Mixu Paatelainen seeks repeat performance in Dundee derby

United lost 2-1 at Dens Park despite taking the lead through Blair Spittal's free-kick.

They go into the game on Sunday desperate for a derby win to boost their survival hopes in the Ladbrokes Premiership but Dundee are pushing to break back into the top six.

Paatelainen said: "I am 100 per cent sure that they will feel exactly the same as us, they want to add to their points tally. They want to get in the top six and they have every chance to do that.

"So we are facing a difficult task. But if we get a performance anything like we did against them in early January, when we dominated the match and for my liking we should have won the game, I am quietly confident.

"But it's always a new adventure. You never know how things go. You might dominate, you might create chances. If you don't take them, your opponent might punish you, which has been the case so many times this season.

"So we have to make sure every player is positive and ruthless and when we get the opportunity to score, we take our chances."

The meeting between the city rivals is among the most important Tayside derby in recent times.

"Every game is massive," Paatelainen said. "Obviously this one being a derby match, there is always an extra edge.

"Tannadice, full house, against Dundee, our city rivals, with where we are in the league, it doesn't get any bigger than this.

"So we are really looking forward to it and so are the players.

"There is a special edge. It means a lot to us, the players, supporters, everybody associated with both parties. It is a special one."