Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara says his side will give local rivals Dundee ‘total respect’ when the teams meet at Tannadice tonight. The first Tayside derby of the season is eagerly awaited on Tayside and McNamara expects a keenly contested game. He said: "Dundee always pose a threat and this season they will be looking to do even better. They have added to their squad in the summer. They have moved to strengthen it, and it's a different squad from last season. They did very well last season back in the Premiership so we know it will be a very tough match. Derbies are always great occasions and it's that kind of feeling when you win. We will be giving Dundee every respect but will be focusing on ourselves as always to try to get a positive result."
Dundee manager Paul Hartley admits it is a special feeling to be able to walk to away fixtures. He said: "We’ll meet up, do a few set pieces on the park, watch some footage of Dundee United, have some food and then we’ll walk across the road – it’s great. It’s unique. The new guys should savour it."
United have enjoyed the better of things in recent years, with the Dark Blues collecting just one win from their last 11 meetings, however, seven of the United team that won 6-2 on New Year’s Day have now left the club. Dundee United are without Rodney Sneijder, with the midfielder currently in the Netherlands undergoing tests after falling ill. Striker Mario Bilate is doubtful with a hamstring strain, midfielder Paul Paton is out as he awaits knee surgery while central defender Callum Morris and forward Ryan Dow are yet to recover from thigh and hamstring concerns respectively. Meanwhile, Dundee striker Rory Loy is battling to shake off the groin strain which forced him to miss Saturday's home defeat by Hearts. Midfielder Paul McGowan is available as his evening curfew, which followed a conviction for assault, has now expired, but Luka Tankulic, Nicky Low and Kosta Gadzhalov are all doubtful with minor knocks.