And, the on-loan capture of Tottenham’s Robbie Keane apart, the vast majority of Celtic new boys will be strangers to the United side.

However, regardless of who the men from Parkhead have in their line-up, Peter is expecting a tough afternoon.

Saying that, United will head west confident in the knowledge they’ve yet to taste defeat against Celtic this season.

A 1-1 draw in September at Parkhead was followed by a thrilling 2-1 win at Tannadice in November, and Peter is expecting a similarly-exciting 90 minutes tomorrow.

“We’ve done well against them this season, but we’ll be facing a totally different team tomorrow,” said Peter.

“I’m not sure what players they’ll have in their line-up, but they’ll certainly have quality in their side.

“We’ve had some cracking games in the past through there when we’ve been up and they’ve hit back, or Celtic have been in the lead and we’ve fought back, and I’m sure tomorrow will be no different. Obviously, we’ll have to make sure we keep the door shut at the back, but I always feel we’ll create chances against anyone.”

Andy Webster is set to return to the heart of United’s defence after recovering from the calf injury which has kept him out for a month, while fellow-defender Mihael Kovacevic could also be in the line-up.

However, last week’s match-winner David Goodwillie has picked up a slight groin strain and the best the striker can hope for is a place on the bench.

Celtic, meanwhile, will be without the influential Aiden McGeady and defender Darren O’Dea, who are both suspended. Further changes to the home defence will be required as Glenn Loovens and Jos Hooiveld are both carrying hamstring injuries.

Tomorrow’s fixture is something of a milestone for United — it’s their 3000th league game.

United’s Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox has been switched to Sunday, March 14, and will be screened live on BBC2 (KO 12.05 pm).

However, although his side have won both games so far this season against their Firhill rivals, the Dens boss knows Ian McCall’s men possess enough quality to cause them problems.

“Partick are a very good side. They showed that here earlier in the season when they were possibly a little unlucky not to take anything from the game,” said Jocky.

“We did well down there before Christmas when I thought we controlled the game very well and were well worth our win.

“That’s the sort of display I’ll be looking for tomorrow, but, first and foremost, we’ll be looking for the three points. How we get them doesn’t really concern me.

“We can worry about performances on Monday morning, but, for now, it’s just a case of getting the win and moving on.

“That will be the case for every game between now and the end of the season — it’s all about results.

“We must pass the ball well, work hard and take the opportunities that come our way.

“They’ll be coming here desperate for the three points to close the gap on us, but we need to win to maintain our lead and maybe even increase it at the top, so it should be set up for an exciting game.”

The Dark Blues’ injury list is beginning to show signs of clearing up and, although tomorrow’s game will come too soon for the likes of Craig McKeown and Sean Higgins, both could be back in the plans within the next fortnight.

That’s good news for the manager as the club enters, what, he feels, will be a crucial period in the title race.

“Several of the boys are slowly but surely coming back into contention and that’s good news for us.

“I’ve had a close look at the fixture list and I think we are facing something like nine games in a 40-day period.

“It’s not just us, every other team in the First Division is in the same boat.

“But with that amount of games, there is no way we would be able to use the same group of players for each match.

“It’s a period where, realistically, the league will be won or lost, and we’ll need as many players available as possible.”

One man in line for a start tomorrow is striker Colin McMenamin, who has made a habit of scoring against the Jags in recent clashes between the pair.

“Colin’s certainly in my thoughts,” said Jocky.

Partick today signed Jackie McNamara on a month’s loan from Falkirk.

The 36-year-old former Celtic and Wolves defender goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s game.

Dee 4 Life are holding a casino night next Saturday (Feb. 27) at Dens Park from 7.30 pm until midnight. Tickets are priced £10 and will be on sale tomorrow from the club shop, the Penman Lounge and Dee 4 Life stalls inside the ground, as well as online at www.dee4life.com

The pair have faced each other in English football so the former Chelsea, Leeds, Reading and Wycombe player knows what to expect.

“Kenny is always dangerous. You’ve got to watch him for the whole 90 minutes,” said Duberry, who has settled in well with the Perth side since his move north last month.

“Games against Rangers are the type you relish. It’s a chance for us to impress ourselves against a team of their quality.

“We did well against Hibs on Wednesday night. Now we must carry that form on into Saturday.”

Manager Derek McInnes commented, “We were aggressive and confident against Hibs and the five goals we scored are a boost.

“There was confidence throughout the whole team and 5-1 against a team like Hibs was great.

“My players were magnificent and we need a similar performance against Rangers.”

Saints look like going into the game minus striker Kenny Deuchar. The former Gretna player was stretchered off towards the end of the Hibs game with a nasty ankle injury.

Jody Morris is rated 50-50 to return in midfield. He missed the Hibs match due to a stomach complaint, but is could be fit for inclusion.

Filipe Morais is expected to return from an ankle problem.

Peter MacDonald had knee surgery yesterday and has been ruled out for around a month, captain Kevin Rutkiewicz is on the brink of making his comeback from a knee injury, while Stuart McCaffrey (groin) and Martin Hardie (knee) remain sidelined.

Team (from) — Smith, Grainger, Gartland, Duberry, MacKay, Anderson, Morris, Craig, Moon, Davidson, Morais, Sheerin, Millar, Milne, Sheridan, Samuel, McLean, Irvine, Connolly