A neat passing move from the hosts has Billy McKay motoring into the box. The angle is maybe too tight for a shot and the striker's attempted cut-back is blocked by Paul McGowan.

Lots of energy on show as both sides snap into tackles and press the ball with real urgency. The fans at a busy Tannadice are in good voice in the Tayside sunshine.

Eiji Kawashima then thumps the ball up the park and it bounces right through for Billy McKay to have a nod at goal in the opposite penalty box. The striker's effort is weak and straight at keeper Scott Bain but play had been halted for Henri Anier barging into Dundee defender Darren O'Dea.

Paul McGowan tries his luck from long range but home goalie Eiji Kawashima is right behind the shot.

The teams are out...

We should be in for a cracker today with so much at stake and the previous derby meetings this season also indicate plenty of thrills and spills to come.

Dundee scored twice in the final nine minutes to earn a draw on their last visit to Tannadice after a Blair Spittal double.

Spittal was on target again in the New Year game before Kane Hemmings and Nick Ross struck for Paul Hartley's men at Dens Park.

Image source, SNS

Kane Hemmings is top of the scoring charts for Dundee with an impressive tally of 20. However, the Dark Blues have gone three games without a goal going into this one.

Twenty derbies have passed since the last time these rivals served up a stalemate back in 2002.

Image source, SNS

It's fair to say United missed Paul Paton, who was injured throughout the first half of the season. In the eight league games the combative midfielder has played in they have picked up the same number of points managed in the previous 21.

Image source, SNS

"I'm looking forward to this one. It's a great opportunity and if we perform the way we can then we can have the upper hand.

"I think if we win today then anything is possible.

"Dundee have great forwards, so we need to be on our toes. We must stay focused and start right from the kick-off."

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United have netted nine goals in their last five matches, picking up a couple of league wins and reaching the last four in the Scottish Cup.

The problem has been at the other end though, with only four clean sheets in 29 Premiership outings.

"The team performed well against a good Hearts team, so I thought they deserved another chance.

"It's a massive game for us. We need the points just as much as United. We have a great opportunity to get into the top six.

"I've got a really talented bunch and I've got great believe in them."

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Dundee have their own agenda, having slipped out of the top half of the table, and they too have games in hand over the teams above them.

The Dark Blues are also chasing their first victory on the other side of Tannadice Street since August 2004.

Dundee United have been bottom of the Premiership pile since the beginning of October and games are running out. Today's hosts are eight points behind Kilmarnock but have played two games fewer.

With two matches against Killie to come, things could get interesting if the Terrors pick up a point or three this afternoon.

Dundee United goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima returns to the starting line-up from injury, while midfielder Guy Demel is fit enough for a place on the home bench.

Dundee are unchanged from their last outing, a 1-0 home loss to Hearts.

Dundee United: Kawashima, Donaldson, Morris, Gunning; Spittal Rankin Dow Paton Dixon; Anier McKay.

Subs: Demel, Dillon, Szromnik, Ofere, Knoyle, Murray, Fraser.

Dundee: Bain, McGinn, O'Dea, Gadzhalov, Holt, Stewart, Ross, McGowan, Harkins, Kerr, Hemmings.

Subs: Mitchell, Wighton, Loy, Konrad, Meggatt, Low, Arturo

Is there another top level derby in the world where the other team simply crosses the road?

Image source, SNS

Greetings and salutations on this glorious Sunday. Are you ready for a tasty lunchtime serving of derby action from the city of Dundee?

Kick-off is at 12:30 and there is a lot at stake besides local bragging rights...