Dundee and Dundee United both ended 2025 in good form so the stage is set for a cracking derby when the rivals collide at Tannadice in the SPFL Premiership.
It looked like being a long season for these clubs when they suffered slumps during the autumn but the festive fixtures have brought a change of fortunes.
A rousing win over Celtic sparked Dundee United to life again and it's now just one defeat in eight games after an excellent 3-1 midweek win at Livingston.
Jim Goodwin's side have moved back into the top six and they'll be hoping a derby win can provide the platform for a European push.
But it won't be easy against a Dark Blues side who are finally showing some signs of life under Steven Pressley.
The former United defender wasn't a popular choice as manager at Dens and his reign got off to a bad start, with Dundee justifying their status as favourites for the drop.
But wins over Falkirk and Kilmarnock in the last two games have lifted Pressley's men up to ninth and they sit 10 points clear of rock-bottom Livingston.
If the Dark Blues can now make it a hat-trick in the derby at Tannadice then the manager's approval rating will start to soar.
How the bookies view it: United odds-on favourites
Despite their recent upsurge in form, Dundee are outsiders for this one at a best 15/4 with 888Sport. Dundee United are just 31/40 at Betway and the draw pays 5/2 at Bet365.
Recent head to head: Dundee eye Tannadice repeat
Goodwin's side won 2-0 at Dens when these sides faced off earlier this season and United have been on top in the derby of late. They've won four of the last 10 fixtures and lost just twice but the Dark Blues did claim a memorable 4-2 win on their last visit to Tannadice.
Players to watch: Sapsford the danger man
Aussie striker Zac Sapsford has been a shrewd signing for Dundee United and a goal in midweek took his tally for the season to eight. He scored in the last derby and is 6/4 at Unibet to grab another goal.
Charlie Reilly heads into this game on a high after chipping in with a goal and an assist in the midweek win over Kilmarnock. Injuries have blighted his time at Dens but he's getting a chance now and looks a bit overpriced at 10/3 with Bet365 to score or assist.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Probable line-ups
Ross Graham and Ryan Strain are closing in on a return for Dundee United but Isaac Pappoe and Pan Camara are set to miss out again.
Dundee suffered a blow in midweek when Cameron Congreve was ruled out and he joins Joe Wesley and Fin Robertson on the sidelines. Skipper Simon Murray serves the final game of his suspension.
Dundee United: Richards, Esselink, Keresztes, Cleall-Harding, Ferry, Sibbald, Stephenson, Sevelj, Trapanovski, Sapsford, Fatah.
Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Koumetio, Wright, Graham, Yogane, Reilly, Dhanda, Jones, Hamilton, Hay.
Anything else catch the eye?
Dundee have picked up form but they were easily beaten in the last derby and United look worthy favourites with Pressley missing some key players.
The Tannadice side have home advantage and superior firepower so I fancy a Dundee United win with over 1.5 goals at 21/20 with Bet365.
Derbies are usually pretty spicy and the New Year fixture often sees even more sparks fly. Tannadice stopper Krisztian Keresztes is 29/10 at Coral for a 10th card this term and, for a bonkers bet, backing each team to pick up a red pays 66/1 at Bet365.
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