Dundee are due to face Partick Thistle that afternoon in the final round of SFL fixtures and their neighbours accept that is a game that should not be switched.

In an amazing blunder, though, the SPL have paired United with their Europa Cup rivals at Tannadice that day, leaving them with a major and possibly costly headache — and that has left chairman Stephen Thompson and manager Craig Levein angry.

“This is just a farce. We made a point of raising this with the SPL to avoid this kind of problem, and the result is they’ve asked us to play what could virtually be a European decider on a day when we can’t be at home,” said the chairman.

“We told them Dundee were at home and we understand, as it is the final day in the Scottish League, the SFL will want them all kicking off at

“There’s that, the fact Dundee’s fixtures have been known since July and Partick could also still have a chance of promotion. So though it’s probably Dundee’s turn to change if there’s a clash, I don’t see how we can ask them to.”

Just to complicate matters, United are due at Celtic Park the following Tuesday and that would seem to rule out switching the New Firm derby to the Sunday — a tired team facing the Hoops would not impress their title rivals Rangers.

“There’s no way I’ll be willing to move to the Sunday when we are at Celtic on the Tuesday. I’d like to say this surprises me, but it’s the SPL so I can’t. I’m not impressed,” was how Craig put it.

Police already object to Friday night fixtures because they stretch resources, so that would seem to point to one of the most important fixtures of United and Aberdeen’s year taking place on Thursday, May 7. If that was the case, United would be looking at a revenue loss of close on six figures.

“Over the last couple of years, the difference between our best crowd against Aberdeen and our worst works out in financial terms at around £75,000,” explained the chairman.

“Add to that the reduced business we would have in our hospitality lounges and you are up over £95,000, so we would be missing out on a lot of potential income if we had to play on a Thursday.

“It’s a mess and it all seems so unnecessary because the SPL were informed of the problems of giving us a home fixture that day.”

At Dens, general manager Jim Thomson shared the United dismay and was just as keen to point out this was not a dispute between the clubs, but chaos caused by one ruling body.

He contacted the Scottish League to be informed all First Division games would be kicking off at 3 pm on May 9 and this is an issue the SPL will have to resolve.

An SPL spokesman said they were aware of the situation and were working to “tidy it up” over the next 24 hours.

“Unfortunately, we get a range of different requests regarding the fixtures and it is impossible to satisfy all of them, but we are speaking to SFL chief executive David Longmuir and will resolve this matter,” he said.

He declined to speculate which game would be moved and to when.

Dillon has been on the bench in recent weeks while Grainger is coming back from injury and needs a game before he is called in to deputise for the suspended Paul Dixon at Hibs on Saturday week.

With skipper Lee Wilkie banned for the next two games, centre-half Darren Dods will also see action at Easter Road, but as he comes back from a leg problem, Dods is not quite fit enough for a run out tomorrow.

“Darren is working with the physiotherapist and we will leave him here to get on with it. What is important for him is to be ready for Hibs,” said team boss Craig Levein.

Warren Feeney and Craig Conway both suffered knocks in Saturday’s draw with Kilmarnock, but are expected to be OK for next week.

And the manager has pledged to those home fans who turn up for the all-ticket affair, his side will be giving 100% to get three points.

“Like every game we have our pride to play for, but as a team we do not want other people celebrating on our pitch and that obviously applies extra when it is a derby game,” said Jocky.

“I want our fans to know that and I am hoping they turn up in big numbers and we can show them this is a game we’re out to win.”

The game is now all ticket and Saints fans have been allocated part of the main stand in addition to the Bob Shankly Stand.

That gives them over 4000 seats and, given the promotion issue could be extended for another week even if they win, the feeling is that number is adequate.

For Dundee, the win at Livingston means they can’t be caught by either of the bottom two. That will allow Jocky to speak to players like Colin McMenamin, Jim Lauchlan and Colin Cameron whose contracts are up this summer.

McMenamin has a new deal waiting to be signed, but it is not clear yet if Lauchlan and Cameron will be at Dens next term.

“It is something I will probably sit down and do this week and I have two or three to speak to. One thing I don’t want it detracting from though is preparations for the remaining games,” he added.

Saints started selling Dens tickets to season holders at McDiarmid today and this will go on until Wednesday (9.30-7 pm). Remaining tickets go on sale on Thursday (9.30- 7 pm) and Friday (9.30-5 pm). Two will be allocated per. person. Prices £17/£10.