Jim Goodwin has revealed Dundee United made an approach for Swansea ace Cameron Congreve prior to his loan switch to city rivals Dundee last summer. (The Courier), external
Image source, SNSDundee United loan pair Amar Fatah and Luca Stephenson have both been ruled out for the rest of the season with hamstring injuries.
Kristijan Trapanovski and Isaac Pappoe (both knee) remain sidelined. With goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer (shoulder) still out, Ruaridh Adams has been recalled from his loan at East Fife to provide cover for Dave Richards.
Dundee have a fully fit squad with the exception of Clark Robertson, who is out with a thigh injury.
Image source, SNSGoalkeeper Jon McCracken wants to give Dundee fans derby bragging rights as the team aim to take a step towards Premiership survival by beating their city rivals on Sunday.
Steven Pressley's side are seven points behind Dundee United and five above the relegation play-off spot as they head into their first post-split fixture.
McCracken knows it will be a tough game at Tannadice but is hopeful his side can continue to pick up points to ensure their safety in the league.
"They're a good team with good players. They finished in the top six last year, so you expect a really tough game no matter where it is," said McCracken.
"Especially at their place - the pitch will come into it as well - it's going to be a tough game.
"It's a good chance for us to get further away from that 11th spot and keep our safety in the Premiership."
The 25-year-old added: "They're good games, but they're only good games if you're playing well, let's be honest.
"It's up to us to take the fans along with us and give them something to cheer about.
"The bigger the game, the bigger the atmosphere, and that's what we all play football for."
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley says his side must "attack" the final five games of the season, starting at Tannadice in the derby on Sunday.
Both sides have an away win apiece in the derby this season, while the most recent meeting was a 2-2 draw last month when the Dark Blues mounted a remarkable comeback in stoppage time.
"I think it's been a real positive feature in our play that we show that determination, that resilience and that ability to bounce back from disappointment," Pressley said.
"It's a crucial part, I think, in a team's progression.
"And we demonstrated it in abundance that day but you're right, I don't think we saw the best version of us that day. And of course, ultimately, the most important thing in the derby is the outcome.
"But equally for me as a coach, I'm always very process driven. I always want to see performance as well."
Dundee are five points clear of second-bottom Kilmarnock, who they drew 2-2 with last time out, and Pressley knows his side remain in a four-way scrap to avoid the relegation play-off.
"We're at that stage where we now need to find some more solutions and get ourselves back to winning ways," he said.
"Because the one thing that I've been very consistent about is that we've never been safe at any time, and we're far from safe now.
"But the onus is on me to find the necessary solutions over the coming weeks.
"My message to the players is that we have to attack these games.
"We have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, which is you could go into the final play-off game needing to get a win.
"We've got to be ready for that."
Image source, SNSDundee United have scored exactly twice in six of their past seven Scottish Premiership games against Dundee, though the exception was their last at home, a 1-0 defeat in January.
Dundee have won their past two Premiership visits to Tannadice, as many as their previous 20 in the top flight beforehand (W2 D11 L7).
United have won three successive league games, last winning four in a row on home soil in the division in November 2014.
When in the bottom six, Dundee have won their first game after the split in five of the past seven occasions (D1 L1), including a 1-0 victory at Hearts last season.
Since the start of February, only Youssef Chermiti (seven) has more Premiership goals than Simon Murray (six). Murray has now scored 26 goals in 80 appearances for Dundee in the competition – just two fewer than he netted in 95 games for all his other clubs (including United) combined in the top flight (28).
Image source, SNSSteven Pressley will steer "solid" Dundee to Premiership survival, says former Hearts and Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson.
The Dens Park outfit, who travel to Tannadice for the derby on Sunday, are five points clear of second-bottom Kilmarnock and three above St Mirren with five post-split fixtures to play.
"Steven came in at the start of season, he would agree himself, he wasn't the popular choice, but he's turned that around amazingly," said Neilson on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"They've got a real solid group in there, goalscorers, good defenders, they're a solid team.
"The last time they went to Tannadice they won 1-0, so they'll have confidence going there.
"Steven is very, very experienced, he knows how to stay in these big games and win them.
"I think they'll be fine, they've got enough in their squad at both ends of the pitch to keep them in the league this year."
Stephen McGowan, football writer with The Herald, added: "Where are all those people who wanted Pressley hunted earlier in the season now? They've gone kind of quiet, haven't they?
"I remember going up to see him in Dundee and it was after a period when it was an open letter from supporters calling for the heads of John Nelms and Gordon Strachan and Pressley.
"He went into a situation where I think he admitted himself he didn't necessarily know exactly what he was getting into.
"He faced this barrage of criticism before he did a day in the job really. But I think he's pretty much silenced that and okay, they're not absolutely out of the woods yet, but if they could get something out of the derby then once again he would have shown that the empty vessels were totally wrong about him."
We asked for your views on which Dundee player has failed to live up to expectations this season.
Here are some of your views:
John: Not sure anyone has underperformed. But feel that some players are overrated. Especially Big Billy Koumetio and Luke Graham. Took Tony Yogane a while to get going but only looks good in parts. Goalkeeper has took some stick and not a Scotland player.
Gary: Joel Cotterill came in and ousted Callum Jones from the midfield, but I couldn't tell you why. He's had some impact, but not enough to have started nearly every game after coming in. He'd be my standout.
Craig: Emile Acquah. That is all.
Mark: Unfortunately, I would have to say Simon Murray. I think he should give up the captain's armband and concentrate on scoring goals if he's still with us next season. Not sure what's happened to the boy Paul Digby, seems to have disappeared.
Grant: Acquah has not even flattered, hence on loan to Harrogate. A striker who has no goals for either club this season. A player I would like to see step up is Fin Robertson. He has the skill but seems to lack any dig. Still young enough to improve.
Derry Rhumba: It's a tough one but I'd say I expected a lot more from Paul Digby. Loved by fans of his previous club, the big man just hasn't found as much game time this season. Has all the right tools; strength, height, loves a tackle but just can't supplant our midfield three.
Head coach Steven Pressley says Dundee are close to agreeing a new deal with defender Ryan Astley. (The Courier), external
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media before his side's derby with Dundee United in the Premiership on Sunday.
Here are the key lines:
Pressley expects a "very difficult" game at Tannadice against a United side who have been "performing very well of late". His players are relishing the derby, which is always a "great occasion" with a "great atmosphere".
The Dundee boss says the late comeback for a 2-2 draw in the previous derby highlighted a "real positive feature" in his team: "We show determination and resilience to bounce back from disappointment."
With Dundee on a four-game winless run and just five points above the relegation play-off place, Pressley concedes his side "have never been safe at any time and we're far from safe now".
He says a total of 38 points at the end of the season "generally gets you safe". Dundee are five points short of that total, but he admits "that might not be enough this season".
The head coach reiterated the challenges of recruiting for next season while still fighting to guarantee top-flight survival. He suggested Premiership teams often work on a short-term recruitment basis because of the number of clubs involved in relegation battles each campaign.
Team news: Pressley has a fully-fit squad and welcomed the return of Clark Robertson to training, but Sunday's derby will come too soon for the defender.
Last week we asked for your Dundee player of the year - and there was no splitting Ethan Hamilton and Luke Graham.
Now we want to know the Dens Park player who has been the biggest disappointment this season.
It could be a new signing who has underwhelmed or an existing squad member who has failed to kick on.
Ethan Hampton
Fan writer
In our last outing against Kilmarnock I wouldn't have griped had we lost 2-1.
We didn't play well enough but to snatch a draw and have it still feel like a defeat is a summary of how it feels to support Dundee.
Being a Dark Blues fan is like sitting outdoors in Scotland - you can be exposed to all four seasons in a short duration and it's coin toss whether you go home basking in the sunshine or battling through the cold and heavy rain.
But if there is any occasion to keep things glowing in Scotland's sunniest city, it's the Dundee derby.
In both of our home derbies this season we performed miserably below the standards expected – but our lone win over United came at Tannadice after our best display of the campaign. It feels like we're still chasing that level of performance.
I've seen several good Dundee sides go to Tannadice and come back with nothing to show for it. The players can't take these games for granted, we must rise to the occasion and I think we will.
Many Dees, including myself, went into the last derby feeling over-confident and expecting to see the team at their best. While I don't have the same feeling with this one I am expecting to see a side that are battle hardened and winning their duels.
This is the game where a moment can turn players into cult heroes. We've had our share of big-game players, including current captain Simon Murray, who relish the derbies.
Ash Hay has scored in the past two meetings with United and could match Murray's record on Sunday. We have the characters and hopefully we'll have the hunger too.
Dundee want to keep winger Charlie Reilly beyond the end of the 24-year-old's contract expiry this summer. (Courier - subscription required), external
Ray Bradshaw will be joined by fans up and down the country on Monday for This Is Fans Only to discuss the weekend's biggest points.
Supporters will come on live and viewers will get the chance to join in on the debate, as well.
The show will be broadcast live on the BBC Sport Scottish Football YouTube channel at 18:00 BST.
To make sure you don't miss any bespoke video content, make sure to subscribe to the channel HERE, external.
On-loan winger Scott Wright hopes a good finish to the season with Dundee will increase his chances of first-team football at Birmingham City next season as the 28-year-old continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury. (The Courier), external
Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, BBC SportDundee defender Luke Graham is ranked among Europe's best young talent by a group of European football data experts (Courier), external.
Image source, SNSWe asked you to tell us who deserves to be Dundee's player of the year.
Here are some of your comments:
Kevin: Only one contender for me - it has to be Ethan Hamilton as he has been the rock on which we have progressed this season. But a special mention must go to our two wide men who have gave us the entertainment back (all they need is a greater level of consistency).
Jimmy: Luke Graham for POTY.
Mark: Has to be Luke Graham, with Cameron Congreve not far behind him along with Ethan Hamilton.
Ali: My Dundee star of the season is Jon McCracken. As goalkeeper he's in the microscope position and his progress has been immense. Much is said of our young centre-half, but Jon has to play top drawer every game and is often passed over for praise as his high standard is now expected and normal.
Chadianscot: Player of the year has to be Luke Graham. Solid at the the back and has come on leaps and bounds this year. Expect him to leave in the summer for a -seven-figure sum.
Rod: Hamilton has been a find so he would be my pick.
Roberto: Ryan Astley has played consistently well from day one.
Neal: Congreve, Ashley Hay and Tony Yogane up front have been instrumental in our upturn since the new year. However, it's got to be Ethan Hamilton pulling it all together in the middle of the park.
From calls for Steven Pressley be dismissed after a dismal Scottish League Cup campaign to a historic victory over Celtic, it's fair to say it's been an interesting season at Dens Park.
Despite an upturn in performances, Dundee still find themselves in relegation trouble at the bottom of the table heading into the final five games.
It's taken a fair bit of time to get things going, but have any players impressed this term?
We want to know who has been your Dundee player of the year? Tell us here.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
I have to admit to being surprised at Dundee going into the post-split fixtures embroiled in a battle to avoid finishing in the dreaded relegation play-off spot.
I say that because they are a team that have steadily grown and improved as the campaign has wore on, and one which I have found one of the most enjoyable to watch.
Their five-point advantage on Kilmarnock in 11th may appear like a reasonable cushion to have going in to the final five fixtures but with the bottom-six sides now all playing each other the reality is anything can happen.
For all I have been praising Dundee in recent times, the stark truth is they find themselves in their current predicament because their points return has not been good enough having won just two of their past 12 Premiership games.
Head coach Steven Pressley praised the "character", "personality" and "resilience" his side showed as they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Killie last Saturday.
And those are traits they will undoubtedly need going into the bottom six run-in.
Pressley believes his side "probably need a couple of wins" to keep out of trouble. But given their recent run of results, that could be easier said than done.
In the 15 league games the Dark Blues have played against the other teams in the bottom half this season – Dundee United, Aberdeen, St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Livingston - Pressley's side have won five, drawn six and lost four.
That shows Dundee can take nothing for granted as the season draws to a close.
Dundee's Scott Wright admits he is still learning to trust his body again after his recovery from a serious knee injury received a massive boost. (The Courier), external
Watch all four goals of Kilmarnock's draw against Dundee.
Image source, SNSDundee twice came from behind to peg back Kilmarnock and a similarly resilient approach is sure to serve them well for their run-in, according to Steven Pressley.
The Dark Blues head coach has calculated that two victories will be more than sufficient.
Dundee are in ninth place on 33 points, five ahead of Kilmarnock, and tackle a city derby with United next.
Pressley said: "If you look at history of previous seasons, 38 points would be a realistic amount to keep you in the league. That might not be the case this time. But we are five points away from that so that indicates we probably need a couple of wins.
"I felt that was a good point from a game where we didn't perform to the levels I know we can. We showed another side to our game that really pleased me. We went behind to an early goal and then responded, then went behind to a second and responded again.
"I think to show that level of character and personality is important. That was a resilience – and there's no doubt, in the coming five games, there's going to be a lot of that needed."
