Five reasons Dundee can do the Dons

A FEW weeks back most Dundee fans would wince at the prospect of facing Aberdeen at Dens Park.

With the 7-0 thrashing from last season still clear in the memories of many Dark Blues supporters, you would be forgiven for struggling to find many reasons to be cheerful ahead of Friday’s Premiership clash.

However, after two wins and seven points from their last three league outings, the Dee are rejuvenated with the Dandies struggling.

The Tele has found, not one, but five causes for optimism ahead of Dundee facing the Dons.

Derek McInnes

Since Rangers sacked Pedro Caixinha some six weeks ago, the speculation linking the Aberdeen boss with the top job at Ibrox has failed to go away.

With an announcement regarding his future expected this week it can only be good news for Dundee, regardless of whether he stays or goes.

The turning rumour mill has clearly distracted both McInnes and his players in recent weeks, creating turmoil in the north east.

Form

Where Aberdeen have failed to beat the Gers in their last two league outings, Dundee have succeeded.

Neil McCann’s men followed the 2-1 Rangers win nearly two weeks ago with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Ross County last weekend.

Along with two losses at the hands of the Light Blues, Aberdeen have fallen to Motherwell and drew with Hamilton Accies since November began.

Dundee have performed better at home than away from Dens Park this season and will be aiming to keep up that trend.

Defence

The Dark Blues have managed to keep two clean sheets in their last three, one more than they had all season previously.

Elliott Parish has been solid since replacing the frozen-out Scott Bain in the Dee goal, making the position his to lose.

In central-defence, McCann seems