Dundee Utd vs Hearts preview - Trio missing for the Pars

Table-topping Dunfermline will be without goalkeeper Greg Paterson, defender Jack Ross and midfielder Steven Bell for the game against Dundee.

Winger Willie Gibson, who has been missing with a virus recently, may be well enough to return against the Dens Park side.

Pars boss Jim McIntyre, whose side are looking for their first win of 2011, is expecting a cracking game.

He said: "Dundee have been flying in the league and they will bring a big crowd to East End Park looking for another three points, so it should be a great contest."

McIntyre added: "We are unbeaten at home and are top of the league and I want us to have preserved both of those records once this game is over."

Dundee will be without striker Leigh Griffiths as he is suspended following his sending off against Motherwell in the Scottish Cup last Sunday.

However, Dens Park boss Barry Smith can call on attacking midfielder Nicky Reilly, who has been passed fit following a back injury.

Smith is looking forward to meeting the Pars, saying: "We showed great resilience in our last encounter against Dunfermline when we came back from two goals down to get a point.

"We will need to show that resilience again as they will no doubt be trying to attack us from the beginning of the game.

"It is a game I am looking forward to being involved in as I will be able to judge how far we have come on over the past couple of months."