“We’ve had such a good time of it and they’ve had such a bad time that the law of averages means they have got to win one sometimes. But we don’t want it to be this one,” he said.

“Sometimes you get fixtures that one team always seems to do better in, and it is something you do think about when the derbies come around. It’s hard to explain why it’s been that way because United are often favourites and probably are again for this one. But we still think we can do well.”

With both teams so close to the relegation place, this is one occasion when there is something much more important than bragging rights to fight for — and Macdonald admits three valuable points to help beat the drop is what both teams will be focusing on.

“Because of where both of us are, this is the biggest game I have played in and, in some ways, the fact we need points to make sure we stay up takes away from it being a derby. It will still be a special atmosphere and there will be extra nerves in the dressing-room before the kick-off. But it is about getting to safety not beating our rivals.”

While he won’t take anything for granted until that safety is a mathematical certainty, with bottom two Livingston and Dunfermline facing each other tomorrow, he knows three points would be a boost.

“Whoever wins or loses tomorrow, it will not be over and there will still be a bit to do. A win would not clinch safety for us, but it would go a long way.

“We are certainly confident we can get the points we need. We have some tough games to come, but we are ahead of the bottom three and that gives us some advantage. We are looking for the points to get over the finish line, while they are trying to catch us up.”

And although Macdonald is desperate to see United finish losers tomorrow, he is eager to see his city rivals also hold on to their top-flight status. Deep down, he believes both sets of fans feel the same.

“To be honest, although the fans might feel that way on the day, and maybe through the summer they’ll be happy if the other team has gone down, if there is no derbies next season they will be disappointed.

“I want both clubs to stay up. You have the Old Firm coming here and they are good games, but the one we all look forward to most is the derby. Playing United are our biggest games of the season and we get the biggest crowds — I don’t want to be missing that.”

There was an injury scare surrounding skipper Barry Smith after he had to go to hospital yesterday afternoon to have stitches in a cut just above an eye.

“He got hurt in an accidental clash with Kelvin Jack when they were going for a cross, but, although we were worried when we saw the blood and he is a bit bruised, Barry is fine and he’ll be in his usual place,” said boss Jim Duffy. The big injury worry remains Brent Sancho. He is still struggling to recover from an ankle problem and that is likely to mean Macdonald playing in central defence alongside Bobby Mann.

Only a few tickets for the home sections remained unsold. Only front row tickets were left for the Bobby Cox Stand and there were a few areas of the Main Stand where seats were available. The ticket office at Dundee Direct is open between 10 am-noon tomorrow.