Assistant coach Burgess was drafted in to the Otago playing squad to give coach Malcolm Fleming another playing option in his squad, which must include two youth players.
Burgess, who once scored five goals in a national league match, is nearing veteran status but is still a handy option after winning this year's winter league golden boot with 20 goals in 18 games.
However, Burgess has another priority tomorrow, while United captain Tim Horner and Otago youth coach Richard Murray are in Singapore with an Otago Under-15 side at an international tournament.
Horner would not actually have been available tomorrow owing to a one-match suspension earned after he was red-carded last week in the ASB Premiership match against Auckland City.
But the Singapore tour means Horner will also miss the away match against Manawatu in two weeks.
To keep deep furrows etched in Fleming's brow, striker Phil Ruggles has a hamstring problem, while other strains in the squad have kept physiotherapist Vicki Clark working overtime.
New signing Matt Thomas, who has impressed as a busy midfielder, is another not available this weekend.
"It's all been said before about doors closing and opening. Our young players will just have to step up and show what they are made of," Fleming said.
"We will still have our hard core of experience in keeper Adam Highfield, who was superb last week, and an excellent performance by Nathan Knox earned him the man of the match award.
"Paul Seaman is showing the experience and power we signed him for, and his partnership with Andy Coburn gives us extra drive in midfield. James Reichwein is also an effective utility.
"If those experienced guys keep setting standards, our younger lads will follow. That's what youth development is all about."
Last season, Otago achieved its best results over Wellington with 2-0 and 3-1 wins that broke an 11-match winless drought over the capital side.
Last week, Otago generated a hard-nosed performance against Auckland City that earned United its first point of the season.
Wellington coach Stu Jacobs might pick four as his lucky number, since his side has scored four goals or more against the Dunedin side in recent years.
But Wellington's four points from four matches this season suggest some lack of firepower, and Jacobs will be looking for a clear-cut win tomorrow to boost his side up the table towards a playoff slot.
In the national youth league, Otago plays Canterbury, and coaches Alan Laidler and Terry Phelan face a tough challenge against the red and blacks, who won 7-1 only weeks ago.
OTAGO UNITED v WELLINGTON
Tahuna Park, tomorrow, 1.30pm
• Otago: Adam Highfield, Tristan Prattley, Hayden Gunn, Tom Sadd, Nathan Knox, Paul Seaman, Anthony Hancock, Phil Ruggles, Andy Coburn, James Reichwein, Alistair Rickerby, Harley Rodeka, Tom Connor, Callum Flaws, Liam Lockart, Sam Mepham.
• Wellington: Phil Imray, Scott Robson, Jamie Duncan, Michael Eagar, Wiremu Patrick, Michael Fifii, Andrew Abba, Emiliano Tado, Karl Whalen, Hicham Kamri, Matthew Williams, Darren Cheriton, Pomare Te Anau, Tyler Lissette, Lance Ramaekers.
