Dundee host Kilmarnock this weekend knowing a win would be more than welcome going into the second international break of the season.
The Dark Blues are without a win in five and have lost their last three while Killie themselves are in serious need of three points.
Derek McInnes’s men haven’t yet won in the Premiership this season, picking up just one victory in 13 games in all competitions.
A win for the Dark Blues could push them back into the top six while Killie success would move them level with the Dee on six points.
A massive game for both teams – here’s all you need to know ahead of a crucial contest.
Dundee selection dilemmas
The Dark Blues are waiting on the availability of Mo Sylla after his collapse last weekend following an anaphylactic shock.
The Frenchman is a crucial cog in Tony Docherty’s Dundee machine, providing strength and insurance in support of attacking talents.
He was replaced by Leicester loanee Sammy Braybrooke in the holding midfield role for the second half against Aberdeen and the youngster did well.
Then Scott Fraser replaced him in that position later on. If Sylla is missing, Dundee’s midfield takes on a different profile.
Also, after three defeats on the spin Docherty could be tempted to swing the changes.
He’s spoken about “tweaks” to his team this week.
Curtis Main’s physical presence could be useful against a big side like Kilmarnock while Seun Adewumi has impressed in his short time at the club.
Lots to ponder for Docherty as he searches for the winning formula.
Kilmarnock danger men
The players that earned Killie fourth place last term remain key to McInnes’s plans.
Dundee can expect to defend plenty of balls into their box.
The main threats are those delivering those balls, Dan Armstrong on one flank and Matty Kennedy on the other.
Kilmarnock’s Young Player of the Year David Watson comes into the game full of confidence after two goals against Dundee United last time out, the first a peach of an overhead kick.
His drive from midfield will need to be slowed while Kyle Vassell brings a real physical challenge for Dundee’s backline.
The Dark Blues will need to fight for everything they get on Saturday.
Managers
Tony Docherty said: “We took real positives in the last game in terms of our performance but the one thing that wasn’t positive was the result.
“We’ve been tweaking things and working hard on that so we can be as strong as we can be to go into the international break with three points.
“I don’t think we are far away and more importantly there is a feeling among the players about that as well.
“If we keep the consistency of our performances, I have no doubt the results will come.
“I’m under no illusions how tough a task Saturday will be but we need to sure the tweaks we make bring a positive result.”
Docherty’s former boss Derek McInnes said: “Any time you go into a game prior to the international break it’s important you try and enjoy that, this is the last game until we play Rangers.
“Dundee will be the same, they’re looking for that win to take them into the break too.
“Tony’s a friend, and you want to see your pals well supported, you want to see them get a fair crack at the whip and I think he’s got that. There’s no doubt we’ve got a tough game on Saturday.”
Team news
Mo Sylla is awaiting the green light from medics to see if he can feature after last weekend’s shock collapse.
Certainly out are Jordan McGhee (calf) and Joe Shaughnessy (knee).
Kilmarnock will be without the suspended Joe Wright while Kyle Magennis remains injured.
Liam Polworth is a doubt while Stuart Findlay is in contention as he aims to shake off a calf injury that forced him off against Dundee United last time out.
A decision is still to be made on the fitness of the Scotland international centre-back.
Dundee record at home to Kilmarnock (last 6)
Dundee 1-1 Kilmarnock (McCowan 37; Mackay-Steven 24) – May 18, 2024
Dundee 2-2 Kilmarnock (Dennis og 11, McCowan (p) 63; Watkins 35, Deas 90) – March 2, 2024
Dundee 2-2 Kilmarnock (Bakayoko 16, Rudden 90; Armstrong (p) 30 & 81) – September 23, 2023
Dundee 2-1 Kilmarnock (McGhee 6, Adam 47) – May 20, 2021
Dundee 2-2 Kilmarnock (Nelson 8 & 20; McAleny 18, Burke 54) – February 6, 2019
Dundee 1-2 Kilmarnock (Nabi 10; Boyle og 17, Brophy (p) 54) – October 6, 2018
Man in the middle: Grant Irvine
Dundee v Kilmarnock will be referee Grant Irvine’s first match since Dundee’s defeat at Ross County.
VAR for this clash will be Alan Muir, assisted by Graeme Leslie, with assistant referees Ross Macleod and Sean Carr on duty at Dens.
Irvine is yet to brandish a red card this season, doling out 12 yellows in five matches.
Last season this fixture saw three players red carded as well as Killie boss McInnes.
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