Any Arabs with their heads still in the sand will be blinded by the light if Dundee beat United in the biggest city derby in decades this weekend.
That light though will simply illuminate the dark days ahead if United lose a game on which may hinge years of future dominance between the clubs.
Dark Blues supporters have endured years of ribbing from United fans while they were the major power in town, and they’ll return it in large measure if the situation is reversed.
This is a massive game and could be pivotal to the long-term prospects of both clubs.
United were in freefall under Jackie McNamara and that has only recently been arrested under Mixu Paateleinen.
It’s close to the witching hour though. Slipshod defending, slackness in front of goal and lack of desire have taken the club to the edge of the abyss.
Recent improvement shows the bones of a decent United side clinging to life support, but their skeletal points total threatens to extinguish their survival hopes.
This is a must-win game and United players have to find new depths of drive and determination if they are not shortly to face the grim reaper of relegation.
Dundee under Paul Hartley have plenty craft and creativity but have often been profligate in defence, losing goals early and then having to fight to recover in games they could and should have won.
Against Rangers in the Scottish Cup they disappointed me greatly, especially after I had tipped them to win at Ibrox.
Last week they lost to Hearts, yet in a whirlwind second-half start they missed three great chances which could have won them the match.
Dundee have the players to win the derby, the league table never lies. They are currently the better team and could yet snare a lucrative fourth-place finish. That would mark a major milestone for a club bedevilled by inconsistency in recent years.
The Dundee players need to understand how much this game means to the club and their fans. Being top dogs in the city ensures bragging rights, but the vision at Dens has to extend beyond that to making the club a regular top-six outfit.
United were not always the dominant force in town, but their prominence over the last 40 years has led to greater income, a bigger support, and a much more illustrious reputation. In short, all of the advantages Dundee once enjoyed over them.
If Dundee win this game and hammer another nail in United’s coffin, they could have many years ahead to re-establish themselves at the expense of their great city rivals.
They need to take that opportunity now, because if United escape the drop they will surely find greater resolve to avoid ever again making the catastrophic mistakes which have led them close to the brink of a financially ruinous relegation.
There is much more at stake in this game than just three points. The prospects of both clubs for years to come could be shaped by the result.
This is a derby day for only the bravest and best.