Managers know value of Dens derby victory

Courier Sports writer Ian Roache answers the burning questions ahead of tomorrow’s derby clash at Dens Park ...

Q: What should we expect from this Dundee derby?

IR: It was interesting to hear Dundee midfielder Paul McGowan say that the Dens men still have another level to reach and that he wants them to do so against United. I was at Cowdenbeath in midweek and they looked good, particularly the ball distribution to the wide areas and subsequent delivery to hat-trick hero Sofien Moussa. Teams should always look to improve, though, and McGowan was right to talk about finding an extra gear. Manager Neil McCann has been happy to try different things up to now but I wouldn’t be surprised if the starting line-up at Central Park is the one that kicks off against the Tangerines. The gaffer has already shown that he won’t accept a drop in standard so the Dundee players will be expected to be at it from the off.

United boss Ray McKinnon, meanwhile, said almost a month back that he would like his team to be ready in time for the derby so this match has been his target all along. That plan, though, would have involved the use of frontmen James Keatings and Patrick N’Koyi but injury conspired against the Tannadice men. Nevertheless, McKinnon will be looking for his players to continue to look quick and sharp on the ball as they have done in the other cup games. Both bosses know that a derby victory will be the ideal start to the season so it should be an open match, with both sides going for goals.

Q: What does the fixture mean to the city in particular and Scottish football in general?

IR: As a proud Dundonian myself, I would suggest that the traditional derby day walk up the road by the opposition players to either Dens Park or Tannadice is one of the finest sights in Scottish football. In these days of often brutal and hostile posts on social media and message boards, it is perhaps only misty-eyed romantics like me who still talk of pals and family members walking to the game together, enjoying a parting hug or handshake and then going into opposite ends of the stadium before meeting for a post-match drink regardless of the result. As someone once sang, you may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one. While there has always been rivalry I still don’t think the animosity reaches worrying levels found elsewhere and that reflects well upon the city and the supporters. As importantly, the matches are usually crackers and there have been some visual feasts over the years for those at the game and watching at home on TV. There is no reason that won’t be the case again this time.

Q: It must be refreshing to have the city sides managed by two young, enthusiastic managers experiencing their first Dundee derbies as coaches, is it not?

IR: Yes, it certainly is. Being in the privileged position of dealing with both McKinnon and McCann on a regular basis, it has been interesting to note their demeanour and moods over the summer. Both have appeared to grow in enthusiasm and confidence as the derby has approached. At Tannadice, there is a cautious belief that they have recruited well and deserve to be favourites for promotion, while McCann has been just as satisfied with his transfer business. The Dundee boss was all smiles at Cowdenbeath and you got the feeling that he feels his players are timing it just right going into the league campaign. The same goes for over the road. Promotion is, of course, the be all and end all for McKinnon but he is well aware of how much of a boost a derby win would give the team and fans. As for McCann, it is surely about time that the Dens faithful had a decent cup run to enjoy.

Q: Who could be the key player for Dundee?

IR: After his hat-trick against Cowden, the easy answer would be Moussa but I think the midfield area will be where Dundee will be looking to dominate the visitors. The class should come from Scott Allan, while Glen Kamara has been looking strong. I think I will go left-field, though, and pick out wideman Roarie Deacon as a player that can really hurt United. He has been busy and effective and will be looking to pick out big Moussa every chance he gets.

Q: What about United? IR: My concern for the Tangerines is their lack of height from midfield to front but they do have the pace and skill to trouble Dundee. I expect United to use the considerable width of the Dens pitch to try to stretch the hosts in the hope that the attack-minded Billy King, Paul McMullan, Scott Fraser and, probably, Matty Smith can cause some damage. They will need a foundation on which to build, though, and that’s why I will pick Dutch tough-tackling midfielder Jordie Briels to be a key man for the Tangerines as he tries to stifle the likes of Allan before firing the ball forward.

Q: And now for the dreaded prediction….

IR: Too many years covering football have taught me to expect the team with the better players to win the game, at least nine times out of 10. Due to their Premiership budget, that should ensure a Dundee victory. What is great about this derby, though, is that there are so many imponderables. The managers are new to the fixture, as are the majority of the players, so it’s a tough call. If pushed, though, I will go for the Dark Blues by a goal.