Dundee vs Dundee United: Tony Docherty and Jim Goodwin look ahead to Scottish Premiership derby at Dens Park

Dundee host city rivals Dundee United in their second derby clash this season when they meet at Dens Park on Thursday – live on Sky Sports.

Tony Docherty’s side finished 2024 on a high by ending their run of three consecutive Premiership losses with a 2-1 win at St Mirren.

Jim Goodwin’s men also enjoyed an important victory as Kevin Holt scored in the 94th minute to beat Aberdeen 1-0 and move within three points of third place. That left United on 31 points – the same total they had when they were relegated in 2023 – only this time there’s half a season to go.

This will be the first time these clubs have met at Dens Park for almost three years – with both enduring seasons in Scotland’s second tier; Dundee United just last season and Dundee the year prior.

However, they did meet at Tannadice in August to play out a pulsating 2-2 draw. If the next instalment of this famous rivalry serves up anything close to that, we are in for fireworks to start the New Year.

Docherty ready for ‘electric’ derby atmosphere

Dundee boss Tony Docherty told Sky Sports News:

“It’s a fantastic fixture. It’s brilliant for the city. I live here and I feel the pulse of the place, everybody gets excited for the derby.

“The players are buzzing, particularly off the back of a really strong performance and result away to St Mirren.

“I love us being at home. In my time here the crowd have been fantastic, and lot of our success has been based on our home form. The crowd plays a massive part 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’ll be electric, absolutely electric. As was the last one. It’s got everything, it’s got the tradition and history. Dundee United will be walking up Tannadice Road like we did last 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 told Sky Sports News:

“It goes without saying, we’re all really excited and looking forward to the game.

“The first game that we played at Tannadice was a terrific spectacle with two very good teams going at it and a brilliant atmosphere.

“We’re expecting a similar type of game on Thursday. It means a lot to both sets of supporters and we’re delighted that we’re going into the game in very good form.

“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 game means a hell of a lot to the city. Bragging rights are at stake so fingers crossed 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 from 5.15pm on Thursday January 2, kick-off 5.30pm, after Rangers vs Celtic (kick-off 3pm).

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