Dundee host metropolis rivals Dundee United of their second derby conflict this season once they meet at Dens Park on Thursday – dwell on Sky Sports activities.
Tony Docherty’s facet completed 2024 on a excessive by ending their run of three consecutive Premiership losses with a 2-1 win at St Mirren.
Jim Goodwin’s males additionally loved an essential victory as Kevin Holt scored within the 94th minute to beat Aberdeen 1-0 and transfer inside three factors of third place. That left United on 31 factors – the identical whole that they had once they have been relegated in 2023 – solely this time there’s half a season to go.
This would be the first time these golf equipment have met at Dens Park for nearly three years – with each enduring seasons in Scotland’s second tier; Dundee United simply final season and Dundee the 12 months prior.
Nonetheless, they did meet at Tannadice in August to play out a pulsating 2-2 draw. If the subsequent instalment of this well-known rivalry serves up something near that, we’re in for fireworks to begin the New 12 months.
Docherty prepared for ‘electrical’ derby ambiance
Dundee boss Tony Docherty informed Sky Sports activities Information:
“It is a implausible fixture. It is good for the town. I dwell right here and I really feel the heart beat of the place, everyone will get excited for the derby.
“The players are buzzing, particularly off the back of a really strong performance and result away to St Mirren.
“I really like us being at dwelling. In my time right here the group have been implausible, and lot of our success has been primarily based on our dwelling type. The gang performs a large half in that.
“Any team that comes to Dens Park, I don’t want them to just play the team, I want them to play the people in the stands and I want us to make that atmosphere.
“It’s going to be electrical, completely electrical. As was the final one. It is acquired all the things, it is acquired the custom and historical past. Dundee United might be strolling up Tannadice Street like we did final time.
“It’s a good occasion and I want it to be a good advert for Scottish football and for both clubs.”
Goodwin: Bragging rights are at stake
Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin informed Sky Sports activities Information:
“It goes without saying, we’re all really excited and looking forward to the game.
“The primary recreation that we performed at Tannadice was a terrific spectacle with two superb groups going at it and an excellent ambiance.
“We’re anticipating an analogous kind of recreation on Thursday. It means lots to each units of supporters and we’re delighted that we’re going into the sport in superb type.
“We’re expecting a hostile atmosphere from the home support but we’re going to have a huge support of our there to get behind the team.
“The sport means a hell of lots to the town. Bragging rights are at stake so fingers crossed we can provide a very good account of ourselves, and the supporters can have these bragging rights after the sport.”
Watch the Dundee derby dwell on Sky Sports activities Soccer and Fundamental Occasion from 5.15pm on Thursday January 2, kick-off 5.30pm, after Rangers vs Celtic (kick-off 3pm).