United beat Rangers 3-2 at Ibrox on April 2, but Houston anticipates Walter Smith's men will launch a full-scale assault at Tannadice in a bid to go four points clear of rivals Celtic at the top of the table.
Jelavic scored the decisive goal in last Wednesday's 1-0 win at Aberdeen and Houston knows the Croatia international has the ability to hurt his side. Houston said: "He's now starting to show the quality and the reason why Walter got £4million to spend."
He added: "His goal last week at Aberdeen was the fact he leant into the defender first and it was fantastic technique in the overhead kick. He's someone we'll need to watch very, very strongly."
Houston has his own strike ace in David Goodwillie, who scored the winner at Ibrox and was a transfer target for Rangers in January.
"He can score in any company and I think he's proved that - he's got all the talent in the world," Houston said.
"This season on the park he's been at times a revelation in the SPL and a revelation for me in the United team."
Smith will be making his final trip to Tannadice, where he served as player and assistant manager, before leaving Rangers at the end of the season to make way for number two Ally McCoist. But Houston is not planning on giving him too good a welcome.
The United boss added: "I wish him well but I certainly don't want to give him any points."
United are without the suspended Paul Dixon on Tuesday night and his fellow defenders Keith Watson (calf) and Darren Dods (knee).
Source: PA
Source: PA