Striker Craig Beattie could make his Hearts debut after signing until the end of the season.
Defender Andy Webster is suspended, winger David Templeton (groin) is out and forward Suso Santana missed the loss at Motherwell and could be absent again.
Right-back Jamie Hamill is available again following suspension, but goalkeeper Marian Kello remains unavailable due to a dispute with the club's board and striker Kevin Kyle (hip) is a long-term absentee.
Dundee United will welcome back Garry Kenneth from injury.
The defender has been out for three weeks with a groin strain but has stepped up his training so will come back into the squad.
He is also likely to be joined by Danny Swanson, who is over a recent knee injury so is expected to make the group, but long-term absentees Scott Severin (knee) and Felipe Mentel (knee) are out.
Hearts (from): MacDonald, Barr, Hamill, Grainger, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Mrowiec, Robinson, Skacel, Novikovas, Elliott, Obua, Santana, Smith, Glen, Taouil, Driver, Ridgers, Holt, Beattie, Black.
Dundee United (from): Pernis, Dillon, Gunning, Neilson, Kenneth, Watson, Dixon, Douglas, Swanson, Armstrong, S Robertson, Ryan, Flood, Mackay-Steven, Rankin, Russell, Lacny, Daly, Dow, Banks.
