The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dundee’s focus must be on next three games
It was suggested to me at Celtic Park on Saturday that after the “free hit” game against Celtic, Dundee faced three matches in the space of a week that could make or break their season.
Dark Blues boss Neil McCann would undoubtedly take issue with the suggestion the fixture at the home of the Scottish champions was a free hit – the manager has stressed more than once that he wants to eradicate that mindset from the club.
Dundee had a go at Parkhead but despite their best efforts they could not halt the Celtic juggernaut as Brendan Rodgers’ side won 1-0 to make it 59 domestic games unbeaten.
However, with that match now consigned to the history books, the focus does shift to the upcoming fixtures.
Dundee travel to play bottom of the table Partick on Saturday before a home game with Motherwell on Wednesday night and then another match at Dens at the weekend against Hamilton.
The Jags are without a win in the Premiership so far this season and were beaten 2-0 at home by fellow strugglers Kilmarnock on Saturday.
If Dundee can replicate the level of performance they showed against Celtic in Glasgow once again this weekend, then they will surely pile more misery on Alan Archibald’s side.
The next game against the Steelmen looks a much trickier assignment.
Motherwell are sitting fourth with twice the points haul of the Dark Blues and they won again on Saturday against Hamilton.
However, in their last three Premiership games at Dens, Dundee have secured a draw against Hibs and victories over St Johnstone and Hearts.
They are capable of garnering more home comfort against Stephen Robinson’s side.
That leaves the game against Hamilton. They beat Dundee 3-0 earlier this season but have lost their last five games in a row.
McCann’s men will also have a point to prove after that defeat at New Douglas Park.
So all in all, these are three games in which Dundee can definitely boost their points tally and climb the table.
Make or break their season, though? No, I do not think so but all Dundee fans will be hoping it does prove a fruitful seven days.
Dundee had a go at Parkhead but despite their best efforts they could not halt the Celtic juggernaut