St Mirren v Dundee United

Dundee United open their campaign with a visit to Paisley to take on Danny Lennon's St Mirren, with much expectancy following their tremendous exploits last season. The Arabs surged to a famous Scottish Cup triumph after defeating Ross County 3-0 in the final at Hampden, while also proving the closest challengers to the Old Firm with a third place league finish.

"We know that against Dundee United we have a very difficult game but on the day we feel we have put in a lot of preparation leading up to this game, we couldn't ask for anymore from the players," Buddies manager Danny Lennon told St Mirren's official website. "So we now ask them to take all of that and go out and express themselves."

"Scotty [Robertson] is feeling a bit tender because he took a kick on the ankle but he will be all right for Saturday," Arabs manager Peter Houston told The Courier. "Garry [Kenneth] came out of the game fine so he did a light training session and will be ready for the St Mirren game."

Saints will be without Michael Higdon, who is suspended, while David Barron also misses out with injury. Manager Lennon has recently released trialists Kevin McLeod and ex-Arab Greg Cameron.

Former Arabs goalkeeper spent seven years at Tannadice after starting his career there.

Garry Kenneth and Scott Robertson are both expected to face the Buddies after returning from international midweek duty with Scotland. Spanish striker Francisco Sandaza is also back in training and could be on the bench, while there are similar hopes that fellow forward David Goodwillie will be fit enough to play.

Following a summer of heavy transfer speculation for the two-goal Scottish Cup final hero.

Brian Winter

St Mirren - Celtic (A); Dundee United - AEK Athens (H)

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