With so much at stake in the League One promotion battle, Forfar will host Dunfermline on an afternoon that could well help shape the course of the season.
Nothing is decided in February of course, but, on a day when four of the top five meet, both sides go in today’s clash at Station Park determined to secure what could be a vital three points in the grand scheme of things.
Six points separate third-placed Forfar and fourth-placed Dunfermline, who have a game in hand, and Loons assistant boss Ian Campbell is well aware of how important the outcome could be in terms of the title race.
“It’s a big game for us and we know that the games will only keep getting bigger from here on in,” he stressed.
“The next five or six games will be very important but our focus is just on beating Dunfermline.
“Dunfermline are a good team and this has all the makings of a great game.
“People might say we’ve had the measure of them in the last two games but that goes for nothing.
“They had a good result last week and they are still one of the favourites for the league, but that’s up to them.
“We’ve just got to focus on what Forfar do and we’re confident we can get a victory.”
Defender Iain Campbell’s loan deal has been extended to the full 93 days, while Dale Hilson is back and Mark Baxter could well be available.
However, the Loons were dealt a blow on Thursday when midfielder Gavin Malin’s appeal against his controversial sending off last weekend was rejected meaning he will miss out through suspension.
“The referees have a hard job to do but we thought we had a case,” Campbell added.
“There’s nothing we can do about it, and it’s just a chance for someone else to come in and impress.”
Forfar go into the game on the back of last week’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Airdrieonians, although it is almost a complete contrast for the Pars who were buoyed by an incredible comeback against Stenhousemuir.
The Pars responded from two goals down to secure a last-gasp 3-2 win, and boss John Potter is keen to see his side continue to build some momentum after winning two games on the bounce.
“The next four games in the next few weeks will go a long way to tell you what’s going to happen,” he added.
“That’ll take you into the final quarter and I’ve always said that will show you or give you an idea of where you are going to be come the end of the season.
“But you’ve got to take every game as it comes.
“It’s Forfar first and we’ll not think about the other games.
“It will be tough, very tough. We know that.
“They’ve got a good record against us but it’s a chance to go up there and do our business, and hopefully we’ll be OK.”
The Pars have turned the corner in recent weeks after ending a run of seven games without a win, and Potter reckons the manner of last week’s victory showed his side’s character.
He added: “We’ve seen a change coming but obviously winning games helps.
“Hopefully last week was the change of luck we’ve been looking for.
“It’s nice to score a last minute winner.
“You don’t want to give teams a two goal head start anymore, that’s for sure, and the first half was very disappointing.
“We watched it back and told the players what we thought, but the second half was much more like us.
“We were still a bit open at the back for my liking but going forward we created a lot more chances and scored three goals.
“So that’s us scored five goals in the last two games, and that’s more like us.
“If we can just shut up shop a wee bit at the back then hopefully we’ll do OK.”
Defender Ryan Williamson, who played 90 minutes in an Under 20 game during the week on his return following knee surgery, will be assessed, while there could well be a debut for Hibs striker Lewis Allan, who completed his loan deal to East End Park on Thursday.
Forward Ryan Wallace is likely to miss out again through injury.