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Houston expects Killie thriller Dundee United manager Peter Houston anticipates an entertaining clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday, believing Mixu Paatelainen's side have been the surprise package of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League so far this season. Paatelainen has been widely praised for leading Killie to fourth place in the SPL, with the recruitment of loan duo Alexei Eremenko and Ben Gordon considered shrewd business. Paatelainen also appears to have found a system in which Conor Sammon can flourish, the Irishman having scored 16 times this season. "All credit has to go to Mixu," said Houston. "He's done a fantastic job. He changed the system a bit and also got some decent players in. "It wasn't Killie's greatest season last year, but they only brought in a couple of players which we didn't know anything about. "He got Gordon on loan, who was good, Eremenko, everybody talks about. "I think that's rejuvenated one or two players, like (Mehdi) Taouil. It's given them a lift. "Credit to Mixu. He's got them playing well and the results prove that." Houston expects a thrilling contest at Rugby Park between two attacking teams, who drew 1-1 in Dundee earlier this season. The United boss added: "One of the best games of the season we've had at Tannadice was when Kilmarnock came - a very fast, open, entertaining game and both teams played very well. "I think Saturday will be wide open and entertaining again. "It will suit us with the game being open because our players like to go and express themselves and hopefully they can." After a run of seven wins and two draws in 10 SPL games, Killie are without a win in their last three games. Defeat to Hearts on Tuesday was their first SPL loss since November 20. On the same evening United required a penalty shootout to win their Scottish Cup fourth-round replay with Ross County, the team they defeated in the Hampden final last year. Goalkeeping coach Steve Banks was the hero, deputising for Dusan Pernis and pulling off two shootout saves to decide the tie. Pernis is again doubtful for Saturday with a thigh problem, but Houston has no concerns over asking Banks to start once again. He added: "Steve's in if Dusan doesn't make it. I'll have confidence in him naturally after the performance the other night. "I've known for quite a long time that Stevie Banks is a good goalkeeper, but he primarily is looking to get into the coaching side." Houston has doubts over Pernis, Garry Kenneth (dead leg) and Johnny Russell (shoulder), but hopes at least some of the trio will be fit to play. Left-back Paul Dixon, though, is definitely out after picking up an ankle injury in Dingwall. With Houston not anticipating any transfer activity at Tannadice this month, he is looking forward to the returns of Danny Swanson (back) and Mihael Kovacevic (knee) from injury. The duo are poised to step up their recovery in the coming weeks. Kilmarnock midfielder Jamie Hamill returns from a two-match ban. Craig Bryson, James Dayton (both knee) and Alan Combe (groin) remain on the sidelines. Top scorer Sammon, who rejected a move to Scunthorpe earlier in the week, could come back in after starting on the bench in the 2-1 defeat by Hearts on Tuesday night. Paatelainen is relaxed about the recent dip in form which has seen Kilmarnock fail to win any of their last three games. The Rugby Park club have been the surprise package of the season so far. However, after losing a Scottish Cup tie against Rangers at Ibrox, Paatelainen`s men have drawn with St Johnstone and lost to the Jambos in their last two home SPL games. The Killie boss, though, remains upbeat and is looking to get back on track against Dundee United. "I know exactly what's gone wrong and why we haven't won matches and hopefully we can correct that and bounce back," he told Press Association Sport. "We analyse things every day but these things happen and it's not always the same problem. "So while we are disappointed about what has happened, it's not something that we are too concerned or worried about." "It won't be easy against Dundee United," added Paatelainen. "We are playing against quality opponents who have gelled together over some time. "They might have some injuries at the back but they have a very strong midfield, offensively and defensively, and they have good strikers. "One lapse in concentration can lead to a goal and the whole balance of the game can change. "But I'm sure if we put the effort in that we have this season, we will be fine."