terrific job at Dundee United. Obviously he’s done a bit of recruitment overseas which has worked out well for him.”
Although not as impressive in terms of points total in comparison to Aberdeen, United have made their own fine start to their top-flight return. Flood, speaking to Gambling.com, said: “I think if you asked any Dundee United fan their expectations, it would just be to get anywhere from 10th upwards.
“But, since they’ve started the season well, I’m sure the expectations are now top six. I think if Jim can get anywhere near that with the budget he has and everything else, he’s done an unbelievable job.
“I still live in the area and I’ll always be grateful for what the club has done for me. I was going a little bit wayward at the time, and Craig [Levein] brought me in, played me every week and gave me consistency in my game. It definitely helped me in my career, that’s for sure.
“It’s been very up and down for the club over the last couple of years. When I was there we were quite consistent. We were top six almost every season and we would always have decent cup runs.
“Over the last few years it has been a little bit wayward for them. But, hopefully, things have settled down now and they could be consistent and top six.”