Today’s SPFL lower division prospects
CHAMPIONSHIP Falkirk v Cowdenbeath
Given last season’s comfortable wins over these opponents, Falkirk may look on this fixture as an opportunity to carve out a second home win of the season. However, caution will be the byword, especially since Jimmy Nicholl’s side secured their first win on the road last week with a 3-2 success at Alloa. Owain Tudur Jones is a long-term absentee for Falkirk following knee surgery but Kieran Duffie could return. With Kenny Adamson, John Armstrong and Sammy Stewart still injured, Cowdenbeath may be unchanged. Last season 4-0, 5-0 Prediction Draw
Raith Rovers v Alloa Athletic
Faltering Rovers are bidding to end a run of four games without victory including that 6-1 humbling at the hands of Rangers. However, Raith’s woes pale in comparison with those of their opponents, who have now endured six winless games and as a result sit bottom of the table. Barrie McKay, ineligible to face his parent club last week, returns for Rovers along with fit-again Ross Perry. However, Kevin Cuthbert, Craig Barry, Calum Elliot and Christian Nade are all out while Laurie Ellis Dougie Hill are struggling. Iain Flannigan is still out for Alloa while Greig Spence is a doubt but Daryll Meggatt could return. Last season 4-2, 1-1 Prediction Home win
Livingston v Queen of the South
Livingston may have ended a run of defeats with a midweek draw at Falkirk but they still start second favourites against a Queen of the South side who look well-placed to push for a promotion play-off place. Simon Mensing could make his first start of the season for the hosts but Declan Gallagher and Kevin Walker are still out while Craig Sives will undergo a fitness test.
James Fowler, the Queen of the South player/manager, has been delighted with the return to fitness and form of Mark Kerr who is likely to be at the heart of the action at Fowler’s expense.
“Mark missed the first couple of months of the season with a hamstring injury but he is back playing really well now,” said Fowler. “Having him available made it an easy decision for me to take a step back and watch from the side-lines in a substitute and manager’s role. It also allows me to concentrate more on the preparation for the game which is a good step as well.”
Fowler, who may also soon remove himself from the substitutes’ bench now that Stephen McKenna is close to full fitness, will be wary of Livingston, a side they have failed to defeat in three meetings this season. “They have knocked us out of a couple of cups and the league game at our place was drawn so it would be nice to get the win. We have a few players back who missed those earlier games and are looking stronger but this will be a test.
“I watched them at Falkirk in the goalless draw in midweek and while Falkirk had the better chances, Livingston created a few openings as well. We have done well to win our last two games and keeping a clean sheet when we beat Falkirk 3-0 last weekend was great.” Last season 3-3, 1-2 Prediction Away win
LEAGUE 1
Dunfermline Athletic v Morton
Morton suffered their first home loss last week but must improve their away form. Ryan Wallace is still out for the Fifers but Ryan Thomson, Allan Smith and Stuart Urquhart are all fit for selection. Morton are boosted by the return of Sean Crighton but Michael Miller is still out. Last season No fixture Prediction Home win
Albion Rovers v Berwick Rangers
Arbroath continue to ride high at the top of the table but only eight points separate the remaining nine teams and these two are among those with genuine designs on the end-of-season play-offs. Rovers are without the suspended Ciaran Donnelly. Last season 0-2, 0-3 Prediction Home win