Their absence could mean a surprise recall for Argentine frontman Gabriel Amato, while Arthur Numan may well start at Tony Vidmar's expense.

United will have Frenchman Bernard Pascaul available again after a foot injury, but fellow defender Iain Jenkins is unlikely to feature because of a persistent back problem.

Dundee v Hearts

Dundee goalkeeper Robert Douglas needed a late fitness test before being passed fit to face Dunfermline in midweek but his groin injury is now close to healing, although Iain Anderson is a doubt with a calf problem.

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies will opt for youth amid several planned changes after the dismal 3-0 League Cup semi-final defeat to St Johnstone, Grant Murray favourite to displace Stefano Salvatori. Neil McCann (ankle) and Colin Cameron (hernia) remain long-term casualties.

Dunfermline v St Johnstone

Leading scorer Andy Smith is almost certain to start for Dunfermline having surprisingly only made it as far as the bench on his return from suspension in the midweek defeat at Dundee.

St Johnstone are expected to be at full strength and buoyant after reaching their first domestic final in 29 years with Tuesday's League Cup semi-final success over Hearts. Allan Preston has a slight knock but should play.

Kilmarnock v Celtic

Mark Roberts is poised to retain his place in attack after an impressive strike in last week's 2-2 draw with St Johnstone, even though Ally McCoist is fast approaching full fitness and may well make the bench.

Celtic could again be without three centre-halves with Marc Rieper (ankle) and Enrico Annoni (hamstring) already ruled out and Alan Stubbs' groin problem unlikely to be risked ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Cup return in Zurich.

Motherwell v Aberdeen

Motherwell will be without keeper Stevie Woods, who sustained ankle ligament damage in the warm-up ahead of Wednesday's stunning 1-0 win over Rangers and faces a month out, meaning Mikko Kaven will retain his place in goal.