New Firm Derby Kicks-Off New Season

(Written by TactfulSheik)

Dundee United will kick off the new season with a New Firm derby at Tannadice, after the new fixture list was announced yesterday.

Manager Craig Levein will be hoping for a positive start the 2007/08 campaign, after the managing to avoid difficult opening week matches against Rangers, Celtic and Hearts.

It`s been almost 8 years since Dundee United started the season with a victory, after goals from Magnus Skoldmark and Joaquim Ferraz gave Paul Sturrock`s side a 2-1 win over local rivals Dundee at Tannadice on the 31st of July 1999.

Since then, United have drawn 4 and lost 3 times against Falkirk(1-2, 06/07), Aberdeen(1-1, 05/06), Dunfermline(1-1, 04/05), Hibernian(1-2, 03/04), Partick Thistle(0-0, 02/03), Dundee(2-2, 01/02) and Celtic(1-2, 00/01), - despite taking the lead in many of those matches.

Dundee United and Aberdeen last met on the opening day of the 2005/06 season, with Barry Nicholson's 48th minute equaliser securing a point for the Pittodrie club in a 1-1 draw at Tannadice, after Charlie Miller`s 7th minute opener.

Last season, supporters were hopeful that manager Craig Brewster would get the club off to winning ways against Falkirk at Tannadice, especially after captain Barry Robson opened the scoring in the 17th minute.

However, former United midfielder Russell Latapy equalised 5minutes later and then set-up Liam Craig`s 59th minute winner in a match which Falkirk mostly dominated.

For the 2nd year in-a-row, Dundee United`s players wont be able to enjoy some festive cheer on Christmas day, with a difficult clash against Celtic on Boxing Day.

Last season, Dundee United travelling to Parkhead on the 26th of December and stunned the home supporters by taking a 2 goal lead through David Robertson(17mins) and Collin Samuel(58mins).

However, Japanese star Shunsuke Nakamura inspired Celtic to a late comeback, setting up a 78th minute strike from Darren O'Dea and equalising with an incredible lob over Derek Stillie just 2 minutes later.

This season`s Scottish Premier League will be sponsored by 'Clydesdale Bank`, after the 5-year deal with the 'Bank Of Scotland` expired at the end of the 2006/07 season.

Dundee United`s first 5 fixtures are as follows:
Aberdeen(h), Kilmarnock(a), Hibernian(h), Caley Thistle(a) and Falkirk(h)

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