Lichties aim to extend top spot in home fight with rivals Inverness

ARBROATH host Inverness Caledonian Thistle in a top of the table clash on January 2 with the Lichties looking to extend their stay in first place.

The Gayfield side have been the surprise package in the Championship this season as the only parttime team in the league.

They start 2022 off in pole position with second place Caley looking to inflict another home defeat, after the Highlanders won 1-0 on the opening day of the season.

The two sides go into the game fresh after Covid halted their midweek fixtures.

“I was disappointed the game was off during the week – you want to keep the momentum going,” said Lichties boss Dick Campbell, as he gets set to return to the dugout after a two-week absence due to Covid.

“It will be a fascinating start to the year, being top of the league. You’d have thought I’d have lost my marbles if I’d said that at the start of the season.”

Arbroath go into the game without influential winger Scott Stewart, who recently signed a new Gayfield deal.

Although a big miss, Campbell does not feel Stewart’s absence will alter his team too much from the side that beat Dunfermline 3-0.

“It is what it is, I can’t say that there will be a lot of changes.

“It could possibly see James Craigen coming in for Scott.”

The side is also likely to see the inclusion of Jack Hamilton, who’s set to complete his loan move from Livingston.

One player not quite ready for a return just yet is Nicky Low.

The former Dundee and Aberdeen midfielder has been out since September with an ankle injury.

“It will be a couple of weeks and he’ll be back into the fold,” said Campbell.

Dick Campbell is making a return to the dugout.