Dundee Utd v Dunfermline

Steven Thompson returns to the Dundee United squad

Steven Thompson and Jim Paterson both return to the Dundee United squad for the visit of Dunfermline to Tannadice.

Summer signing from Rangers, Stephen Carson, is in line for a place on the bench, having played in a number of warm-up games.

United manager Alex Smith wants his side to build on last week's 1-0 win at St Johnstone which gave them their first victory of the season.

However he warned that Jimmy Calderwood's side would provide stiff opposition.

"This would be a good one to win but it is always a hard game against Dunfermline," said Smith.

The visitors will be without defender Justin Skinner for the short trip to Tayside.

Skinner is suspended after being sent off in the defeat by Rangers last weekend.

Dutchman Michel Doesburg is still carrying an ankle injury but Calderwood will give him as long as possible to prove his fitness.

The honours were split evenly between the sides last season, with each team enjoying home success on two occasions.