OK, so there are (two) bigger clubs that come a-calling to Tannadice and Dens, namely Rangers and Celtic, but the biggest crowds this season so far at both grounds has been for this fixture, the long awaited Dundee Derby.
United have the edge this season as far as derbies go, one win and two draws so far. Add to that the nature of the first draw on the first day of the season – a last minute header by Jim Hamilton (2-2), and the nature of the victory in the last game, a last minute header by Jim McIntyre (1-0), and the Arabs have had a lot more to be joyous about this season in the inter-city stakes. Even the other draw, a 1-1 at Dens Park, was a near disaster for the Dees, with only a very dubious penalty saving their blushes. Their final meeting of the season will be this Saturday.
If you are the supporter of the losing team in these games, you can expect, ar work or in the playground, a full week of jibes and wind-ups at the hands of the merciless victors. Furthermore, whichever team finishes lower down the league, their fans can expect a whole summer's – and well into next season's – worth of jibes and japes. So whilst this comparatively small derby may not match the scale of Manchester, Liverpool, or Milan, it means a great deal to those directly and indirectly involved. Adding further significance to this derby is the fact that the Dees are two points ahead of United with three games to go, Saturday's included. United have to play, following Saturday, St Johnstone at home and Kilmarnock away, whilst the Dees have Hibs and Motherwell away. If United win, they only have to win their last two games to finish above the Dee, but of course the same applies to Dundee. Indeed, if Dundee win on Saturday, a draw in either of their last two games would be enough as they have a superior goal difference.
Whilst the above is mere speculation, one thing is certain, there will be a cracking atmosphere at Dens, as their always is at these games. All three derbies so far this season have been pulsating games, and were there any justice in football-on-TV, this would be at the top of the list of most stations for live coverage, but unfortunately, quality of football/excitement of game features little when it come to which games are shown live. What does matter, unfortunately, is the viewing figure, which only matters of course because of advertising revenue, and therefore money, which is a shame, as these games are very rarely dull.
However, I digress. I will only be listening to a live commentary this week via the internet, though I'm sure it will be a cracking game, and I really really think we'll win it!!!
Nottingham Arab