Midfielder ruled out against St Mirren

Midfielder Danny Swanson has been laid low with a virus and misses the visit of St Mirren to Tannadice this weekend.

Home boss Peter Houston will be coming up against a side who have already really impressed him this season in the shape of the Buddies.

"I saw St Mirren against Dunfermline and was very impressed by them," he told the Sporting Life. "There is no doubt in my mind that they will come to Tannadice to play an open game, which will suit both sides.

"I think the standard on offer in the first few weeks has been excellent throughout the SPL," Houston continued. "Every game I have seen has been full of teams attacking, trying to score goals and being really open. It's really encouraging for the league and we will certainly be having a go at the weekend."

One player definitely not involved is Blackburn Rovers defender Gavin Gunning, who trained with the Tangerines during the week but has now returned to his club ahead of a possible move north.

Meanwhile, St Mirren are without striker Paul McQuade after recently damaging his hamstring.

The visitors are also lacking their quartet of Graeme Smith, Hugh Murray, David Barron and Aaron Mooy as, like their opponents, they attempt to build upon a four-point start from their opening couple of games.

Dundee United (from): Pernis, Dillon, Dixon, Kenneth, Watson, Severin, Douglas, Allan, Flood, Rankin, Russell, Daly, Dow, Smith, Hilson, Armstrong, Mackay-Steven, Banks

St Mirren (from): Samson, van Zanten, Mair, McGregor, Tesselaar, Teale, Goodwin, McGowan, Thomson, Thompson, Hasselbaink, McLean, McShane, McHugh, McAusland, McKernon, Carey, McQuade

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