Flag Day
Preview For Saturday, 7th August 2004

Airdrie

V

St Johnstone

New season New League same questions to be answered,
Are we good enough to make it out of this league? The first division is a tough one and i think it is far to early to be objective about it, I would love to say yes but time will tell.
Will we be relegated? NO, I don't think there is any chance of us being relegated and i think we should be satisfied with 5th or 6th this season.
Last seasons first division ended with Inverness Caledonian Thistle finally gaining promotion they won the league with 70 points, the season before Falkirk won it and were refused permission to play in a higher league they had 81 points. So the Bells Scottish First Division in one season has become tighter and more evenly matched. I think we can look forward to a season where teams will take points when they are on their game, but one slip and good bye points. I think we need at least 50 points this season to keep us comfortably in the top half of the table.
These first two weeks are going to be tough, favourites for the title St Johnstone come to us this week and then next we have Partick Thistle away could there be two tougher games in this league?
Stephen Docherty will be to late to make it for this game but should return shortly once his fitness is back up. Willie McLaren is waiting for the doctors to say it's ok for him to play, he has managed to keep his fitness up and is in good shape but until the Doctors give him the all clear Sandy will not risk playing him.
Sandy has other doubts in Jerome Varielle who has a tight Achilles tendon, Neil McGowan who after his fall last sat against Queen of the South still has pain in his shoulder. It is hoped both will recover in time for the game.
Kevin Christie is Suspended for this game, after his points tally continued from last season.  


Match Preview by Chris Mac

Referee: Hugh Dallas

 Airdrie Possible starting Line Up

 Opponents News

 Airdrie V Head To Heads

 Ref Review

 Prediction

If we win we will be champions, until we next get beat, if we lose a small few will be shouting for Sandys head, So I predict a draw 2-2.