With the exception of a visit from Peterhead last season, the 5 previous seasons have seen Brechin City paired with Forfar Athletic for the first action of a New Year. That’s not possible this time around though as, with City battling away in Scottish football’s second tier, the traditional Angus derby has been replaced with a trip to the altogether less familiar surroundings of Tannadice Park, home of Dundee United.

CURRENT FORM:
As has been well documented, City continue to look for their first Championship win of the season with Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle being the tenth time City have suffered a single goal defeat this season. United, for whom another season in The Championship is clearly deemed to be unthinkable, come into the game on the back of a harmful 2-0 defeat at current pace-setters St Mirren. This ended a run of form which saw 3 straight wins following their dropped points visit to Glebe Park.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Having not faced each other in over 30 years, those of a Brechin City persuasion will doubtless be enjoying seeing their favourites lock horns with their more illustrious Tayside neighbours. Clearly the players are relishing the challenge too, with a couple of this season’s more memorable performances being against United. An early season encounter in August had the added twist of United being led by former City manager Ray McKinnon, and it took a late clincher from Aussie striker Scott McDonald to secure a 1-0 win for the home side. Whilst most of the media spotlight fell on how poor the home side was perceived to be that afternoon, the pride and satisfaction in a more than decent performance from City was blended with frustration and disappointment that the Glebe Park side ultimately left Tannadice – undeservedly – with no points. By the time the more recent clash with United at Glebe Park took place in late November the United hotseat was occupied by Csaba László. After dominating the first half and taking the lead through McDonald (again!) City took the game to their opponents down the slope in the second half, equalising through a Sean Crighton header. Although a draw was more than satisfactory, there was once again the feeling of what might have been - especially given the crude manner in which loanee striker Connor McLennan had been pulled down in added-on time resulting in a red card for United’s Tam Scobbie.

SQUAD NEWS:
Manager Darren Dods is unlikely to deviate significantly from Saturday's starting line-up. The big breaking news story since is the departure of Ally Love to Clyde on New Years Day. His absence will be counter-balanced by availability once again of Kalvin Orsi, who missed out on Saturday’s defeat to ICT due to illness. Long term injury victim Ryan McGeever remains the only definite absentee, although Club Captain Paul McLean will be given every chance to return to fitness following his injury against Dunfermline Athletic the previous weekend. Gary Fusco is likely to deputise as skipper once against should ‘Pabs’ fail to make the starting XI.

MATCH OFFICIALS:
The referee tomorrow will be Alan Newlands, assisted by Graham McNeillie and Drew Kirkland. This will be his third City game of the season, having already taken charge of the 2-0 midweek Betfred Cup defeat at Stirling Albion as well as the more recent 4-1 loss at Cappielow against Morton last month.

TRAVELLING SUPPORT:
Brechin City fans will be situated in Section D of The Jerry Kerr Stand, which is located behind the dugouts, and should access the stadium through turnstiles 10 and 11. Tickets are priced at £20 for adults and £10 for concessions, and disabled supporters can access the West Stand. Brechin City Supporters Club is providing coach transport to the game, leaving the usual St Ninians Square departure point at 1pm (not 12.30 as stated elsewhere). Any late travel enquiries should be directed to Derek Watt on 07934 903090.