Peter Houston is sure St Mirren will pose Dundee Utd some problems

Houston has been impressed by the Buddies in the early part of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign as they have won rave reviews for their free-flowing approach. St Mirren manager Danny Lennon appears to have injected a new level of confidence into his players over the summer and Houston, whose team were unable to beat Saints in three attempts last season, is expecting a cracker.

United have also enjoyed a creditable opening few weeks, drawing with Kilmarnock and beating Hearts after narrowly losing out in Europe to Slask Wroclaw, so fans can expect to see two form teams.

Houston said: "I saw St Mirren against Dunfermline and was very impressed by them. There is no doubt in my mind that they will come to Tannadice to play an open game, which will suit both sides. (First-team coach) Paul Hegarty watched them against Aberdeen and said they really deserved their victory so we know it's going to be tough.

"I think the standard on offer in the first few weeks has been excellent throughout the SPL. Every game I have seen has been full of teams attacking, trying to score goals and being really open. It's really encouraging for the league and we will certainly be having a go at the weekend."

Lennon has added two Scotland internationals in the shape of Gary Teale and Steven Thomson over the summer and their experience has been vital in the games so far. They were tipped by many to be in danger of relegation this season but Houston, who will head off after this weekend's game to assist Craig Levein with Scotland's match against Denmark, never agreed with that.

He said: "We didn't manage to get a win over them last season so that's something we'll be hoping to do early in this campaign. It's refreshing to see St Mirren do so well early on because a lot of people tipped them to struggle - but I never thought that for a minute."

United midfielder Danny Swanson will not feature has he is suffering with a virus, but winger Gary Mackay-Steven is back fit following an ankle problem.

Lennon revealed his elation over his team's performance against Aberdeen quickly gave way to the pressure of repeating the feat. Saints drew huge plaudits for their stylish display against the Dons last Saturday with Nigel Hasselbaink's well-worked goal in a 1-0 win scant reward for their dominance.

Lennon has been anxious to keep their run going since last Saturday evening. "Last week I really enjoyed it but 20 minutes after the game I could feel myself flat again, because you have got to go and repeat that," he said. "And that's us not even really scratched the surface yet on a lot of things. I have a great group of staff and players, the way they have built a togetherness so quickly."

"I've got a group of guys who are very level-headed."