Jim Goodwin: Dundee derby is biggest game of season for both clubs

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin believes Sunday’s derby is the biggest game of the season for both clubs.

United could take a major step to sealing a top-six place if they beat Dundee at Tannadice on Sunday, while their next-door neighbours have been dragged into a relegation battle following St Johnstone’s rejuvenation.

Tony Docherty’s side could conceivably be bottom of the William Hill Premiership by the time they make the short walk to Tannadice on Sunday.

Goodwin said: “I would say it’s the biggest game of the season without a shadow of a doubt – there’s lots at stake for both clubs.

“Dundee find themselves at the wrong end of the table, fighting for survival, with St Johnstone having picked up some good results of late and are now starting to apply a bit of pressure to Dundee.

“From our own perspective, we’re right where we want to be at this stage of the season, competing for those top-six places with one eye on European football as well – that’s the incentive for our group.”

Goodwin, whose side are four points above sixth-placed Motherwell, said: “We feel over the last three fixtures we’ve kept ourselves in a good place and performed to a relatively high standard.

“Dundee are five or six games now without a win and they have been on a difficult run.

“But in these kind of derby games, the form tends to go out the window. It’s the oldest cliche in the book, but it is a case of on the day, whoever can manage the emotions the best and perform better comes out on top.

“It’s a huge game for both clubs, both sets of supporters and our boys are well aware of what it means to the fans.”

Dundee have not won at Tannadice since 2004 but they knocked United out of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup at Dens Park in January.

Goodwin said: “The rivalry between the two clubs is evident – there’s bragging rights at stake for the supporters.

“We’re still hurting from the cup exit at Dens last time out. We felt that we performed well on the night, it was just one of the rare occasions where we weren’t able to find the back of the net.

“We want to make amends for that one, but in the previous two league fixtures against Dundee, we’ve performed really well.

“The performance is important and we’ve got a certain way that we want to try and play, but ultimately, it’s about making sure that you come out on top and just find a way to win the game – that’s the important bit for us.”