Jim McIntyre and Paul Heckingbottom will cross swords for the first time in their managerial careers when Dundee and Hibs clash at Dens tonight.
However, while Jim admits to knowing little of his opposite number, his knowledge of the team he’ll be putting out means he’s not expecting too many tactical surprises.
Hibs appointed Heckingbottom as the successor to Neil Lennon last week and he kicked off his time in Scotland with an Easter Road win over Hamilton Accies.
While, in time, the Dee boss knows his opposite number will put his own stamp on the Hibees, right now he’s not expecting too many drastic tactical changes from the way they lined up under Lennon.
“I don’t know him but he got off to a good start and Hibs have good players. It’s going to be a tough game,” said Jim.
“He’s got good options as well, you need to be able to handle that.
“We know what players he’s got to work with and we know their strengths and weaknesses like we do most of the other squads in the league. It’s about making sure yours are better than theirs on the night, that’s how it is in football.
“We are back at home in front of the cameras and want to put on a good performance.”
Dundee go into the game boosted by last week’s vital win at Livingston that hauled them out of the bottom two in the top flight for the first time since late August.
Again, though, the manager is stressing it’s where the team are at the end of the season that counts.
“We could be back down there come Saturday if we don’t keep it going.
“Livingston is gone now and now it’s all about this one.”
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