Dundeevs.Dundee Utd

The Dark Blues come into this Dundee Derby after a morale-boosting victory, while the Tangerines are flying high in the Scottish Premiership standings.

Match preview

After losing three games on the spin - all without scoring a single goal - Dundee signed off 2024 with a 2-1 win over St Mirren on Sunday, when ex-United striker Simon Murray bagged a brace.

Both goals came from close-range headers, wrapping up three points that secured just a second away success of the season and moved the Dark Blues further away from the relegation zone.

Dundee now occupy eighth place in the table, five points clear of the bottom two with one game in hand on most of their close rivals.

Manager Tony Docherty can take the Dee to within six of United by producing a derby win on Thursday, as the two clubs from Scotland's fourth-largest city clash in a year-opening Premiership contest for the first time since 2016.

On that occasion, the Dee won 2-1, but each of the last three top-flight derbies have been drawn; the last two both ended 2-2, including August's reverse fixture across the road at Tannadice.

Dundee United are winless in four Premiership away games against Dundee, losing three times at Dens Park since a 4-1 victory back in September 2014, so they will now aim to end a decade-long drought.

Ahead of another much-anticipated showdown with their neighbours, the Tangerines have picked up seven points from their last three games, extending some fine festive form by beating ailing Aberdeen 1-0 on Sunday.

Deciding the game deep into second-half stoppage time, Kevin Holt scored a last-gasp winner to move his team even closer to the Dons - only three points separate the sides in third and fourth.

United have lost just one of their last nine matches - including games against both Glasgow giants - and Jim Goodwin will be keen to ride that momentum into the New Year.

Goodwin's promoted side are exceeding expectations, and after recording only one win in five previous top-flight meetings with Dundee - while managing several different clubs - he now intends to improve that modest record on derby day.

Dundee Scottish Premiership form:

D

W

L

L

L

W

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

W

D

L

D

W

W

Team News

It remains to be seen whether Tony Docherty will decide to reinforce his midfield or stick with the attacking 3-4-1-2 formation that saw Dundee end their losing streak on Sunday, when Simon Murray, Seb Palmer-Houlden and Oluwaseun Adewumi joined forces up front.

He recently welcomed Jordan McGhee back from illness and Luke Graham was recalled from a loan spell at Falkirk, but several of the Dark Blues' experienced players are still unavailable.

Antonio Portales has been ruled out for six weeks by a hamstring injury, while fellow defenders Clark Robertson, Joe Shaughnessy and Ziyad Larkeche join Scott Fraser in the treatment room. Furthermore, McGhee and Billy Koumetio were both forced off during the first half against St Mirren and may also miss out.

Sure to start up front against his old club, Murray earned a penalty in the opening-day draw with United; although he scored 25 goals in 75 appearances for the Tangerines, he has never been on the winning side in a derby.

Meanwhile, Jim Goodwin is without Louis Moult and Craig Sibbald due to injury, but Declan Gallagher is back from a one-match ban and could start in central defence.

Sam Dalby will spearhead United's attack, aiming to extend his lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership scoring charts.

Dundee possible starting lineup:

Carson; Ingram, Astley, Kelly; Mulligan, Cameron, Sylla, Robertson; Adewumi; Palmer-Houlden, Murray

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Walton; Strain, Gallagher, Holt, Ferry; Stevenson, Sevelj; Fotheringham, Babunski, Middleton; Dalby

We say: Dundee 1-2 Dundee United

With the Scottish Premiership's third-best defensive record and second only to Celtic in terms of away points so far, Dundee United have a great chance to conquer their city rivals.

Written by

Jonathan O'Shea

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