LEE WILKIE: Key position where Dundee derby will be won and lost.

Dundee United will make the short trip to Dens Park on Sunday. It’s Derby Week, and I can’t recall too many derbies being so difficult to call.

If you asked me three weeks ago, Dundee United would undoubtedly be the favourites. Dundee were in disarray, while United were riding a wave of European excitement.

But the Dark Blues quickly sorted themselves out, at least defensively, while the Tangerines face questions about the goals conceded.

For me, United haven’t performed as well as expected, whereas the Dee have gone in the opposite direction.

With the European games and the addition of new players, United has experienced significant success. However, they have not clicked in the way that the manager would prefer.

I imagine there has been a lot of work done on the training ground over the last week. A three-day break between games should help with that. This is strange.

Dundee have followed in the footsteps of United last season, keeping things tight, acting as a true unit, and being difficult to break down, whereas the Tangerines have conceded goals like the Dee last season.

Where derby will be won and lost

The defence of both teams will determine whether or not Sunday’s game is won or lost. Dundee have looked strong in that area, but if United can get ahead, we don’t expect much from the Dark Blues in the near future. On the other hand, United’s defence has been leaky, and set-pieces have been an issue.

I’ve said before that I believe each of the players signed this summer are good players who will prove to be good additions, but they aren’t yet playing as a unit.

Dundee’s got that. Simon Murray is back in the team and will be sharper for his game against Kilmarnock – he enjoys scoring derby goals – while United hopes to have an injured player or two back.

Nikolaj Moller, their new frontman, will be ready to go.

From what I’ve seen, he’ll bring something unique to United. However, making your Derby debut is a significant moment.

Shot in the arm

All of this demonstrates how difficult it is to predict how Sunday will go.

Both teams underwent significant changes over the summer. I believe both teams will look very different in a few months.

If this game were coming, we’d have a much better idea. Victory will be a huge boost at a critical stage of the season. Defeat, too, will increase the pressure on the losing manager.

Pressley has had a difficult start, but things have begun to improve. However, losing the Derby will put that to the test. Supporters will quickly forget about United’s European adventures and last season’s success if they lose.

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