MacKenzie, though, believes they could be about to meet their match in the shape of a rearguard that’s lost just one goal in four league outings.

“I missed the first league game because I was injured, so in the games I’ve played we have not lost a goal and the aim is to keep that run going for as long as possible,” said the big centre-half.

“Thistle showed at the weekend they are a team capable of scoring if you give them chances, but, whether you are up against someone who’s just scored four or none, the aim is always the same — to stop them.”

Statistics, so far, show Dundee’s strength has been in not giving up many scoring opportunities, and MacKenzie believes, even if they do, it will take something special to beat goalkeeper Rab Douglas.

“When you look at his career and see how well he did in his first spell here, then at Celtic as well as the Scotland caps he has, you know you are talking about a good goalkeeper.

“He’s shown that in games and, whether it’s the first minute or the last, he is ready to make saves and, as a defence, we just want to make sure he does not have too many to make.

“Our results, so far, have been based on clean sheets and I don’t think we have hit anything like top form. To be able to say that when we are top of the league is pleasing and we will kick on from here.”

While league results are the main priority this season, a cup run would provide a financial boost and MacKenzie also views one as good for morale.

“In this competition last season, we ended up facing Celtic in front of the TV cameras and, although we lost, we put up a good show.

“Games like that give you a lot of confidence and are the kind you want to be involved in, so we definitely want another cup run.”

Although tonight’s tie is pay at the gate with reduced prices of £12 and £6, Dundee have launched a new mini-season ticket this week.

Costing £125 for adults and £60 for concessions, the brief lasts for eight games and, while it is only valid for league fixtures, does not have to be used on consecutive match days.

And with that comes the knowledge that, as they set their sights on repeating last season’s achievement of going all the way to the final, the Tangerines cannot expect an easy 90 minutes.

“I was pleased when I saw we had Cowdenbeath in the cup, because I have not been back since I came to United and it will be nice to see some people I know.

“I was not there for long, but the people were good to me and I enjoyed my football because it was a team with good spirit.

“They have some good players as well — David Hay is a very good goalkeeper and further forward they have men who can score goals.

“People will look at this as a game that is easy for us to win, but we know we must play well to make sure we go through.

“Once we reach kick-off, we will give them the same respect as any team would get. If you do not think of other teams that way, you can have trouble.”

And while, after last term in particular, United have to be aiming to go far, Gomis insists, once the team bus reaches Central Park, there will be no thoughts of anything other than getting over this hurdle.

“We did very well to reach the final and to do that again would be good. It is a long way away and we know we must only think about winning each game that comes.”

While he, too, will not under-estimate his old employers, former Cowden player and manager Craig Levein is likely to make a couple of changes to his starting line-up tonight.

Craig Conway could be set for his first start of the season after missing out at Motherwell on Saturday through illness, while Danny Swanson is a contender to step up from the bench.

There was good news for in-form keeper Lukasz Zaluska last night when he was named in the Polish squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and San Marino. It’s the first time Zaluska has been called up.

Closer to home, tomorrow’s reserve clash with Celtic at Forfar’s Station Park will kick off at 7.30 pm.

Cowden, meanwhile, list the same squad which accounted for Elgin on Saturday.

“This is a big game for us, but it’s also a nice occasion which we’ll relish as there is no pressure on us,” said Cowden boss Danny Lennon.

“I admire United manager Craig Levein for what he has achieved and I’m looking forward to tonight’s encounter.”

Danny added, “We have no injury worries and all my players are buzzing at the thought of facing Dundee United.”

Saints and the Pars are looking for wins to boost their league campaign, while Raith hope for a shock win.

St Johnstone, who today announced a pre-tax profit on the year of £296,756 following last year’s £471,000 profit, have signed left-back or midfield man Alan Morgan from Kilmarnock on a six month loan. He could make his debut tonight.

Chairman Geoff Brown pointed out the club seem to be cursed by injuries and tonight is no exception. Kevin James, Kevin Moon, Jody Morris and Kevin Rutkiewicz are all out, although Stuart McCaffrey has recovered and is set to play.

Manager Derek McInnes said, “Poor play has resulted in us losing 3-0 to Dunfermline and 4-0 to Partick. We need to defend better as a team and show more spirit when things are going against us. Hard work is needed to turn things round.”

Dunfermline, meanwhile, may have new boys Steven Bell and Simon Wiles on from the start when Alloa call.

Midfielder Bell sustained a knee injury which required surgery soon after joining the Pars from Stirling Albion in the close season, but came off the bench in Saturday’s 0-0 home draw against Airdrie United.

Winger Wiles, formerly of Macclesfield and Blackpool, also came on as a replacement.

Looking back at that draw, Pars player-boss Jim McIntyre said, “We weren’t clinical enough, our final ball could’ve been better and, hopefully, we’ll do better tonight.”

Raith Rovers boss John McGlynn is hopeful his players can produce an upset.

The Kirkcaldy club enjoyed a memorable League Cup run last term which saw them beat First Division Clyde before giving Motherwell a test at Fir Park, although they fell just short against Mark McGhee’s men.

A penalty shoot-out win at Albion Rovers earned Raith another crack at top flight opposition in this season’s competition.

“It’s a break from the league and fans know Falkirk are a quality team good on the eye, so it should be a good game,” said McGlynn.

Raith are minus Iain Davidson, suspended after being sent off in the previous round.