| The second-round tie is the meeting of the First Division’s top two and, while the Dark Blues are a point ahead, Saturday saw the Jags grab the headlines with a 4-0 thrashing of St Johnstone.
MacKenzie, though, believes they could be about to meet their match in the shape of a rearguard that’s lost just one goal in four league outings.
“I missed the first league game because I was injured, so in the games I’ve played we have not lost a goal and the aim is to keep that run going for as long as possible,” said the big centre-half.
“Thistle showed at the weekend they are a team capable of scoring if you give them chances, but, whether you are up against someone who’s just scored four or none, the aim is always the same — to stop them.”
Statistics, so far, show Dundee’s strength has been in not giving up many scoring opportunities, and MacKenzie believes, even if they do, it will take something special to beat goalkeeper Rab Douglas.
“When you look at his career and see how well he did in his first spell here, then at Celtic as well as the Scotland caps he has, you know you are talking about a good goalkeeper.
“He’s shown that in games and, whether it’s the first minute or the last, he is ready to make saves and, as a defence, we just want to make sure he does not have too many to make.
“Our results, so far, have been based on clean sheets and I don’t think we have hit anything like top form. To be able to say that when we are top of the league is pleasing and we will kick on from here.”
While league results are the main priority this season, a cup run would provide a financial boost and MacKenzie also views one as good for morale.
“In this competition last season, we ended up facing Celtic in front of the TV cameras and, although we lost, we put up a good show.
“Games like that give you a lot of confidence and are the kind you want to be involved in, so we definitely want another cup run.”
Although tonight’s tie is pay at the gate with reduced prices of £12 and £6, Dundee have launched a new mini-season ticket this week.
Costing £125 for adults and £60 for concessions, the brief lasts for eight games and, while it is only valid for league fixtures, does not have to be used on consecutive match days. |
