Dundee host Dundee United in their second derby of the season when they meet at Dens Park on Thursday. Live on Sky Sports.
Tony Docherty’s side ended 2024 on a high, ending a run of three successive Premiership defeats. 2-1 win at St Mirren.
Jim Goodwin’s men also got an important win because Kevin Holt scored in the 94th minute to give Aberdeen a 1-0 win. and move three points clear of third place, leaving United with 31 points, the same number they had in 2023, only this time with half a season remaining.
This will be the first time these clubs have met at Dens Park for almost three years. Dundee United last season and Dundee the year before.
However, they met at Tannadice in August to play out a spirited 2-2 draw.If the next round of this famous rivalry is anything to go by, we’re in for some fireworks to start the New Year.
Docherty is ready for an ‘electric’ derby atmosphere
Dundee boss Tony Docherty told Sky Sports News:
“It’s a fantastic game. It’s great for the city. I live here and feel the pulse of the place, everyone is excited for the derby.
“The players are buzzing, particularly after a really strong performance and away from St Mirren.
“I love that we’re at home. The crowd has been fantastic in my time here and a lot of our success has been based on our home form. The crowd plays a big part in that.
“Any team that comes to Dens Park, I don’t want them to just play with the team, I want them to play with the people in the stands and I want us to create that atmosphere.
“It will be electric, absolutely electric. It has everything, it has history. Dundee United will go through Tannadice Road like we did last time.
“It’s a good occasion and I want it to be good publicity for Scottish football and both clubs.”
Goodwin. Bragging rights are at stake
“Dundee United”. boss Jim Goodwin told Sky Sports News:
“It goes without saying that we’re all really excited and looking forward to the game.
“The first game we played at Tanadice was great to watch, with two very good teams and a brilliant atmosphere.
“We expect a similar game on Thursday. It means a lot to both fans and we are happy that we are playing in very good shape.
“We expect a hostile atmosphere from the home support, but we will have our huge support behind the team.
“The game means a hell of a lot to the city. Bragging rights are at stake, so we can give a good account of ourselves and the supporters can have those bragging rights after the game.”
Watch the Dundee derby live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event on Thursday 2 January at 5.15pm, kick-off 5.30pm, following Rangers v Celtic (kick-off 3pm ).