SM
Thursday, March 28
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data
DU
Scottish Cup | Semi-Finals
May 8, 2021 at 4pm UK
Hampden Park
HL

Dundee Utd
0 - 2
Hibernian


Butcher (10'), Edwards (74'), Robson (77')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Nisbet (27'), Doidge (58')
Porteous (48')

Micky Mellon: 'Semi-final will bring best out of players'

:Headline: Micky Mellon: 'Semi-final will bring best out of players':
Dundee United face Hibernian at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup semi-final on Saturday.
Sports Mole

Micky Mellon expects his Dundee United players to be at their best under the pressure of Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibernian.

A convincing 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the last round was followed by a deflating 2-0 defeat at home to Premiership strugglers Ross County last weekend.

Mellon, whose side are ninth in the table and safe from relegation, acknowledged the contrast in both performances but is confident his players will be up for the cup against Hibs at Hampden Park.

He said: "I spoke to a lot of people who I trust in the game and one of the things they said was 'whatever you do Micky, the players will always play better with a bit of pressure on'.

"And if you are playing against a team with a bit of pressure on them, it can be difficult to get it right.

"As much as you say to the players, 'get focused', if there is no pressure on them and you are playing against a team who were fighting like Ross County, history even will tell you that it can be difficult.

"This weekend I have no problem with them being focused. The pressure is on and that is where you get the best out of yourself.

"When you have your back to the wall and it is 'right, let's get it on' and that's what the team will be.

"We showed against Aberdeen, they need the pressure on them, they need to be fighting for something.

"When the pressure seems to come off it seems to be difficult, not just for us, for a lot of sportsmen.

"It is like pre-season friendlies, when there is nothing on it. You don't quite see what your team is like until the bullets start flying and the season gets going.

"This weekend will be a different game again and it is all on, so I am looking forward to it."

With no Old Firm involved in the semi-finals – St Johnstone take on St Mirren in the other last-four game at the national stadium on Sunday – Mellon knows the chances of silverware have increased.

The former Fleetwood, Shrewsbury and Tranmere boss said: "It is a great opportunity for everybody, there is no doubt about that, no point in trying to get away from that. All four managers will be thinking 'this could be my time'.

"You quite rightly say when the Old Firm are not involved your chances increase but you still have to get the job done.

"You are fighting against three other teams who will believe as well.

"We will all sure be looking forward to it."

To reach the final for the first time since 2014, United will have to beat Hibs for the first time this season.

The Taysiders lost 1-0 and 2-0 at Tannadice in the Premiership to Jack Ross' side, with a 1-1 draw at Easter Road in between.

Mellon said: "We drew at Easter Road and in the two games here I felt we were unlucky not to get something in both.

"The games were decided on moments rather than periods of time, like other games we have been involved in against the Old Firm.

"They have been hard fought games. I am expecting the same at Hampden and so are the players and I am hoping we can put on a good show for Scotland and for the cup."

body check tags ::

amp_article__446286 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2021-05-06 16:04:12:
html db last update - 2021-05-06 16:00:07 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html
Read more!

Click here for more stories about Micky Mellon

Click here for more stories about Dundee United

Share this article now:


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Read more about Micky Mellon Football
Recommended Next on SM
Craig Brewster: 'You never know when it will be your year'
Pochettino calls for "calm" over Sterling situation at Chelsea
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Dundee UnitedDundee Utd30178557213659
2Raith Rovers29177549361358
3Partick ThistlePartick30121085649746
4AirdrieoniansAirdrieonians28116113332139
5Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline30108123439-538
6Greenock MortonMorton29107123534137
7Queen's ParkQueen's Park3099124348-536
8Ayr UnitedAyr29105144153-1235
9Inverness Caledonian ThistleInverness30711123435-132
10Arbroath2965183065-3523
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

Arsenal 'optimistic over triple injury boost for Man City clash'

1

A'

Record-breaking Arsenal teenager signs first professional contract

2

RA

Man Utd could raise £105m through player sales this summer

NEW

3

MU

Preview: Barcelona vs. Las Palmas - prediction, team news, lineups

4

PB

How Chelsea could line up against Burnley

5

HC

Man United 'draw up transfer plan for 18-year-old defender'

6

MU

Preview: Chelsea vs. Burnley - prediction, team news, lineups

7

PC

Man Utd 'add Colombia international to defensive shortlist'

8

MU

Chelsea face five fresh fitness concerns ahead of Burnley game

9

CF

Preview: Nott'm Forest vs. Crystal Palace - prediction, team news, lineups

10

PN


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .