Football fans in Dundee are gearing up for a Christmas cracker just hours before the final city derby of 2019.
Publicans and business owners have hailed the return of the crunch tie this season and supporters were in good spirits during the build up to kick-off.
The Courier reported on Friday how premises across the city were expecting a derby day boost following “unprecedented” ticket sales for the clash at Tannadice.
Jim Kidd, who runs Frews Bar on Strathmartine Road, said he was expecting a busy night, with the first fans starting to arrive at around 3pm.
Mr Kidd confirmed all three bar areas at Frews would be open for the match.
“If you come back in a couple of hours, you wouldn’t even be able to get in the place,” he said.
“It’s not just the derby or the time of year for us. We’re lucky because 99% of people here are season ticket holders.
“We’ll be showing the game on the TVs as well so we should have a great atmosphere.”
Lou Freeman was enjoying a drink in Lochee Sports Club on the High Street while waiting for the match to start.
He believed a win over the Dark Blues could see United on their way to picking up the league title – even predicting they could achieve the feat by the end of February.
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Mr Freeman said: “I’ll be watching the match. I’m an Arab through and through.
“I’ve seen good times and bad times over the years, including both legs of the 1987 UEFA Cup Final.
“I would be happy with just a point but I still think it will be 3-0 United, hands down.”
Matthew Ramsay is a regular at derby games but was planning to take in the action at the Last Tram on Lochee High Street.
“It’ll be a good night, especially for Dundee United,” he said.
“I usually go to the Dundee derby and a few of my mates are going tonight but I will be in the pub this time so I’m hoping there’s a good atmosphere and a good result.”
