Dundee United

Colin Moffat
BBC Sport Scotland

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On Sunday, Dundee's city neighbours meet for the fourth, and most likely last, time this season, with concerns in different halves of the league, but the same burning desire for derby day success.

Dundee's need seems more urgent as they bid to get out of the relegation play-off spot, but United are in the thick of a tight race for Europe.

United, promoted over the summer, are already just one point shy of the tally that took Dundee to a surprise sixth place last season.

And they have had the better of this fixture in recent times. Unbeaten in their previous five Premiership derbies, the Tannadice men have lost just one of the past 17 at home in the top flight, winning 11.

However, the last meeting went the way of the Dark Blues in the Scottish Cup, with Simon Murray's first-minute header at Dens Park enough.

Cup interest is over now and that leaves Dundee seeking a first league win since 5 January.

Dundee have conceded the most goals in the division, with problems in midfield leaving defenders exposed too often.

United just happen to have the Premiership's top scorer. Sam Dalby has 13 goals, which have been worth 12 points, also a league-high total for any player this term.

Jim Goodwin's side will go long in search of the powerful striker. Dundee know what's coming, but can they deal with the threat at Tannadice?

Read all the weekend Premiership picks

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• Dundee United are unbeaten in their last five Premiership meetings with Dundee (W2 D3), and are looking to win back-to-back derbies against their rivals in the top-flight for the first time since January 2015 under Jackie McNamara.

• After only losing two of their first 10 home league games of this season (W5 D3), United have since lost three of their last four on home soil in the Premiership (W1).

• Dundee have only won one of their last 17 away games at Tannadice in the top-fight (D11 L5), and are winless in 10 (D6 L4) since a 2-1 victory in August 2004 under Jim Duffy.

• Dundee have lost each of their last three away games in the league, last losing more in a row within a single season in the Premiership in January 2022 (five).

• Coming into this round of matches, Sam Dalby is the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership this season with 13 goals, which have been worth 12 points to Dundee United, also a league-high total for any player in the division this term.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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It's been 21 long, long years since United lost to Dundee at Tannadice. As Sunday's latest derby looms, we take a look at three of the best for United...

Dundee United 6-2 Dundee (30 August 2019)

Dundee had been relegated the season prior, while United were searching for a way back to the top flight after four years away. After just one derby, the tone for the season was set.

Four goals in the space of 13 minutes from Louis Appere, Lawrence Shankland, Calum Butcher and Ian Harkes put United in command after Butcher and Kane Hemmings traded efforts in the opening quarter.

Andrew Nelson did pull one back for a chastened Dundee, but Cammy Smith scored the sixth to repeat the outcome of the New Year's derby of 2015.

Dundee United 6-2 Dundee (1 January 2015)

That's right, it had happened before!

With no Rangers, Hearts or Hibernian in the league, both teams were tilting at a top-six finish and both managed it, but not without United humiliating their neighbours.

Stuart Armstrong scored after less than a minute, deflecting in a Chris Erskine strike. Dundee managed to equalise, but Gary Mackay-Steven soon re-established the hosts' lead.

Erskine and Mackay-Steven again netted before half-time, Jaroslaw Fojut and Charlie Telfer also scored and Luka Tankulic claimed a late consolation.

Dundee United 2-2 Dundee (20 March 2016)

There's no denying the 2015-16 season was a hard one for United as they went down with a whimper, finishing eight points behind Kilmarnock.

Despite all that, they were determined not to give up their Tannadice record - already 12 years old at that point.

Two first-half strikes from Dundee's Hemmings left United toiling in a feisty match.

But a brace from Billy Mckay - a penalty and a stoppage-time header - ensured Dundee would still be unable to secure bragging rights on Tannadice Street.

Dundee United defensive stalwart Declan Gallagher looks set to be fit for Sunday's derby at Tannadice. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

There's been plenty to chew over during our enforced break in action.

First off, huge well done to Owen Stirton and Sam Harding on their Scotland Under-19 call-ups.

Sam had a brilliant first half of the season at Kelty while Owen has been banging them in up at Montrose - he also picked up the League 1 Player of the month award - so it's great to see the hard work paying dividends.

Young talent emerging is what it's all about, it's something Dundee United have done forever. I'd just like to see them stick around at Tannadice a bit longer than some recent youngsters have.

And now, on to the elephant in the room - Sam Dalby's disallowed goal against Hibs. At the time, anybody who had a couple of working eyeballs could tell you it was a goal.

Until VAR glanced at the ball striking 'something'. That's right, 'something'. Listening back to that audio clip just makes you shake your head and nearly now fully abandon any positive thoughts regarding VAR in Scotland.

We all know that had that goal been valid, we'd have headed home with three points. I'm certain of it. It totally changes the composition of the game. It's another reminder of how much these types of decisions can hang over our season.

Some days, I'm convinced it's like we're fighting more than the opponent.

That being said, the free week, thanks to our early cup exit, is a welcome relief we certainly need to get the walking wounded back.

Declan Gallagher in particular needed the rest after injury last time out and Will Ferry missed out completely. Having the pair of them fully fit is absolutely crucial to the starting 11, and this break couldn't have been better timed.

Hopefully the rest and recovery time will let us come back stronger and ready to push on.

Essentially, it has been a week of conflicting emotions. Pride in our young players, anger at VAR and that daft panel, and relief at some well-deserved rest.

Oh and there is a sold out Dundee derby on the horizon...

Ronny Costello can be found at The Dode Fox Podcast, external

Celtic have reportedly scouted Dundee United forward Owen Stirton, the 18-year-old forward on loan at Montrose. (National), external

Dundee United winger Glenn Middleton aims to "put things right" in Sunday's Scottish Premiership meeting with Dundee, who knocked United out of the Scottish Cup earlier this season. (Record), external

Lee Wilkie, who featured for both Dundee and United, believes Tangerines supporters would milk every moment of winning the derby, should they secure the three points at the weekend and add to the Dark Blues' woes. (Courier - subscription required), external

Dundee manager Tony Docherty believes the derby is the perfect fixture to turn around the Dark Blues' fortunes. (Record), external

Defender Ryan Astley says Dundee are determined to prove their doubters wrong against United. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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With 13 goals this season Sam Dalby not only tops the Dundee United scoring charts, but the Scottish Premiership one too.

Since joining on loan from Wrexham, and playing his first game on 1 September against Hearts, United have won 10 matches. Dalby has scored in half of them, and a further four draws.

Nine of those 13 have come from open play - only Rangers and Celtic players Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn, Vaclav Cerny and Cyriel Dessers have more open play goals.

His expected-goals tally (9.8) is the highest in the league, bettered only by departed Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi and he has a respectable shot conversion rate of 25%.

He's top for big chances scored (11) and his conversion rate of those is almost 60%.

The 25-year-old's importance to Jim Goodwin's side is obvious to anyone who has watched the Tangerines this season and it may even be they're too reliant on the striker's prowess.

However, taking a deeper dive into the numbers behind United's season, it's no surprise they're competing at the upper end of the table.

They've got a solid goalkeeper in Jack Walton who is top of the charts for goals prevented this season (6.9) plus he's made 82 saves so far, only Motherwell's Aston Oxborough has made more.

Defensively, Declan Gallagher has been solid and is top of the league for blocks made (27) and third for clearances (196) while Vicko Sevelj is joint top for tackles won (49).

Further outfield, Will Ferry has been important for defensive and attacking exploits. He's third for interceptions made (39) and fifth for outfield recoveries while further up the pitch, only Alistair Johnston, Arne Engels and Vaclav Cerny have a higher expected assists than Ferry (5.86).

We asked you to tell us the one thing nobody is talking about at Dundee United.

Here's what some of you said:

Ian: Far too much defending for my likes. No decent wide men/wingers to supply crosses, got to rely on the full-backs. Midfielders are too defensive minded, no one to drive on against the opposition.

George: What has happened with David Babunski? From vice-captain (and often captain when Ross Docherty has been injured) we've hardly seen him over the past couple of months. Now the weather has turned his creativity in the middle of the park could help.

Davie: Not enough was said about the Hibs game, we did not deserve to lose it and an inexplicable and unexplained decision was made by VAR to rule Sam Dalby's goal out and has arguably cost us sitting in third right now, despite Hibs' form. Our performance level is okay but we merited more points this week.

Thomas: What's not being talked about is the very real chance of not finishing top six is now upon us. We have enjoyed an amazing return to the league and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching them play and grow this year under Jim Goodwin. After such a great season, not getting top six and a European spot is now a reality. Are expectations too high?

Ross: With new recruits added to the squad and results not improving, Goodwin should consider going back to the tried and tested players he used with "one of the smallest squads in the division". Whether it be injuries or loss of form and accepting new players need to bed in, when there's no improvement, a back to the drawing board ethos should be considered.

Anon: We had "free hits" against Dundee in the cup, Hearts, Kilmarnock and Rangers, chances to play attacking football and capitalise on our league position. We ended up playing five defenders and three defensive midfielders. Goodwin's safety-first approach has served us well so far, but now is the time to get on the front foot and take a risk with team choices.

After losing 3-1 to Hibs, Dundee United squandered a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw against Aberdeen last time out.

Jim Goodwin's side are just one point off the Dons and two behind Hibs in third, but can they keep the pressure on as the split approaches?

You know your club best, so what is the one thing regarding United - good or bad - Nobody is talking about?

Let us know., external

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

While Dundee United would love to be contesting the Scottish Cup quarter-finals this weekend, the enforced break has come at the perfect time.

They appeared a team running on empty in the later stages of their weekend draw with Aberdeen, throwing away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2.

Manager Jim Goodwin's post-match comments were telling. Three games in eight days "took its toll on the players" and they looked "dead on their feet".

United are fifth in the table – just two points off third – a great achievement, and one that is even more impressive given they have had injuries to key players for large portions of the campaign.

Will Ferry, Ross Docherty and Louis Moult are currently sidelined while Declan Gallagher went off during the first half at Pittodrie.

Goodwin admitted influential midfielder Craig Sibbald – who recently returned from injury – was rushed back to make his first start in five months.

The stretched squad has been creaking lately and that is reflected in their recent form, just two wins in nine Premiership games.

So when you factor all this in, the hiatus is a chance for United to regroup – and more importantly recharge – before the business end of the campaign.

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

After last Wednesday's chaos at Tannadice, United headed up the A90 to face an Aberdeen side as unpredictable as a Scottish summer.

One minute they're flying high, the next they've crash landed, and now they're desperately trying to take off again, all in the space of 29 games. They've got good players, but they're not always a good team. Still, this was never going to be easy.

United were missing a few key men, but the first-half gameplan was executed to perfection: defend well, counter dangerously, and make the most of set-pieces. By half-time, things were looking rosy.

The second half? Not so much. I've no idea what was said in the dressing room, but what I saw was United setting up camp in their own box, playing what can only be described as a flat back nine.

Predictably, Kevin Nisbet, who never misses a chance to score against United, pulled one back with 15 minutes to go. The equaliser arrived in the 91st minute, again from Nisbet, and truth be told it had been coming.

A point at Pittodrie is usually a decent result, but when you're 2-0 up with 16 minutes left, it stings.

Maybe the players sat too deep on their own, maybe it was the manager's plan, or maybe I'm not giving Aberdeen enough credit. Either way, United now head into a two-week break likely feeling a little flat.

With the Scottish Cup taking centre stage this weekend, our attention shifts to the small matter of yet another sold-out Dundee derby the following Sunday.

If United want third place, they'll need to be braver, a little better and far less cautious in this one, because there's a lot more than just bragging rights at stake.

Paul McNicoll can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external

Sam Dalby is backed to be the Scottish Premiership's top scorer this season by Dundee United team-mate Glenn Middleton. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Dundee United were cruising at Pittodrie, but a double from Kevin Nisbet meant they left Aberdeen with just a point.

However, I still have a representative from Jim Goodwin's side in my team.

Ross Graham defended stoutly and assertively for the most part.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Pittodrie

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Sam Dalby insists Dundee United are "still in the mix" to finish in a European spot, despite squandering a two-goal lead against fellow hopefuls, Aberdeen.

United soared into a first-half 2-0 lead at Pittodrie, but Jim Goodwin's side blew it, having to settle for a point in the north-east.

The result means they remain fifth in the table, two points behind third-placed Hibernian, following their Edinburgh derby victory, and just one behind the Dons.

However, on-loan Wrexham striker Dalby says there's no reason United still can't finish as high as third.

"We are still in the mix and that is the most important thing," the 25-year-old said. "They [Aberdeen] haven't extended the gap on us.

"They're a good side and we tired a little bit towards the end but we will take the point at the end of the day."

As has often been the case this season, Dalby contributed to the draw, netting his 13th Premiership goal of the campaign.

He leads the league charts, so, what's the secret to his success?

"I would say my own mindset and trying to get in the box and attack things as much as possible," he added.

"I would probably say past seasons I have come to the ball a bit too much, rather than trying stay in the six yard box and get on the end of things.

"I came here because I wanted to play games and get a good season under my belt and obviously the gaffer has trusted me to play since I have been here, so I am thankful for that."

We asked for your views after Dundee United squandered a two-goal lead against Aberdeen.

Here's what some of you said:

Chris: It's been a tough week with two disappointing results (points dropped from potential winning opportunities), however achieving third place is well within our grasp. Jim Goodwin and the boys can get over the line but nothing less than 100% effort and focus is required for remaining games!

Kieran: Architects of our downfall. First half was up there as one of the best of the season. Second half the team was non-existent. We have should gone in for the kill for a third goal.

If Aberdeen were more sharp in the box, this game could well have been lost. Massive game in two weeks at home. Three points is a must, anything less and top six could be out of reach.

Roger: The second half performance from United was pathetic and we got what we deserved. You can't sit back and accept that amount of pressure without it eventually telling. The inevitable happened and Aberdeen deserved at least a point. Goodwin did nothing to stop the momentum either. Really, really poor show guys.

Derek: We are dreadful at keeping the ball, punted it back to Aberdeen and invited them to come at us. Sadly we cannot defend for a whole half using that tactic. Another two points dropped.

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• Aberdeen have scored in each of their last four games in the Premiership, scoring six goals in that run.

• Kevin Nisbet has now scored five goals in nine appearances in the Premiership against Dundee United.

• Dundee United have lost 18 points from winning positions in the Premiership this season, only Dundee (20) have lost more.

• Samuel Dalby has scored 13 goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other player.

Watch highlights as Aberdeen came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

Jim Goodwin is hopeful pivotal defender Will Ferry will be back in contention for Dundee United's derby against Dundee - but the extent of Declan Gallagher's injury will only become apparent in the coming days. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

Kevin Nisbet struck in stoppage time as Aberdeen came from 2-0 down to earn a point at home to Dundee United.

Nisbet has struggled at times during his loan from Millwall but his first fine effort set up a grandstand finish, and his fourth goal in five games ensured the points were shared.

What did you make of that, Dundee United fans? Was a point a fair reflection?

Who impressed you? What did you make of the change of shape?

Let us know your thoughts., external

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Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin told BBC Scotland: "More often than not, away from home in this league, a point is usually a good result and a positive one.

"But when you're two goals up, to concede as late on as we did, it does feel a little bit like a defeat.

"First half we were really good, our shape was excellent, we pressed Aberdeen high up the pitch. We were excellent on the transitions and on the counter attack we got into dangerous areas.

"We worked two very good set plays. Especially the first one, it couldn't have panned out any better. We couldn't have been any happier at half time.

"Credit to Jimmy Thelin, he made positive changes going into the second half. They had to gamble at that point. They had so many attacking players on the park that eventually penned us back. We couldn't get up the pitch.

"The three games in the space of eight days took its toll on the players in the end. That's what has cost us in the end."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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After stepping up from the Championship, United's impact in the top flight continues to be one of Scottish football's great success stories.

But with defying the odds, perhaps comes a change in expectations.

Having spent so long challenging at the top end of the table, a campaign that begin with survival as their main objective has evolved into one with loftier goals.

But United are stumbling, with only two wins from their past nine league outings, and this draw may sting like a defeat.

There is never a good time to have a wobble, but with the business end of the season now fast approaching, this appears a particularly bad time for them to slide off the victory trail.

United are far from out of the race to finish third but if they are to keep themselves in the mix, they are going to need to find a way of consistently delivering wins again – and soon.

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Ross Graham. United reverted to a back-four today and for large parts, they looked better for it. Graham could have been rocked by the loss of his partner Declan Gallagher but he fronted up when the veteran went off injured.

His 22 clearances were a match high and he looked solid until the very end.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United defender Emmanuel Adegboyega says he "couldn't sleep properly" after their VAR controversy in Wednesday's 3-1 defeat by Hibernian at Tannadice.

United thought Sam Dalby had put them 2-1 up in the second half, but following a lengthy VAR intervention, the goal was chalked off as the striker was judged to have headed the ball onto his own arm before it flew in to the net.

"I still am (seething) because I don't think I could sleep properly after a decision like that," said the Irishman.

"I felt it was honestly a robbery in my opinion so there is a bit of frustration through the camp.

"I just don't agree with it (VAR) at all. What happened on Wednesday was the nail in the coffin for myself.

"As of right now, it might not be fit for purpose, I think it demonstrated on Wednesday that aspect of VAR in my opinion.

"I don't know if it needs to get changed or if it needs to get binned, I am kind of in the middle of both, but I think a change will have to come in first before a decision to bin it."

The result meant United – who are now fifth – missed the chance to go above Sunday's opponents Aberdeen into third.

Adegboyega was asked if they can channel their frustration from midweek for this weekend's visit to Pittodrie.

"I think we have to let it go because Sunday is a whole different game, whole different opposition," he answered.

"The frustration we felt on the Wednesday, we felt on the Thursday, and currently some of us are still feeling it today, but once Sunday hits it's a new ball game, new team, so we have to change focus and focus on Aberdeen.'

"We have obviously been playing quite well so I think it's just to improve on some aspects in terms of our mistakes and also just to hopefully get the result in the end."