League One’s top of the table clash will see Raith Rovers and Ayr United going into tonight’s eagerly anticipated clash with polar opposite preparations.
The Kirkcaldy men went out of the Irn-Bru Cup at Dumbarton on Saturday and were back in training the day after.
Ayr, meanwhile, had no Saturday fixture and were given the full weekend off by their manager.
Raith boss Barry Smith believes that there is no way of predicting which build-up will work best.
“It can work for you as you have rested or it can work for us as we are sharper having played at the weekend,” he said.
“I cannot be overly concerned about what Ayr are going to be like I have to just look after my players.”
There certainly won’t be an issue as far as the Raith players picking themselves up following their cup exit is concerned, given what is at stake at Somerset Park tonight.
Victory for either side will open up a three-point gap at the top of the table.
Smith said: “It was obviously disappointing to lose at Dumbarton but we will be up for this one.
“In terms of our priorities this season meeting Ayr is a huge game and we are looking forward to it.
“We lost a goal on Saturday from a set-piece which is not like us and then made a mistake at their second goal which again is not like us.
“We had the players in on Sunday and re-grouped then.
“We will be ready to go again at Ayr and will look to give the fans something to cheer about in this one.”
Iain Davidson could miss out after being injured against the Sons and Kevin McHattie is also a doubt. Bobby Barr could return, though.
Greig Spence is free to play as the suspension for his sending off will be served in next season’s Irn-Bru Cup and on-loan Hearts striker Dario Zanatta is added after being cup-tied.
Ayr manager Ian McCall suspects there could be more significant games yet to come for these two sides.
He said: “It is a big game however it is worth the same three points as any game so far this season but if things stay as tight as they have been then the final game between us will be much, much bigger.
“The league is very competitive and we have both dropped points to other teams so whilst it is an important one nothing will be decided in it.
“Their defensive record is fantastic and our attacking record is pretty good so it is a good fixture for fans. Unfortunately it is not on a Saturday afternoon but under the lights at Somerset Park on a Tuesday night means that it will have an edge to it.”
Brian Gilmour is the only doubt for the hosts.
