Hosts Dundee take on Dundee United in their second derby game of the 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 Premier League defeats with a 2-1 win at St Mirren.
Jim Goodwin's men also had an important influence as Kevin Holt scored in the 94th minute to beat Aberdeen 1-0 and move within three points of third place. That left United with 31 points – the same total they had when they were relegated in 2023 – only this time with half a season to go.
Thursday January 2 5:15 p.m
Start at 5:30 p.m
This is the first time these clubs have met at Dens Park for almost three years – with both seasons lasting in Scotland's second row; Dundee United just last season and Dundee the year before.
However, they met at Tannadice in August to play out an entertaining 2-2 draw. If the next installment of this famous competition serves up anything close to that, we're in for some fireworks to kick off the New Year.
Docherty ready for 'electric' derby feeling
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Tony Docherty says form will mean nothing as they prepare to face United and expects an 'electric' atmosphere at Dens Park
Dundee leader Tony Docherty told Sky Sports News:
“It's a fantastic game. It's great for the city. I live here and I feel the place, everyone is excited for the derby.
“The players are very excited, especially on the back of a very strong performance and result away to St Mirren.
“I love us being at home. In my time here the crowd has been fantastic, and a lot of our success has been based on our home form. The people play a big part in that.
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Dundee ended their losing run with a win at St Mirren
“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 create that atmosphere.
“It will be electric, absolutely electric. Like the last one. It's got everything, it's got the tradition and the history. Dundee United will walk up Tannadice Road like we did last time .
“It's a great opportunity and I want it to be a good advertisement for Scottish football and for both clubs.”
Goodwin: Bragging rights are at stake
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Jim Goodwin reflects on their 'amazing' start to the post-promotion season and looks ahead to Thursday's derby
Dundee United leader Jim Goodwin told Sky Sports News:
“It goes without saying, we are all excited and looking forward to the game.
“The first game we played at Tannadice was a spectacle with two very good teams going on and a great atmosphere.
“We are expecting a similar game on Thursday. It means a lot to both sets of supporters and we are delighted that we are going into the game in very good form.
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The two clubs shared four goals in a stunning derby earlier this season
“We are expecting a hostile atmosphere from the home supporters but we are going to get a lot of support from there to get behind the team.
“The game means a lot to the city. Bragging rights are at stake so we'll cross our fingers we can give ourselves a good account, and the fans can have those bragging rights support after the game.”
Watch the Dundee derby live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event from 5.15pm Thursday January 2, kick-off 5.30pm, after Rangers vs Celtic (kick-off 3pm).
