Dundee boss Paul Hartley believes being the underdogs will suit his team when they take on Dundee United.
Some bookies have installed Jackie McNamara’s men as short as 5-4 favourites to win Sunday’s derby at Dens Park, while the Dark Blues are offered as long as 12-5.
However, Hartley has every right to be quietly confident about his team’s chances given that they are the Premiership’s only unbeaten team and go into the match on the back of an impressive away victory over St Johnstone.
The Dundee boss said: “I think they probably are (favourites), to be fair. In saying that, we are at home and we want to try and give them a good game.
“It’s a derby occasion. Sometimes when a team is off form it doesn’t really matter going into such a game but in this case both teams are on form so it’s got the makings of a cracking match.
“I think the players have been terrific so far. I feel everything we have asked of them they have done and we have a great spirit at the club.
“They are a new group of players and they have taken things on board.”
The derby is the only sporting show in town this weekend and Hartley has urged his players to top the bill.
The Dark Blues against the Tangerines is easily the most attractive fixture on the Scottish football card.
He wants his men to express themselves and show the rest of the country why people have been talking up his team.
Hartley said: “I do detect a big buzz about the city. I think over the last couple of weeks the anticipation ahead of the two derbies has been terrific.
“You have seen the fans buying tickets for both this game and the League Cup match next Wednesday down the road.
“United are also in good form and there will be a great atmosphere here on Sunday. I just hope our players respond in the right way which I’m sure they will do.
“The players are looking forward to it. It is the only (traditional) top-flight derby in the country so we want to show that we are a good team and worth our place in the league.
“The players have the chance to showcase their talents. We had guys coming from part-time football who played against Celtic on live TV and now we have the Dundee derby.
“I think we showed we are a good team against Celtic and hope to do so again against United.”
Dundee’s unbeaten record will be seriously tested by United but Hartley added: “I think we have to keep the run going for as long as possible because the longer we stay unbeaten the more confidence we will get.
“We have had a solid start to the season but I do feel there is more to come from the players.”