United will be without midfielder Danny Swanson for the visit of the Buddies.
The playmaker has been struck by a virus so has missed training and will not make Peter Houston's squad for the game.
However, Houston will be boosted by the return to fitness of winger Gary Mackay-Steven, who made the bench last week after an ankle injury. Youngster Scott Allan will retain his place in the side but new signing Gavin Gunning will not feature as he has returned to England to sort out contract issues with Blackburn.
Paul McQuade has joined St Mirren's injury list.
The striker has tweaked his hamstring and is unlikely to make the squad for Tannadice.
Graeme Smith, Hugh Murray, David Barron and Aaron Mooy remain unavailable for manager Danny Lennon.
Dundee United (from): Team (from): Pernis, Dillon, Dixon, Kenneth, Watson, Severin, Douglas, Allan, Flood, Rankin, Russell, Daly, Dow, Smith, Hilson, Armstrong, Mackay-Steven, Banks.
St Mirren (from): Samson, van Zanten, Mair, McGregor, Tesselaar, Teale, Goodwin, McGowan, Thomson, Thompson, Hasselbaink, McLean, McShane, McHugh, McAusland, McKernon, Carey, McQuade.
