He knows, however, Saints will be a much tougher proposition than struggling Albion and suspects goals could be at a premium this time round.

“In the time I have been here, every game against St Johnstone has been very close and, when I look at the strength of their squad, I see nothing to make me think this will be any different,” he said.

“We are playing well and we do seem to be running into a bit of form at a good time of the season. In the second half last week, I was impressed with our play and seeing the goals shared around the strikers was encouraging.

“If we create as many chances tomorrow, I am sure we will take one or two, but it will be more difficult this time.”

Defender Milan Palenik is set to return from suspension and the gaffer will have a think about whether or not keeper Ludovic Roy returns from a groin injury.

“After training yesterday I ruled him out, but he has done more handling work with Bobby Geddes in training today, so now I’d say there is a chance he might make it.”

With Saints trailing division leaders Hamilton by 10 points and Dundee by six, boss Derek McInnes believes a win for his team is imperative.

“This match could be pivotal. If we lose and Hamilton win, it will be extremely difficult for us to peg them back,” he said. “The game is also crucial to Dundee. There is no doubt there is a lot to play for and we are looking forward to tomorrow.”

Having completed the signing of former Chelsea, Leeds and Millwall man Jody Morris, the midfielder is in the squad.

Missing will be the injured Andy Lawrie, Stuart McCaffrey, Greg Cameron and Martin Hardie, as well as the suspended Steven Anderson and Liam Craig.

With Kevin James, Steven Milne, Daniel McBreen and Goran Stanic all doubtful, others could be missing as well.

Despite those worries, having won the Challenge Cup at Dens earlier this season, beating Dunfermline 3-2, Saints travel up from Perth with some happy memories and expect a big support to go with them.

“Our fans will turn out in great numbers and they have a part to play. They can really help us,” Derek added.

This afternoon, Saints completed the emergency loan signings of midfield pair, Barry Wilson from Caley Thistle and Sean Lynch from Hibs.

Although normally the game would go ahead after its original date, congestion means the SPL felt the need to bring it forward to Wednesday, March 12, and disrupt United’s final preparations.

While that has not pleased manager Craig Levein, he has stopped short of aiming a blast at the top-flight fixture schedulers.

“We are disappointed, obviously, and it is unusual for a postponed match to be arranged for a date before it was originally meant to go ahead,” he said.

“It will disrupt our final preparations and I would have preferred a whole week to build up to Hampden to get the players prepared and enjoy it.

“I do have to say, though, that I have a degree of sympathy with the SPL. Celtic and Rangers both have cup-ties coming up and, if they have to go to replays, the league would be up the creek without a paddle in terms of dates.”

To cope with the unexpected game, Craig has already decided he will utilise all his playing resources.

“The players who have been out long-term should all be back by then and it is going to be a case of using the squad to cover both games and make sure we have our strongest team available for the final,” he confirmed.

Tomorrow, United face bogey team Gretna and, although the bottom side have beaten them twice already this term, a bigger worry is the state of their rented Fir Park pitch.

“If we had beaten Gretna twice it would have no bearing on our preparations for this game and the fact we’ve lost to them does not change them either. This is a fresh challenge and a chance to take three points,” said Craig.

“I am a bit concerned that the weather forecast through there is for heavy rain overnight, because I know it might not take much to put the game off and the one thing I don’t want is another re-arranged game.”

Minor knocks picked up against St Mirren on Wednesday mean Lee Wilkie and Mark Kerr will face fitness checks.

There will be a Fir Park pitch inspection at 9 am tomorrow.