Dundee boss Paul Hartley is looking for a more clinical performance from his team when they make the short trip to face St Johnstone today.
Paul was pleased with the display at Hearts last week but, after hitting the woodwork four times and missing chances, the Dark Blues lost 2-0.
That left them bottom of the Premiership, though sixth place remains just three points away.
If chances are converted he believes his men can climb the table.
“We’ve got to be clinical and take the chances when they come along,” he said.
“I’m pleased we’re creating them but some were really good chances to score. We’ve just got to show that little bit of composure and calmness in the box.”
With opportunities in this derby usually few and far between, Paul knows the importance of converting them at McDiarmid Park.
“They’ve always been tight games over the last couple of years since I’ve been here.
“We’ve had a few victories, they’ve had a couple and a few draws. I expect another close encounter this time.”
With Partick Thistle at Dens Park to follow on Wednesday night and a trip to Hamilton next Saturday, the chance is there for Dundee to address that league position.
Paul, though, is not looking too far ahead and stressed the importance of taking care of business tomorrow.
“Everything could turn within the week but it’s all about the game on Sunday,” he added.
“I think that’s the most important thing for us, to try and turn in a good performance against a team that’s always strong.
“Hopefully, that last performance against Hearts, we can try and take into the St Johnstone game.
“But it is a big week for us. The next three games can, hopefully, get our season started.”
Dundee go into the game minus midfielder Mark O’Hara after the 20-year-old’s promising start at Dens since arriving from Kilmarnock in the summer was halted by a suspected hernia.
“Mark is struggling, he’s got a little problem with his groin and he’ll need a little tidy up,” Paul added.
“He felt it with the last kick of the ball in training on Wednesday. We’ve seen the physio and he’s going to have to go down to Leicester on Tuesday and, if he needs it done, he’ll get it done down there.
“It’s a big blow for us in terms of his energy.”
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