Dundee United midfielder Calum Butcher has claimed Dundee are the favourites to win the derby.
The Tangerines may have been backed at the bookies to win at Tannadice on Friday but Butcher feels that it should be the other way around because the Dens men have just come down from the top flight.
The 28-year-old Englishman, who is expected to move back into the middle of the park after playing centre-back against Dunfermline on Saturday, said: “Dundee are still a Premiership side that came down at the end of last season.
“We are underdogs at the end of the day because Dundee are a big side.
“Dundee have brought in some really good players in the transfer window and it’s going to be tight all season.
“We’ve got to be up for it and on it like we have been these last three games.
“It is vital on Friday that we turn up and approach the game properly.
“We just need to focus on ourselves and make sure we are up for the occasion.”
