Dundee showed in November they have the ability to beat Hamilton on their own ground.
Now they are determined to prove it again. The Dark Blues’ 3-0 win at New Douglas Park was one of their season highlights, and has given Paul Hartley’s men the belief that they can secure the result in the top-of-the-table clash that will make them title favourites.
Keeper Kyle Letheren said: “We have to go down there and do what we did last time at Hamilton. For me the pressure is on them because they’re top of the league and they’re at home.
“Although every game is different, we know we’re capable of winning down there. We’re full of confidence and if we play to the best of our ability then we can beat them again.”
The reasons for Dundee’s failure to live up to the pre-season predictions of a title stroll are up for debate.
What isn’t in doubt is that the Championship has now turned into a five-game mini-league of three.
Letheren said: “Everyone expected us to skoosh the league, but we didn’t. We knew how tough this league is, teams sit in and try to grind you out.
“When teams score against you it’s difficult to get back at them because they dig in. Look at Raith the other week, they didn’t want to win the game in the end.
“We have five games to go, there are still plenty of points to play for, so we just have to give it our best shot now.
“This is the first time I’ve been going for a title because it’s my first year as a number one. But I am enjoying it, I am playing my game and not getting wrapped up in the whole thing.”
Manager Hartley has been keen to play down the talk of this being a title decider, and Letheren reported that training hasn’t had a different feel to it.
“We’ve kept things the same this week, nothing has changed much,” he said.
“We played well last weekend and I think if we can play like that then take our chances then we’ll win the game.”
Letheren has been a penalty hero for Dundee in two consecutive matches, but he isn’t giving away any secrets in case he has to face a third spot-kick at Hamilton. He said: “I have made a few penalty saves recently and it’s always nice to do that.
“I’m always confident about saving them so it’s good to feel that way.”