Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon is hoping his side will already have qualified for the second round of the Betfred Cup before the derby date with Dundee next Sunday.
The Tangerines sit top of Group C with six points to their name following wins over Raith Rovers and Buckie Thistle.
They face League 2 outfit Cowdenbeath at Tannadice tomorrow with McKinnon looking for another win which would all but confirm their progression in the competition.
The manager said: “Last season nine points was enough to qualify so hopefully we can get there on Sunday and that will be enough.
“If we can do that then we’re able to focus on the build-up to the derby knowing we’re in the next round already.
“So we’re hoping to get a positive result this weekend.”
United will be without James Keatings for the game against the Blue Brazil after the striker suffered ankle ligament damage in the Highlands against Buckie in midweek.
Medics have ruled the 25-year-old out for at least a month and possibly longer however McKinnon revealed that the player himself insists he will return before then.
The manager added: “James is telling us he’s a quick healer and he’ll be back earlier than the four to six weeks.
“He is a determined lad, he’s telling us he’ll be back in three weeks so hopefully he’s right.
“He’s done really well for us, with him, Scott Fraser, Paul McMullan and Billy King we have a lot of talent at that end of the park.
“I still think we need more, I’d like to bring in another two strikers but it’s a difficult position to fill.
“If we can get Stewart Murdoch and Willo Flood back fit again then that bolsters our options in the middle of the park as well.
“They are coming along well and hopefully they’ll be ready soon.”
