Image source, SNSDundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken is out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury. Clark Robertson is still working his way back after recovering from a thigh injury while Scott Wright has returned to training this week.
Livingston forward Jeremy Bokila is improving his fitness but Connor McLennan (ankle) is still out.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley believes Livingston's relegation from the Premiership will make his own side's bid to secure their top-flight status harder.
The teams meet at Dens Park on Saturday and a win for Dundee would all but guarantee their Premiership survival.
Livi's relegation was confirmed last weekend when Kilmarnock beat Dundee United 3-0.
Pressley was asked if the visitors' fate already being sealed makes their own mission more difficult.
"I think harder," he said. "The biggest thing that affects performance is pressure and anxiety and Livingston are free of that, so in my opinion become a dangerous animal," he said.
"They have been a very unlucky team this year. They have performed well in many games that they haven't come away with anything.
"We have found the level of game really difficult [against Livingston]. They have been very narrow games, we have drawn two and come out winners in one where we scored pretty much in the last minute of the game.
"It is an opportunity that we don't want to give up, but we are also aware we are against a very difficult opposition."
Dundee are unbeaten in six Scottish Premiership meetings with Livingston (W4 D2) since the start of the 2023-24 season, last losing to them in the competition in May 2022 (2-1).
Livingston have only won two of 15 top-flight trips to Dundee (D5 L8), a 1-0 victory in March 2005 and 4-0 triumph in February 2022.
Dundee have only lost one of their past eight home league games against sides starting the day in the bottom six (W5 D2), a 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen in December.
Livingston's 2-0 win at St Mirren was their first in 35 away games in the Scottish Premiership (D9 L25), while they last won back-to-back outings on the road in the division in January 2023.
Since the start of 2022-23, no player has been directly involved in more Scottish Premiership goals for Livingston than Joel Nouble (15 – nine goals, six assists), who has a goal and two assists in his last four league appearances.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee captain Simon Murray is adamant he still has "a lot to offer" despite struggling for form this season.
After following up a prolific spell at Ross County by netting 22 in his debut campaign at Dens Park, the 34-year-old striker has mustered just nine goals this term after playing catch-up from the start.
"For myself, coming off the back of two or three really good seasons in terms of goals and everything else, obviously with getting the injury at the start of the season it took me four or five months to get properly back and feeling back to my best fitness wise," said Murray.
"It has definitely been one season I can look back on and reflect I have learned a lot about myself and football under the gaffer. I am looking forward to ending the season as strong as possible and having a good pre-season under my belt as well.
"You are always learning, nobody is ever going to master football so there is always something to take from each season, but I have still got a lot to offer.
"I am still throwing up good running stats and everything else so as much as it has been difficult, I have enjoyed it as well and I'm looking forward to ending the season strongly and going again.
"I think we have got a habit of when a player goes through a bad period in Scotland that we just shut them off immediately. People say 'Oh, you are 34', it is not like I am an old man, it is quite young I would say.
"I look after myself well and I have still got a lot to offer."
A home win over already-relegated Livingston on Saturday will secure Dundee's Premiership status.
Murray said: "We just talked about my age but at the other end of that we have a lot of young players.
"I know fans and people only see the 90 minutes of football a week but these guys, they had probably never even cooked meals for themselves and they are leaving their home, leaving their parents to come up to Scotland, a league that they have never played in, and it is demanding.
"So they go through these spells where it is tough but we have managed to keep that real togetherness and that is credit to the manager and coaching staff. We have built a really good dressing room with the characters that are there."
Head coach Steven Pressley says a new contract for Jon McCracken is Dundee's priority and his hopeful the goalkeeper will stay but stresses that they will have to turn their attention elsewhere the longer negotiations continue. (The Courier), external
Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley says he has "seen a lot of growth in myself as a human being" during an "exceptionally challenging" campaign.
They sit ninth in the table and know that a win over already-relegated Livingston at Dens Park on Saturday will secure their Premiership status.
After six years away from management, Pressley's arrival at Dundee last summer raised a few eyebrows.
As he nears the end of his first season back in the dugout, he was asked how he has found it and whether it has been different to what he expected after so long away from the front line.
He said: "I think that a job like ours, where you are fighting constantly for survival - and when you look at the history of our club, it would suggest that we are a club that spends most of our time fighting for survival or in the division below trying to get promotion.
"It means it is a really challenging job and can be a difficult job and a lonely job at times. It has been exceptionally challenging on many fronts and you learn a lot about yourself during these dark periods, but that is football management and we have to accept that.
"I have been in the game long enough to know that it is part of the journey, part of the job. The one thing that I will say about it is it probably challenges you more than most other jobs and, as a result of that, on a personal level I have seen a lot of growth in myself as a human being – and that is important to me."
There were many doubters among the Dundee support following his appointment. But with his team on the brink of Premiership survival and largely praised for their style of play, does Pressley believe he has won those doubters over?
He said: "I don't know, because football changes so quickly and people change, normally based around the results.
"So I get it, I get the environment, I understand the environment, but I am very process-driven so I try to stay very balanced about things and not get too high with the result or too low.
"I am very much looking at the performance. I never really look too much at myself. I am a bit of a servant - I support the staff, I support the players, that is my job.
"The thing with football management is that it is such a rollercoaster and although you have said that maybe I have proved some doubters wrong, that could change within no time and I am well aware of that.
"I never think too much ahead in football."
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's visit of relegated Livingston.
Here are the main points:
Pressley confirms goalkeeper Jon McCracken's season is over after he injured ligaments in his ankle. He describes it as a "massive blow" but points out that they have huge faith in back-up keeper Kieran O'Hara.
"[McCracken] is better than first feared but the reality is he has injured a ligament in his ankle," Pressley says. "The positive news is that he doesn't need any surgery but the disappointing news is he is going to be out for four to six weeks."
A win this weekend would secure Dundee's Premiership status with two games to go and Pressley insists "it is an opportunity we don't want to give up".
But he believes their challenge is "harder" now that Livingston have been relegated, as the visitors can play without pressure or anxiety.
The head coach "doesn't know" if he has won over some of the doubters who questioned his appointment last summer.
The Dundee boss says this season has been "exceptionally challenging on many fronts" but adds that what has been really satisfying is the growth in his young squad.
Pressley adds that he has learned a lot about himself during the season, saying: "On a personal level I see a lot of growth in myself as a human being and that is important to me."
On contract news, Pressley says "we are getting very close on a couple of players" and hopes there will be some "positive news" in the coming week.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
In the aftermath of Dundee's 1-0 win over St Mirren last time out, head coach Steven Pressley declared "we still have work to do".
That result moved his side six points clear of second bottom Saints, who now occupy the dreaded relegation play-off spot.
With three games to play, those of a Dark Blues persuasion will probably be breathing a little bit easier in terms of the likelihood of them getting properly sucked in to things at the bottom. But Pressley is right to be delivering the "work to do" mantra.
Things can change quickly in football.
Dundee have a lot in their favour – as well as their six point cushion, two of their remaining trio of fixtures are at home, starting with this weekend's visit of already relegated Livingston.
But they also have to go to tenth place Kilmarnock, a side who can be a real handful - particularly at home.
Their goal difference (-21) will also be a source of concern, yes it is better than Killie (-26) and St Mirren (-24), but not by much.
A win over Livingston this weekend would secure Dundee's top division status – a draw may also possibly be enough.
A defeat however will leave them looking over their shoulders and with, to quote Pressley, "work to do".
Dundee defender Ryan Astley wants to remain at Dens Park, with the 24-year-old out of contract this summer. (The Courier), external
Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter
Max Stryjek - Kilmarnock
A clean sheet for the keeper who underwent heart surgery earlier in the season - a remarkable story.
Findlay Curtis - Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann put him at right-back and it proved a masterstroke as Curtis scored when Killie blew Dundee United away.
Craig Halkett - Hearts
A giant performance from the Hearts centre-back in a seismic victory against title rivals Rangers.
Ryan Astley - Dundee
Solid showing as Dundee earned a clean sheet and a vital three points.
Stephen Kingsley - Hearts
Great reactions to grab that vital Hearts equaliser.
Yang Hyun-Jun - Celtic
Celtic were not scintillating again, but Yang was a bright spark against 10-man Hibs.
Brad Spencer - Falkirk
The captain set the tone as his side once again got the better of Motherwell.
Aaron Tshibola - Kilmarnock
Great overall performance at the heart of the Killie midfield.
Joe Westley - Dundee
A big goal that takes the heat off any Dundee survival anxiety.
Kelechi Iheanacho - Celtic
He brought that scalpel-like sharpness in the Celtic penalty box that the defending champions sorely needed.
Lawrence Shankland - Hearts
The Hearts captain underlined his credentials as an inspirational leader once again with a goal of seismic proportions. His ability as a striker is clearly never in question, but even by his standards the left-foot finish to sink Rangers was outstanding.
Sportscene analysis: Are Dundee now safe after beating St Mirren?
Watch the Sportscene panel discuss Dundee's chances of Scottish Premiership survival after their crucial victory over St Mirren.
Available in UK only
Highlights: Dundee 1-0 St Mirren
Watch the best of the action as Dundee boost their bid to avoid the relegation play-off with a 1-0 win over St Mirren, who drop to 11th. Available to UK users only.
Image source, SNSDundee striker Joe Westley says their 1-0 win over St Mirren was "massive" but insists no one will think their Premiership status is secure until it is "mathematically done".
Westley's early strike proved decisive as they edged out the Paisley side at Dens Park on Saturday.
The result leaves Dundee six points clear of the relegation play-off spot, which is now occupied by St Mirren following Kilmarnock's win against Dundee United.
The Dark Blues now have three games to play, starting with a home date against relegated Livingston next weekend where they can secure their Premiership status with a victory.
"We are not safe until it is mathematically done so we need to keep focussed and make sure that come next week we put ourselves safe," Westley said.
"It is a massive win, we had to defend resolutely, St Mirren caused us some problems with their overloads in midfield and we had to adapt in the game but we got the goal and I think we defended really well to see out the game and it is a massive three points in our season."
"Wins breed confidence and we have to take confidence from the good things."
Dundee fans, we asked for your opinions on the 1-0 victory over St Mirren at Dens Park. Here's a taste of what you had to say...
George: Dundee need to attack teams and get plenty of goals, not sit with 1-0 lead and give supporters nightmares. Next game we need to win, and win well, to reach 39 points.
Rod: I don't think we are really at risk of relegation but we needed these points. I think we'll finish above Aberdeen in eighth this season. Steven Pressley has put together a decent team, it's just a shame that it took a while for them to gel at the start of the season or else we would have finished higher.
Innes: A very welcome three points. We did enough in first 45 minutes to merit the win. I think we'll have just enough if we can beat Livingston next. Breathing space but still close.
Albert: That's us safe, I think. What a marvellous first season in the hot seat for Pressley. Can't hear a peep out the doubters now.
Gary: We looked better from the off, as Pressley picked a more structured side - arguably the line-up who should've started the Dundee derby. Pressley said we'd likely react and his players did what they needed to, although it could've been more comfortable - it was a nervy game.
A shame for Jon McCracken, who got injured, but we've a capable replacement in Kieran O'Hara it seems. A result against Livi and a favour from Killie next week saves us.
Iain: A big win to halt a sequence of poor results and poor performances. Probably safe from relegation, but this team has proved to be fragile all season. It's not over yet! McCracken's injury could be important.
Danny: We are slowly edging ourselves to safety but it's been a struggle and we could easily have dropped points with that second-half display. We still lack a bit of dig in midfield.
Dundee moved six points clear of the relegation play-off spot thanks to Joe Westley's winner against St Mirren.
The Buddies drop down to second bottom behind Kilmarnock, who defeated Dundee United.
Read the full match report.
Have your say on the game.
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley was a relieved man with the 1-0 victory over St Mirren.
"It is tense stuff now," he told BBC Scotland. "It's become the business end of the season.
"The most important thing today was the result, but I'm really proud of the players.
"I said in the aftermath of last week's disappointment that this group of players only know one way to respond.
"Time and time again, we've been criticised. We've had some disappointing moments and we always seem able to respond in the right manner and they did that again today against a very good St Mirren side.
"I thought we played very well in the first half and looked much more like ourselves. But there's a little bit of tension out there and we were a little bit frantic at times.
"We also have to give credit to St Mirren. They are improving under Craig [McLeish] and gave us a few problems at times.
"We have still to play Kilmarnock down there, so we still have work to do."
Image source, SNSDundee have a doubt over Scott Wright while Clark Robertson (thigh) is likely to remain sidelined.
Marcus Fraser has declared himself available for St Mirren six weeks after shoulder surgery and Liam Donnelly returns.
Saints have lost Jonah Ayunga to a serious knee injury, while Dan Nlundulu remains out along with goalkeepers Ryan Mullen (thigh) and Shamal George (ankle), winger Malik Dijksteel (groin) and midfielder Keanu Baccus.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDefender Ryan Astley is eager to extend his Dundee stay and is confident they will still be a Premiership club next season.
Steven Pressley's side are ninth, five points above second-bottom Kilmarnock and three clear of St Mirren, who they host on Saturday.
"I have got full confidence we can do that [stay in the Premiership]," the 24-year-old said.
"We have a good team. Performances have been good, we just need to put some wins with them and I know we are capable of doing that.
"We are still a young team so everyone is learning and the manager is big on that. I feel like you can see progression but with that you have dips as well in the season which is natural.
"So let's just get back to what we were good at and hopefully we can show what we can do."
Since arriving from Everton in January 2024 Astley has become a key player for Dundee.
And while his deal is up in the summer, the centre-back says he is enjoying his time at Dens Park and keen to stay.
He said: "Hopefully things are moving in the right direction. I really like it here, I like playing under the manager, the coaching staff, I feel like I have progressed a lot this season so we will see what happens.
"I think I have expressed that I am enjoying it here, I feel like I have improved as a player, that is why I came up here – to improve and play in this league because it is a really tough league and I am just enjoying it so let's see what happens."
Portsmouth could be joined by clubs from north and south of the border to sign battle to sign Dundee star Luke Graham when the transfer window opens. (Portsmouth News, external)
Image source, SNSOnly Motherwell's Ibrahim Said (38) has created more chances without yet providing an assist in the Scottish Premiership this season than Dundee's Yan Dhanda (35).
Dundee have won their past two Scottish Premiership home games against St Mirren, as many as their previous 10 against the Buddies in the top flight beforehand (W2 D3 L5).
St Mirren have only won one of their past six league meetings with Dundee (D2 L3), a 1-0 victory in September this season.
Dundee have lost three of their past four league games (D1), as many as their previous 12 beforehand (W5 D4 L3).
Over their past 10 Scottish Premiership matches, St Mirren have picked up just seven points (W2 D1 L7), the fewest of any side in the competition.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSSteven Pressley has urged his Dundee side to prove their doubters wrong by securing survival after they were "written off" at the start of the season.
With four games to go, the Dark Blues remain precariously positioned in ninth, three points above their opponents this Saturday, St Mirren, and five clear of Kilmarnock, who occupy the relegation play-off spot.
"This group of players have gone through a very difficult challenging season," Pressley said.
"We were written off before the start of the season. A lot of people in the early parts of the season gave us criticism, and rightly so but it has been challenging because we are a young group of players, that is the truth.
"This group of players has responded magnificently to adversity and they are having to endure a lot this year, they are having to come through many aspects they have never come through in their careers before and having to take a lot of responsibility.
"But they have shown the right mentality and the right grit to this point and I am hopeful they can finish the job."
Dundee go in to Saturday's encounter without a victory in five league games, having won just two of their past 13.
However, three of their remaining quartet of fixtures are at home.
"I think it is fair to say that we need to get back to winning ways," Pressley added.
"I think the important thing is you don't hide from these facts, that you accept these facts and we do.
"We understand the importance of the game at the weekend, we understand that we need to get back to winning ways and there will be a clear determination to do so.
"But at the same time we give St Mirren a great deal of respect. There are no guarantees that we stay in the league, I would never give that but there is a confidence that we can."
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
For all the praise I have given Dundee in this column for their performances - if not their results - over the past few months, their showing in last Sunday's derby against Dundee United may have set a few alarm bells ringing among the Dark Blues support.
It is now just two wins in 13 league games for Steven Pressley's side.
When results aren't going your way, good performances at least allow you to make the old football argument that if you keep doing the right things, eventually the results will turn.
The problem with what happened at Tannadice was that - particularly in the second half - the performance simply wasn't there as Dundee meekly succumbed to a 3-0 defeat.
The result leaves Pressley's side ninth in the table, still just five points above second-bottom Kilmarnock, who occupy the relegation play-off spot.
There is still work to do between now and the end of the season if they are to secure their Premiership status.
After Sunday's defeat, Pressley admitted "now we have to show our mettle". He knows that a repeat of their derby performance over the remaining games could lead to an anxious end to the campaign.
Their saving grace could be the fact that three of their four remaining fixtures are at home, starting with a Dens Park clash against 10th-placed St Mirren on Saturday.
