Going to the home of a side who are 10 points clear at the top of the League 2 table and are unbeaten in their last six games is an assignment that appears taxing to say the least.
However, East Fife boss Barry Smith is quietly confident that his side can travel to Almondvale this afternoon and cause an upset – just as they did when they knocked Livi out of the Scottish Cup in January, the last time David Hopkin’s team tasted defeat.
The Methil men will try to repeat the feat in confident frame of mind after they returned to winning ways last Saturday, beating Albion Rovers 2-0 at Bayview courtesy of two Chris Duggan goals.
Smith said: “The boys responded in the right manner but that’s exactly what I expected from them as they are a very good group.
“They were all disappointed with the Alloa defeat but they put things right with a good performance.
“We passed the ball well against Albion Rovers but we have shown we have a lot of different qualities.
“We can battle and grind results out when we have to.
“Getting three points and working hard is the important thing but if we can play good football as well then that is a bonus.
“It was also pleasing to get a clean sheet. We stressed to the boys before the game that they had to make themselves difficult to break down and tough for the opposition.
“They did that and we will need the same against Livingston as they are a good team and top of the league for a reason.
“However, we beat them at their ground the last time we played them so we can take confidence from that but first and foremost we must continue to work hard and restrict them to as few opportunities as possible and see where it takes us.”
Pat Slattery has returned to training after a bout of tonsillitis but may not be risked against Livi while Mark Lamont will definitely miss out with an ankle problem.