THE stakes couldn't be higher heading into the third Dundee derby of the season as United look to rubberstamp their place in the top six and the Dark Blues seek a massive win in their battle to beat the drop.
Tam Courts has enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Tannadice hotseat and a point here would be enough to secure a top-half finish and keep Dundee United in the hunt for European football.
The United fans will be desperate for a victory though as they look to send their rivals closer to a Championship return, exacting revenge for a derby defeat in 2016 that sealed their own relegation.
Dundee's bold decision to axe James McPake and bring in Mark McGhee hasn't paid off so far, with the Dens Park side now six points adrift of St Johnstone at the bottom of the table.
McGhee has mustered just three draws from his eight games in charge but can take some heart from watching his side twice come from behind in a 2-2 draw with Aberdeen last weekend.
And if the Dark Blues can head into the league split off the back of a morale-boosting derby victory it would give them a fighting chance of getting off the foot of the table in the final five games.
How the bookies view it
It's said the form book goes out the window for a derby but the bookies disagree as Dundee are 88/35 outsiders with VBet. Dundee United's best price is 5/4 with Betfred while the draw pays 23/10 at Bet365.
Recent head to head
Dundee United have held the upper hand against their rivals of late, going unbeaten in the last five derbies. It ended 0-0 when these sides last faced off at Dens but United edged a 1-0 victory at Tannadice early in the season thanks to a strike from Ian Harkes (below).
Players to watch
Manchester United loanee Dylan Levitt has provided a touch of class for Dundee United this season and is also a threat with his long-range shooting. The Welsh midfielder is 15/2 at Paddy Power for anytime scorer and that looks generous.
Danny Mullen has been the main man up front for Dundee in recent weeks and heads into the derby with three goals from his last seven outings. The striker is 13/5 with Bet365 for another goal at Tannadice.
Anything else catch the eye?
Goals have been at a premium in the derby this season, with just one scored across the two meetings. But I cashed in by backing BTTS at Dens last weekend in the game against Aberdeen as it was a game both teams needed to win. A point doesn't really suit Dundee here so I can see them being quite open so BTTS appeals at evens with McBookie.
BoyleSport are offering the same price on between 2-3 goals being scored and that's another good option while the half-time draw is always worth backing in a derby and it also pays evens with Bet365.
Six cards were shown when these sides last faced off at Tannadice and it could be another busy day for the ref. Over 4.5 cards is evens at Bet365 while Callum Butcher (15/8) and Cammy Kerr (3/1) are worth considering for individual cards with the same firm.
This Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Dundee will be played on Apr 9, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Dundee United vs Dundee prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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