JONATAN Johansson expects today's opponents to be a ‘totally different Dundee United side’ from the one that was thumped 5-0 by Ayr United last week.

The Tangerines had been in good form before their game last Friday against the Honest Men, winning five of their last six matches under new manager Robbie Neilson.

But former Ton striker Lawrence Shankland netted four goals as Ian McCall’s side solidified their place at the top of the table, damaging Dundee United’s own promotion ambitions.

In a similar fashion Morton were well-beaten by Dunfermline 3-0 last weekend, and Johansson insists both sides will be looking for a reaction after their heavy losses when the two sides face each other at Cappielow this afternoon.

He told the Tele: “They’ve looked great since Robbie took over, they’ve had a real lift.

“It’s a team we’ve watched three times because of Friday games, which is rare, against Partick, Alloa and Ayr United.

“They’ve been playing great, they’ve been energetic, they’ve been pressing, exactly like Robbie’s teams — playing with a high energy and aggressiveness.

“They have some really good players and a big squad for this level and players who have played lots of games at a high level.

“It came as a surprise to me but it shows you how unpredictable this league is and how, if you are not on it, especially defensively, you lose the game. 

“You can see that with all the teams.

“I think it will be a totally different Dundee United side that comes against us now because they need a reaction against us, and we need one as well.”

Johansson admitted his side were far from their best against the Pars, saying the concentration levels need to be better, especially when he’s seen them play well over the last month.

He added: “I’m angry when I see some of my players, when it was against Dunfermline it was four or five of my players under performing.

“Mistakes are fine sometimes, but when it becomes a game when three or four players are making three or four mistakes, then that’s the issue and that’s what’s really frustrating me.

“I’ve seen them do it well both defensively and offensively against Ayr United, Queen of the South, Partick Thistle and Peterhead away.

“I’ve seen them do it, but to get the consistency the concentration needs to be right always and that’s why I was angry at the Dunfermline performance.”