Last Saturday's setback against Stenhousemuir seems to be a bit of a watershed by way of Sandy's admission of his displeasure at the crumbling of his midfield. Hopefully Marvyn Wilson will be back in the fold following his injury but the gaffers absence could offset that good news. So who replaces who?

It's unlikely that Peter Cherrie and Scott Wilson will start again this week. Mark McGeown has served his automatic ban and Maltese defender Simon Vella should return in their places. Marvyn will probably fill Alan Gow's jersey with a reorganistion of the midfield very likely. I'm not too sure that we'll see a different formation this week. The dreaded 532 set up looks to be serving us badly. Sandy has often switched to a 442, 433 or 343 set up when we've ran out of ideas. The 532 system has seen us play a lot of pretty passes but we've seriously lacked penetration (sorry if I'm sounding like Eggwina Curry there). The problem with the three in midfield is that we're not protecting the central defenders well enough so I'm predicting we'll go either 442 (possibly with a diamond formation in midfield) or a 'Doddie style' 343. With Sandy missing himself from the defence I think that will probably mean the 442 will get the nod this time.

So I think it'll be McGeown in goals for definite. On the right side of defence Boyle and Brannigan together seems to be a bit on the slow side, and I can see Sandy plumping for Armstrong at right full back with Brannigan and Vella in the centre. On the left it's a straight fight between McGowan and McVey. Both have different qualities but I expect the more experienced McGowan to start. In midfield I think Marvyn will be given the holding role. I like Marvyn when he's pushing on but he's best equipped for that role out of our current squad. Either side of him I think he'll play Gardner and Docherty with both guys detailed to get forward to support the forwards when available. The enigma that is Paul Harvey has looked increasinly influential lately and he could start behind the front two with the role of being Airdrie's 'toothpick', doing what he does best by unlocking the oppositon defence when nothing looks on. Up front I'd say he'll stick with Jerome but his strike partner is another matter. Glancy did well against Brechin but is drifing too deep. A more attacking formation may prevent this though. Ronald is seemingly so far out of the picture, and McKeown doesn't look fit enough to start. The main contender I'd say could be David McGuire.

Wee Quack is in dire need of a good run in the team. He is a good calibre of player but he hasn't put in a decent run of quality displays yet, and at 22 he really needs to prove his worth now, to himself, the fans, the club, and any future employer who may be watching. A decent run of goals and displays and he could make a good living out of the game. Another youngster I'd like to see at some point is midfielder Darren Miller. He impressed against Albion Rovers preseason and in the game I missed at Berwick seemingly he had a good run out too. Maybe he could be the man to come on for the tired legs of Gardner later in the game?

My predicted lineup;