The next instalment of the Dundee and Dundee United rivalry takes place on Tuesday evening with both clubs enduring a dismal run of form in the league.

While the visitors still sit in seventh position in the Scottish Premiership standings, their hosts are down in 11th, two points above bottom spot.

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Having suffered six defeats in seven top-flight matches ahead of their trip to Celtic Park, few people would have given Dundee United much chance of keeping the scoreline respectable in Glasgow.

However, the Terrors went within minutes of taking points off their more illustrious hosts, who still found a late winner despite being reduced to 10 men.

While Tam Courts will naturally take the positives from the performance, the over-riding feeling was one of disappointment, and a derby showdown is probably the perfect game to shake off that frustration.

Somehow, Dundee United have still managed to remain within four points of fourth place, and the recent comeback win over Ross County would have lifted spirits when they had appeared to be on a downward spiral.

Nicky Clark scored two late goals on that occasion, becoming the first Dundee United player to net more than three times in the Scottish Premiership this season.

As far as Dundee are concerned, they ended a losing streak of their own on Wednesday night as they collected a goalless draw at relegation rivals St Johnstone.

Manager James McPake would have wanted to build further momentum at the weekend, but their fixture against St Mirren was postponed due to the adverse weather conditions.

Nevertheless, after three matches in eight days after the resumption, the unexpected respite may benefit them in the short and long term, particularly with a crucial game with Ross County to follow at the weekend.

Just two goals have been scored during their last six fixtures in all competitions, both coming from Leigh Griffiths but one of them being netted from the penalty spot.

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Courts is hoping to be able to call upon Dundee United defender Ryan Edwards, who missed the game at Celtic due to his partner being expected to give birth.

While Scott McMann went off injured, Courts expects the player to be fit, although Ross Graham is on standby if required.

Clark is expected to keep his spot in the team, but Peter Pawlett may add some fresh legs in midfield or the final third.

Although Charlie Adam is one of several players in contention for a Dundee recall, Niall McGinn may have to make do with another outing from the substitutes' bench.

Nevertheless, the week-long break may tempt McPake into selecting the same starting lineup from the draw with St Johnstone.

Dundee possible starting lineup:
Legzdins; Elliott, Fontaine, Sweeney, Kerr; Anderson, Byrne; McMullan, P. McGowan, L. McGowan; Griffiths

Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Siegrist; Neilson, Edwards, McMann; Niskanen, Meekison, Levitt, Harkes, Sporle; Watt, Clark

We say: Dundee 1-1 Dundee United

While Dundee United will take the positives from running Celtic so close, a three-day turnaround is not ideal ahead of a derby. With that in mind, we are backing the struggling hosts to earn a deserved share of the spoils at Dens Park.

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