Bluebells play host to the Fed in city derby

With no senior football in Dundee today, Lochee United will be hoping for a decent turnout for their first clash of the season with local rivals Broughty Athletic at Thomson Park.

The Bluebells are currently seventh in the table, one place above the Fed, with both on 37 points after 25 games played, but United have a superior goal difference of four goals.

The Bluebells are looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Newtongrange Star but are again without Connor Birse, Graeme Hay and Scott Webster, while Darren Clarkson has been added to the injured list.

The Fed are fresh from a humiliating 6-1 home defeat to Broxburn Athletic in the Super League last Saturday, which ended their unbeaten eight-game run, and will be looking to quickly atone for that disastrous result.

With defender Jamie McCunnie available again, boss Keith Gibson has a full squad and changes are almost certain after last week’s debacle.

Fed defender Drew Fleming has signed an extended two-year deal which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2019. The 27-year-old was signed in late February from Premier League side Tayport.

Jeanfield Swifts head to already relegated Fauldhouse United, hoping to collect three of the five points required if automatic demotion is to be avoided.

Having lost the first meeting 3-0, they won’t be taking anything for granted.

Swifts are again without player-boss Ross Gunnion and Steve McManus, while Scott Sutherland and Jordan Kinnon are also ruled out and Fraser Smith is doubtful.

Experienced defender Sean Fleming and Keith Dewar return from injury and suspension respectively.

Hill of Beath’s impressive midweek win over Linlithgow Rose ensured Haws can no longer be relegated automatically. Another three points from their trip to Broxburn today would see them avoid even the play-offs.

Even a point would effectively guarantee it as they have a far superior goal difference to closest rivals Camelon.

Kelty Hearts took a step closer to the title when Bonnyrigg Rose lost at Broxburn last week.

That defeat means their challengers can only equal the Fifers’ potential points tally and Tam Courts’ side has a vastly superior goal difference.

But there will be no change on that front this weekend with both involved in cup ties.

Bonnyrigg Rose head to Carnoustie for a third round DJ Laing East of Scotland Cup tie for the right to earn a home quarter-final date with Kelty.

Despite three straight defeats, the Gowfers can reflect on having already beaten their guests in the Laing Park league meeting. Boss Alan McSkimming is without Robert Urquhart and Gordon McDonald, while Luke McGeehan and Scott Gray could be missing due to university exams.

North End must harbour hopes of reaching the semis. They are away to Whitburn with their hosts scrambling to avoid relegation to the South League, while the Dokens have only lost once in eight outings under Ross Lunan.

North End will be without Ross Sievewright, Euan McIlvenny and Robbie George.

cups/premier league