Premiership picks: Dundee v Dundee Utd

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.

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