Cowden will have a few familiar looking faces. Former Hibs defenders, Willie Miller and Michael Renwicks, former Dundee Utd man Hamish French and former Diamond John Elliot give the fifers some quality. They've got off to a good start with two wins, a defeat and a draw in the league. They'll be buoyant after defeating Raith last week at Central Park. In their only away game in the league they won 3-2 vs. Stranraer, so beware Airdrie.

Airdrie will be desperate to get back on the rails after last week's woeful display at Dumbarton. I am expecting to see changes both in personnel and in tactics. I'm sure Sandy will want to plug the gap in central midfield and carry more of a goal threat. I'm sure Neil McGowan will add quality on the left side. Jimmy Boyle's legs may prevent him doing the same down the right flank, and it's a pity but Armstrong looks much more comfortable in the middle of the park, either in defence or midfield. The midfield has been defensively suspect in recent weeks. Wilson stands out but he needs someone covering him defensively. I'd like to see Docherty play a more regimented 'holding' role to let Wilson flourish as the playmaker without having to over commit himself defensively. I'm expecting he'll want to get the ball forward a bit quicker and will look to Ronald to win some knock downs the flying McGuire and Glancy.

On that basis I'm looking at the following team vs. Cowden, in 3/4/3 formation: McGeown; Brannigan, Stewart, Vella; Armstrong, Wilson, Docherty, McGowan; Glancy, Ronald, McGuire. My prediction: 2-0 to Airdrie.