How Dundee United will approach Carlisle United clash

And the Tangerines' boss says he is expecting a strong test against Paul Simpson's Blues on their "immaculate" pitch.

The Scottish Championship side visit Carlisle a week before their league opener against Arbroath.

Competitive action has already begun for Dundee United in the Viaplay Cup.

And Goodwin says he plans to use the game in Cumbria as an important build-up for their league start.

Goodwin, who played in England with Stockport County, Scunthorpe United and Huddersfield Town, told The Courier: “We want to be strong from the off, to see if we can develop that understanding within the group.

"Will it be a team close to what we want against Arbroath? I’d imagine so.

“Carlisle will be a different test, they will be a decent side who have just been promoted. They will put a lot of balls into our box so we’ll need to stand up to that.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin pictured (right) in action for Stockport against Carlisle's Leon Osman in 2002 (Image: News & Star)

“I played there [Brunton Park] a few times and it’s a good place to go. The pitch is always immaculate.

"Hopefully it will be an entertaining game and help us build towards Arbroath.”

Goodwin has also played against Carlisle in his time with St Mirren during pre-season friendlies.

New signing Declan Gallagher is likely to get his first Tangerines outing on Saturday.

The Scotland international defender joined Dundee United from St Mirren this week.

Goodwin's side have won two and drawn two of their League Cup games after returning to competitive football earlier this month.

They are looking to bounce back after the blow of relegation from the Scottish Premiership last season.

They finished bottom of Scotland's top flight as they return to the second tier after three years at the top level.

It is the first meeting between Dundee United and Carlisle at Brunton Park since a friendly in November 1965.