A weekend win at Dens Park would be the perfect start to making sure Dundee United will have a regular game against Dundee in the Premiership next season, according to manager Ray McKinnon.
The Tangerines have done everything asked of them in their first three Betfred Cup games – winning them all with relative ease.
But one victory against their local rivals will do more for the confidence of players and supporters alike than the other League Cup fixtures put together.
“It would be a real catalyst for the rest of the season if we could win the derby,” said McKinnon.
“I think we’re still getting there in terms of gelling the team.
“We’re still quite new although we played a lot of nice football on Sunday, albeit against Cowdenbeath.
“They made it very difficult for us and it was pleasing especially as we had only young Matty Smith as our recognised striker. He’s been a real bonus for us.
“The derby, though, should give us a gauge in terms of where we are as a team and how cohesive we are.
“It will be a proper test.
“We’ll definitely play our strongest team available.
“I’ve actually not had a lot of time to really think about it although I have thought about it a bit.
“There’s been a lot of other stuff happening but as of Wednesday we can start to turn our attentions more towards it.”
McKinnon’s last experience of the city derby was as a player the best part of 20 years ago. But he knows that the rivalry hasn’t diluted between then and now.
“I scored in a couple of derbies that I can remember,” he said.
“I had a decent record against Dundee as a player. I really can’t wait for Sunday.
“I think they were missed massively last season.
“I think it was the same when it was the other way around with Dundee down and United up.
“It will be sold out on Sunday and we are asking for even more tickets.
“I think the city needs it and would love it to be back as a permanent fixture each season.
“The fans love it and the whole of Scottish football would benefit from it.
“So the quicker we can get back to the Premiership the better.”
McKinnon knows that judging Dundee on how they have performed in their Betfred openers wouldn’t necessarily be a reliable guide to how they will play on Sunday.
“Dundee had an easy victory at the weekend,” he said. “They weren’t really extended.
“Those can be difficult games because the mentality sort of drops.
“They’ve definitely got a lot of good players in their team like Scott Allan and their two wingers. Dundee are a decent side.”
New signing Scott McDonald should be in the United squad. And his former Celtic and Middlesbrough team-mate, Willo Flood, is also in contention.
“Willo Flood is back in training but he’s not done anything for a few weeks,” McKinnon reported.
“We’ll just have to play it by ear with him.
“It’s a bit early for him but knowing Willo he’ll probably want a place on the bench.
“Patrick N’Koyi is still injured. He’s pulled a thigh muscle. We’re not sure how bad it is but Patrick says he’s feeling better.
“James Keatings is still out obviously but he’s responding well.
“I don’t think there’s anything for us to worry about.
“It’s just another game for us to go and enjoy.
“I don’t think there will be too many who’ve played in the derby before apart from Willo, Scott Fraser and Toshney on the other side.
“They can go and play with a freedom and go and enjoy it.
“Hopefully it’s a good occasion. I’m looking forward to it.”
