Dumbarton v Dunfermline Athletic
The Sons and the Pars will both be desperate to take three points from this game as they seek to pull themselves away from the bottom of the table. Stevie Aitken’s men put on a much improved performance at Tannadice last week in a narrow defeat. His side defended resolutely and caused problems for Dundee United, with Robert Thomson scoring a consolation. The manager was full of praise for his players, but their run of games without a win extended to eight. Summer signing Andrew Stirling showed that he can have an impact on the game, and despite having spent most of the season on the bench, his substitute performance may be enough to convince Aitken he should start. Scoring goals remains the Sons problem, but they may have more joy against the league’s worst performing defence. The Pars, currently one point ahead of Dumbarton in eighth place are currently on a three game run without a win in the league and have only won twice this season. Last Saturday’s first half performance against Hibs showed an improvement, and showed that the side are able to compete at this level again. They have been fairly strong going forward this season, however it is their defence that has caused them problems thus far.
The winner of this one will move closer to the middle pack in the league, and with a St Mirren improvement likely to come, a defeat for either side would leave them in a perilous position.
One to watch: Andrew Stirling (Dumbarton) – The player impressed in his cameo at Tannadice last week and with the Sons desperate for an attacking threat, his direct pace and crossing could cause difficulties for Dunfermline. A place in the starting eleven is far from certain, but the player will be keen to get one over on his former club if he does make an appearance.
Brechin City v Livingston
With yet another game between the club at the top of the league and the club in second place it has been a remarkable three weeks in League One. After Alloa beat Brechin to take the top spot two weeks ago, Livingston beat Alloa last weekend. However that win was not enough to take them back to the top of the league, and it is the home side that currently find themselves leading the title race. With just three points separating Brechin, Livingston and Alloa a win in this game could be crucial. A home win could see Brechin creating daylight between themselves and the chasing pack for the first time this season. The Lions attack has been formidable, averaging 2.5 goals per game so far this season, however if there is a team that will be able to match them at the back it is Darren Dod’s side. They have been particularly mean in defence, having conceded less than one goal per game on average this season, and five fewer than Livingston.
This is the last in a mini series of games affecting the title race and the winner may be able to grab a real advantage over their opponent.
One to watch: Liam Buchanan (Livingston) – Having scored a brace in the victory over Alloa last week, the striker will look to score again to cement his place at the top of the goal scoring chart.
Elgin City v Cowdenbeath
Elgin will look to improve their home form as they welcome a struggling Cowden side to Borough Briggs on Saturday. They have performed well away from home in recent weeks, having scored 13 goals in their last three away matches in the league. It has been a different story in Elgin as they have gone three matches without a win. If they are to mount a credible title challenge then their home form must improve. Meanwhile Cowdenbeath are in desperate need of points at the foot of the table. They currently sit ninth in the league as their freefall from the Championship continues. The Blue Brazil’s defence is currently the third worst in the league, so they will have to be at their best if they are to prevent the division’s top scorers from taking all three points. Having gone four games without a win, Liam Fox will be particularly keen to see his side pick up at least a point. He may have some hope as his side have picked up just as many points away from home as at home this season, even if that tally (four) is not particularly high
Both sides need the points from this one for different reasons. Elgin have been playing exciting attacking football in recent weeks and they could put a few goals past a Cowdenbeath side lacking confidence. However the away side will know that Elgin have struggled at home this season and will be quietly confident that they can take something from the match.
One to watch: Dean Brett (Cowdenbeath) – The right sided player is one of the few players that Cowdenbeath has that can cause problems for the opposition on his own. They will need a big performance and good delivery from set-pieces from him if they are to have a chance.
Featured Image Attribution: James T M Towill
Hedges and Heartache 