Dundee will face rivals Dundee United at Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park on Monday evening in a highly anticipated Dundee derby in the fourth round of the Scottish FA Cup.
The hosts will be eager to claim the bragging rights over their rivals for the first time since August 2017, with the visitors unbeaten in the last eight encounters.
Match preview
© Imago
After recording a superb sixth-placed finish in the Scottish Premiership in their first year back in the top flight last campaign, Dundee are enjoying another positive season to date.
The Dee are currently seventh in the top flight standings with 27 points from 23 games, after seven wins, six draws and 10 defeats, leaving them just two points adrift of the top six.
Despite the strong position in the league, Tony Docherty's men have endured multiple periods of difficulty throughout the term, including suffering a spell of just one win in nine matches through August to October, with two draws and six defeats in that time.
The hosts have been largely improved in their subsequent outings, recording five wins, three draws and five losses in their last 13, as well as remaining undefeated in their last three matches heading into this one.
The challenge for Dundee is now to not only defeat their rivals for the first time since a 2-1 win in August 2017, but also to progress past the fourth round of this competition since 2021-22.
Their visitors will be favourites heading into this fourth round tie, with Dundee Utd enjoying a remarkable return to the Scottish Premiership this season, currently sitting third in the table.
Jim Goodwin's men boast 37 points from 23 matches, having won 10, drawn seven and lost just six, meaning the Tangerines are 10 points behind second-placed Rangers and 10 points above their seventh-placed rivals.
Dundee Utd did suffer back-to-back defeats for just the third time this season when they lost to Hearts and Celtic earlier this month, but they snapped that streak with a 1-0 win over St Mirren last time out.
That will certainly boost their spirits heading into this one, while they will also draw confidence from their recent record of four wins and four draws in the last eight Dundee derbies.
Team News
![Jim Goodwin (Manager) of Dundee United during the 2024/25 Pre Season Friendly match between Dundee United and Luton Town at CalForth Construction Arena, Tannadice Park, Scotland on 26 July 2024 [on August 2, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/31/jim-goodwin.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Jim Goodwin (Manager) of Dundee United during the 2024/25 Pre Season Friendly match between Dundee United and Luton Town at CalForth Construction Arena, Tannadice Park, Scotland on 26 July 2024 [on August 2, 2024]")
© Imago
The hosts are dealing with a slight injury crisis heading into this match, with Billy Koumetio, Joe Shaughnessy, Jordan McGhee, Juan Portales, Scott Fraser and Ziyad Larkeche all ruled out here.
After an encouraging 3-3 draw with Celtic in their last outing, Docherty could opt to name a similar starting side here, with top scorer Simon Murray continuing to lead the line.
As for the visitors, Craig Sibbald is set to remain out of action due to a groin injury that has kept him out of the side since October, while David Babunski is also doubtful for this one.
Dundee Utd are likely to field a similar side to the one that defeated St Mirren in their last outing, with Sam Dalby continuing in attack with Glenn Middleton and Luca Stephenson.
Dundee possible starting lineup:
Carson; Astley, Robertson, Donnelly; Mulligan, Sylla, Garza, Ingram; Adewumi, Robertson; Murray
Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Walton; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt; Strain, Docherty, Sevelj, Ferry; Stephenson, Middleton; Dalby
We say: Dundee 1-2 Dundee United
The hosts have struggled in the Dundee derby in recent years, and with the visitors also enjoying a much better campaign to date, we believe Dundee Utd will win once again here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
