Dundee

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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With Luke McCowan having been lost to Celtic in the summer, Lyall Cameron has shouldered much of the responsibility of driving Dundee's midfield - and he continues to impress.

Indeed, although his four league goals are two short of his former team-mate, he has as many assists - also four.

Although injured captain Joe Shaughnessy and fellow key defenders Antonio Portales and Jordan McGhee are also out of contract, you imagine the 22-year-old will be a priority for manager Tony Docherty.

Other contracts expiring: Harry Sharp, goalkeeper; Adam Legzdins, goalkeeper; Sean Kelly, defender (January); Mohammed Sylla, defender; Finlay Robertson, midfielder; Josh Mulligan, midfielder; Charlie Reilly, forward; Scott Fraser, midfielder; Scott Tiffoney, midfielder; Curtis Main, forward.

Read more: Premiership summer free agents facing uncertain January

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Simon Murray says Dundee "really owe" their fans a long-awaited win over city rivals United in what he calls "one of the best fixtures you can play in".

The second Dundee derby of the season rounds off the first top-flight fixture list of 2025 at Dens Park, with the hosts hunting victory over their near neighbours for the first time in over seven years.

Having nudged his goal tally into double figures for the season with a brace at St Mirren last time out, Murray is keen to maximise momentum in the meeting he looks forward to above all others.

"It's massive," he said. "We really owe the home support a result and there's no one better to do it against than United so I'm looking forward to it. As a Dundee player and Dundee lad, it's one of the best fixtures you can play in.

"It'll be a great occasion but we've just got to treat it like any other Premiership game, do our normal routine and just look forward to the match."

Dundee's recent record in the fixture isn't good, having failed to win any of the seven encounters since a 2-1 victory in August 2017.

Currently eighth, if the Dee are to emulate last season's top-six finish, they can't afford to let the five-point gap to Motherwell in sixth grow much wider. The fact they are nine points adrift of United in fourth may concentrate minds yet further.

"I think we need to bring that consistency; as a club to look to go into the top six but as a team, we need to get more consistent performances and really build on that going forward to really put ourselves in a good position," Murray added.

Dundee United defender Kevin Holt, 31, expects to be targeted by Dundee fans when the sides meet in Thursday evening's city derby, having previously played for the Dens Park club. (Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

After a boxing day disaster against Ross County I was fearing the worst.

It wasn't just a loss—it was a reminder of the vulnerabilities threatening to derail our season. On paper, it was the most winnable fixture in a daunting stretch, yet the 3-0 hiding lacked even a semblance of effort or pride. It was one of the worst performances I've witnessed from a Dundee side.

The gauntlet was thrown down: a reaction was demanded. With January fixtures against Celtic (twice!) and Rangers looming, it was essential to secure points elsewhere and keep pace with our rivals for a top-six finish.

By halftime in Paisley, we were level, but Motherwell's lead against Rangers alongside the prospect of losing to St Mirren threatened to widen the gap between us and the top six to 11 points—a potentially fatal blow to our aspirations.

St Mirren were on a three-game winning streak, having just beaten Rangers on Boxing Day, and had only succumbed to defeat at home on two occasions this season. Billy Koumetio and Jordan McGhee were forced off due to injury after 20 minutes leaving us with a makeshift backline with just one natural centre half in the back three.

Our top six credentials were on display as we narrowed the gap to five points, the team dug deep and secured a massive win on the back of our losing streak. Ryan Astley in particular, had his best game in a dark blue jersey.

While the win at the SMiSA stadium atones for Boxing Day's disaster, a triumph over Dundee United could make amends for all of the hiccups we have suffered this season. The battle horns are sounding at Dens Park ahead of a highly anticipated Dundee derby, these are the best games of the season and have the power to define our campaign.

The stadium is sold out and Sky Sports will be rubbing their hands together as they've got the rights to cover what is arguably Scotland's most entertaining fixture.

The year 2024 will be remembered fondly, we finished in the top six, received approval for our next state of the art training facility and we capped the year off with a win.

While this season has carried much frustration, the prospect of winning the derby could both mathematically and symbolically be a decisive turning point in our fortunes.

The Dundee rivals meet in their first New Year derby since 2016 both on a high after weekend victories that lifted them closer to sides immediately above them in the table.

United will take the short stroll up Tannadice Street buoyed by a stoppage-time winner over Aberdeen that means there is only a three-point gap between themselves and Saturday's faltering third-top visitors.

The Dark Blues, meanwhile, ended a three-game run without a victory by beating St Mirren 2-1 to narrow the gap between themselves and their hosts, as well as sixth-placed Motherwell, to five points.

Following that up with a derby win is therefore vital for Tony Docherty's side if they are to retain hopes of a top-six finish instead of looking behind them to a relegation battle.

Nine points ahead and only a few short months after their return to the top flight, Jim Goodwin's United instead have Dons and European qualification in their sights after a run of one defeat in nine outings.

With both clubs yo-yoing in recent years between the top flight and the Championship, it means Dundee are seeking their first win over United at Dens Park since 2017, while the Tangerines are without a win there since 2014.

The latest three derbies, including August's 2-2 draw at Tannadice, have all finishing level, so it all points to another tight affair in front of a packed stadium out to witness some festive derby fireworks.

Read all the Premiership picks

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Tony Docherty is "proud" of his Dundee squad for the mental resilience they've shown despite a difficult period with injury.

After Billy Koumetio and Jordan McGhee were forced off after 20 minutes against St Mirren, Dundee are now without seven first team players, five of which are in central defence.

In spite of the absences, Docherty's side picked up a 2-1 win and a crucial three points against St Mirren.

"It's quite unprecedented in the squad that we've got to have the amount of injuries that we've picked up," the manager said.

"What I would say about that is in times of adversity, it highlights the character, the spirit and the mentality of the squad and I don't think you'll see a better example of that than our most recent game against St Mirren.

"I was proud of the players for that spirit that we showed to come through that and I'll be looking for that going into the derby and games after that.

"We're seeing now when the time comes for players to step up, they do it and I'm looking for them to do it again."

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face Dundee United on Thursday.

Here are the main points:

• The club is still waiting results of scans for centre-backs Billy Koumetio and Jordan McGhee who were subbed off in the victory over St Mirren.

• Docherty says the injuries Dundee have picked up are "quite unprecedented" but has been impressed with the response of players - "in times of adversity it highlights the character and spirit of the squad".

• In terms of other absences, the manager confirms Finlay Robertson is back training, but Antonio Portales is still sidelined while loanee Sean Kelly is available up until the United game.

• Dundee are still in talks over Oluwaseun Adewumi and although Docherty admits no paperwork has been signed, he stresses "we've got assurances he'll be with us".

• Docherty adds they're still waiting for Cesar Garza's clearance but all the paperwork is completed and he's been training with the squad - "fingers crossed he'll be available".

• Looking ahead to the January window, the Dundee boss says they'll be focusing in particular at targets to ease their injury situation.

• On the Dundee derby, Docherty says there's a "huge buzz" about the club and the city - "I live here and I feel the pulse of it".

• But the manager expects a "really tough game" against a United side who have been doing well this campaign - "it'll be an exciting game".

• When asked about whether he has hoped to change that Dundee haven't won a derby at Dens Park since 2017, Docherty admits he's not thinking about it and is only focused on what he can control and that's the performance on Thursday.

Seun Adewumi's loan deal from Burnley ends on 12 January, but Dundee are hoping to extend the 19-year-old midfielder's stay until the summer, while defender Sean Kelly's short-term deal ends on 2 January after the city derby but could also be extended. (The Courier), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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• The last three derbies between Dundee and Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership have all been drawn, with the last two ending 2-2 (April 2022, August 2024).

• Dundee United are winless in four Scottish Premiership away games at Dundee (D1 L3) since a 4-1 victory in September 2014 under Jackie McNamara.

• This is the first time that Dundee and Dundee United are facing one another in their first Scottish Premiership game of a calendar year since 2016, when the Dee won 2-1.

• Dundee United won their first January Scottish Premiership game of 2023 (1-0 v St Johnstone), but haven't done so twice in a row in the top-flight since 2001/2002.

• Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has drawn three of his five games as a manager against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership (W1 L1 – all three draws being 2-2), including both away from home with a different side (St Mirren in July 2021, Aberdeen in April 2022).

Watch Sportscene analysis of Dundee's 2-1 win against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

(Available to UK users only).

With the January transfer window fast approaching, where does your club need to strengthen?

Who do you want brought in and who - if anyone - is it time to ship out?

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We asked for your views on Dundee's 2-1 win against St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

Anon: From being atrocious against Ross County and getting heavily criticised, rightly deserved, Tony Docherty has masterminded an amazing result and performance against all the odds. Hopefully this will continue into our next game, please.

Ali: The second season for a promoted team is often harder than the first season. It's proving to be the case for Dundee, losing one of the best players to a big team doesn't help. Despite losing both centre halves the boys did well and were the better team. Simon Murray took both goals well. Deserved and much needed win. Only down side is the size of the injury list.

Ronnie: Excellent battling performance which largely put the Ross County shambles to bed. Injuries a big worry for the next month or so, however, we can take plenty of confidence from this win going into the derby; three points there for the taking at a sold-out Dens and burst their wee bubble down the road in the process.

Rod: We do have some resilience every time we are down to get results but please get the defence sorted. I'm glad Luke Graham is being recalled because if our defence is going to be inconsistent then we could be giving him valuable experience for the future rather than loan players. Good to see Murray scoring.

Brian: What a performance, they fought for every ball and ran themselves into the ground. Definitely a better game plan. If we can keep this going for another few games, then we should be fine. Derby next, so come on, let's do this.

Jimmy: 100 per cent better than the Ross County game, at least the team showed effort, now carry that into the next game, we will have to break them down, they are just like County. Good luck guys.

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• St Mirren have scored in each of their last four games in the Premiership, scoring eight goals in that run.

• Simon Murray has scored six goals in the Premiership this season (two in this game), more than any other Dundee player.

• Toyosi Olusanya has scored six goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other St Mirren player.

• Ryan Astley has assisted his first goal in the Premiership this season.

Watch all the action from Dundee's victory over St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

(Available to UK users only).

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Dundee manager Tony Docherty: "I'm massively proud of the players and the team.

"The loss of Antonio Portales brings our tally of injured experienced players to six now. Within 20 minutes we lost both centre halves and the easiest thing for the players to do was to feel sorry for themselves but they dug out and got a result.

"At half-time I said: 'look lads, we need to do more, we need to win ugly,' and we did that.

"There were some critics, understandably, and I asked the boys to stand up to that. That shows their mentality, spirit and resilience."

Dundee fans, you must be pleased with that!

Give us your thoughts on Sunday's 2-1 away win over St Mirren here, external.

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No surprises here.

Simon Murray's ninth and tenth goals of the season provided the difference.

Adam Binnie
BBC Sport Scotland

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Tony Docherty got his reward for a brave switch to a 3-4-3 formation as he opted to start with three number nines in Simon Murray, Seb Palmer-Houlden and Oluwaseun Adewumi.

Albeit an attacking XI on paper, Dundee struggled to gain control. St Mirren enjoyed more possession, had more shots and looked likelier before Murray's winner.

However, despite surrendering control of the midfield, Docherty's decision to have his three strikers on the pitch paid off.

Murray will rightfully get the headlines but Palmer-Houlden and Adewumi did a great job of occupying St Mirren's back three.

This forced the hosts' wing-backs to retreat, allowing more space for Finlay Robertson and Josh Mulligan to throw crosses into the box from wide areas.

Ultimately, both goals came from crosses and Dundee close 2024 with an important three points.

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St Mirren left-back Scott Tanser returns from suspension, while forward Conor McMenamin is working his way back to fitness.

But captain Mark O'Hara remains out with a thigh problem.

Dundee manager Tony Docherty will assess the fitness of Jordan McGhee and Antonio Portales after the defenders came off in the defeat by Ross County with illness and a tight hamstring respectively.

Ziyad Larkeche, Scott Fraser, Joe Shaughnessy and Clark Robertson remain out.

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• St Mirren have won five of their last six home games against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership (L1), including their last three in a row since a 0-1 defeat in October 2021.

• Dundee have only enjoyed two wins in their last 13 Scottish Premiership meetings with St Mirren (D3 L8), a 1-0 victory in October 2021 and 4-0 in November 2023.

• St Mirren have only won one of the last five occasions in which their final top-flight match of a calendar year has been at home (D2 L2), a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock in 2019.

• Excluding years in which they were relegated, Dundee have lost their final top-flight game of a calendar year in nine of their last 12 attempts (W2 D1), although did draw 2-2 with Kilmarnock in their final such match in 2023.

• Six of St Mirren's last eight Scottish Premiership goals against Dundee have either been scored by Mikael Mandron (three) or Toyosi Olusanya (three).