Arbroath look to secure a fourth win in a row by defeating League 2 leaders Elgin at Gayfield, but manager Todd Lumsden is not using a 3-0 defeat from their opponents as motivation this week.
The Red Lichties won at Montrose last weekend, with Lumsden using the pain of a 3-0 defeat from the Links Park side at the start of the season to rally his men.
He is not using the same tactic this week, despite Elgin’s success at Gayfield by the same score on the opening day of the league season.
Lumsden said: “It was a very good win at Montrose. Hopefully the fans enjoyed a good performance and a couple of good goals, as well as having the local bragging rights this week.
“The motivation for this game is different. Our first game with Elgin was spoiled when we had Craig Wilson sent off after 35 minutes for conceding a penalty.
“They had scored early but we were pushing for the equaliser only to go two-nil down with 10 men.
“We eventually lost 3-0 but had played well in patches.”
A desire to move closer to the promotion-chasing pack is the objective in today’s game, with Lumsden explaining: “Elgin are the highest goalscorers in the league and that is no surprise as Craig Gunn and Dylan Easton are good strikers.
“It will be a tough test but if we win it takes us closer to the top four.
“We have been playing well at a consistent level for the last half a dozen games. We have secured deserved wins in the last three games, and hopefully that will continue to be the case after this game.”
Craig Johnstone is out injured, as is Sergio Alvarez.
Martin Grehan could return after a hip injury. Plans to include Andy Ryan are on ice as the former Hamilton Accies striker has been training with Queen of the South this week and may opt to remain in full-time football.
Elgin miss skipper Jamie Duff through a groin problem.
Meanwhile, East Fife host Berwick Rangers.
Kieran Macdonald was released from his contract earlier this week.
However, Jordan Austin is included after signing from amateur side Leven United.
Graeme MacGregor has been recalled from his loan spell at Linlithgow Rose, with manager Gary Naysmith hoping to add a goalkeeper on loan before kick-off.