Match Preview

Dundee United head across the road to face their city neighbours hoping to complete a clean sweep of derby victories this season. By Michael Blackley With a European spot still up for grabs, Arabs will be desperate to see their side hit top gear once again at Dens Park. To do so, they will need to end a torturous nine game run without a victory, stretching back two full months. United’s poor run of form has been well catalogued, and they have failed to score a single goal from open play in six matches. However, there were some positive signs in the first half of Saturday’s home defeat against Ross County.  And there can be little doubt that the Tangerines have had the upper hand in derby matches this season, with the visit of the rivals on New Year’s Day producing one of the moments of the season, as they romped to a sensational 6-2 victory. It was similarly comprehensive the last time the sides met at Dens Park, when United moved to the top of the table with an emphatic 4-1 victory.  Added to a League Cup victory United now have the chance to make it four wins out of four in derby fixtures. Indeed, United’s good record against their neighbours stretches back long before this season.  Although they have often found themselves in different divisions, it has now been more than a decade since the Dark Blues’ last success in a competitive derby, when Ian McCall’s side lost out in November 2004. Jackie McNamara will be boosted by the return of defender Ryan McGowan following suspension. But United will be up against an on-form side, with Dundee now vying for a top six finish having lost only once in the league since the Tannadice massacre of New Year’s Day. With vital league placings, not to mention city bragging rights, on the line it promises to be another eventful evening under the floodlights at Dens. Come on United!  Click here for ticket info.