Jim Duffy has warned his players not to let tomorrow's white hot Ayrshire derby atmosphere go to their heads.
Ayr and Killie will clash under the lights for the first league derby at Somerset Park in 28 years.
And a crowd of almost 7000 is expected to ramp up the pressure to fever pitch.
But Duffy insists he's keeping his players focused on the task at hand as they bid to seal the most important three points of the season to the fanbase.
He told the Ayrshire Post: "We know exactly what tomorrow means to the supporters and we are expecting an intense atmosphere.
"But we have to remain focused on what is at stake and that is three points like any other game.
"As soon as you lose sight of that you're in trouble, so it's important not to let the occasion get the better of you.
"There's a real appetite for the game and what you have to do is strike the right balance between the atmosphere off the pitch and what we can influence on it."
Duffy has suffered just one defeat in the Ayr dugout since initially taking interim charge following the departure of David Hopkin last month.
And four points from the last two games mean United go into the derby in good shape.
The boss said: "We've had to show our battling qualities in the last two games and the players have shown a real desire when asked the question.
"We'll need to show a lot of that again tomorrow night and Kilmarnock will no doubt carry a big threat as they have good players, particularly at the top end of the pitch.
"They are understandably among the favourites for the league but we'll be ready for the challenge."
United are expected to go with the same squad which drew at Arbroath on Saturday.
The game is likely to come too soon for Jordan Houston, although the right back is given a chance of returning at Raith on Saturday.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
