United’s narrow win in Dingwall means they are almost certain to be in the top half regardless of their results against Hearts and St Johnstone before the split.
Data company Opta give Jim Goodwin’s side a 99% chance of being in the top six given their six-point buffer and superior goal difference to St Mirren, Motherwell and Ross County.
At the other end of the spectrum, they rate County’s chance as next to zero, at 0.3%, given they have a four-point gap to make up on sixth-placed Hearts with a far poorer goal difference.
Hearts are only one point above both St Mirren and Motherwell, but the Tynecastle side’s superior goal difference is almost worth an extra point at this stage, and they are heavy favourites to sneak in and are given a 66% chance.
However, Neil Critchley’s side play Motherwell away in their final match before the split, which could prove crucial given the congested nature of midtable.
St Mirren are away to Dundee and home to Ross County as they attempt to overhaul Hearts, buoyed by their dominant 5-1 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday.
And Motherwell boss Michael Wimmer is hoping to bounce back from their defeat by Aberdeen when they travel to Rugby Park next weekend before that all-important match against Hearts.
“We lost against a good team, but the table is so tight so anything is possible,” the Wimmer said.
“It’s good that we are in the race for a top-six place, but it’s important that we perform for 90 minutes.”
“We have to concentrate on the next game against Kilmarnock and hopefully we’re still in it when we play Hearts at home.
“The table is so tight that I think it will come down to game 33.”
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