The dream football formula is to take your chances when they come and keep the door shut at the back.

It is a formula every manager is looking for, and one Dundee United’s Jim Goodwin appears to have found of late.

United have won their last three games, and not conceded a goal, so the proof is in the pudding.

In fact, while the last three matches have been especially impressive, it’s been a very good campaign overall so far for Goodwin’s side.

Since losing the opening game – away to Falkirk in the League Cup – they are undefeated in all competitions, and are emerging from the international break flying high in third place in the table.

Now, though, comes a demanding run. A home game against Rangers, then a trio of trips on the road – at Motherwell, Kilmarnock and St Mirren – is a sequence of fixtures that will really test the mettle of this United team.

But there seems to be a strong resolve and plenty of character in Goodwin’s squad – and let’s not forget success breeds confidence.

You get the sense that as the weeks tick by, this United side will believe they can make life pretty uncomfortable for anyone they play – something they will be hoping Rangers discover at Tannadice on Sunday.