Plenty at stake in Dundee derby

For the second successive week, East Craigie are involved in a local derby when North End are their guests with both looking to bounce back from disappointing defeats last week.

The Shipbuilders’ demise at Harp was down to defensive frailties, so they must tighten up at the back.

They will be without Lee Maloney for a further four weeks due to an achilles injury.

The Dokens felt they were a shade unfortunate to lose to Thornton in a tight match and Andy Heggie’s side will want to avoid consecutive defeats.

As he has a number of injuries with which to contend, Heggie hopes to have a couple of new signings before the match.

Martin Strachan fractured a collar bone against Thornton and will be out for around two months and Ryan Shaw is a major doubt, while Zak Wilson is still sidelined.

Brechin Vics have Lochee Harp as visitors and Conner Mitchell, now free from suspension, is added to their squad for the first time. Sam Wood and Colin Lawson remain sidelined.

With Connor MacLeod still suspended, the Beechwood side will be along the same lines as the one that edged out East Craigie last week.

Last season, Forfar Albion amassed a mere five points, only one more than their current haul.

With pointless Lochore Welfare, who have shipped 22 goals in three games, their visitors, Albion must be confident of surpassing that total.

They are, however, without the suspended Darren Mackie.

Kinnoull’s 100% record will be put to the test by the visit of Blairgowrie.

The Tulloch Park side are not expected to show many changes from the one that won 5-0 at Lochore last week.

Mark Brash makes his first appearance of the season for Blairgowrie after suspension, giving boss Billy Mackay a full squad for the first time.

Like Kinnoull, Thornton Hibs also have nine points and will be expected to continue their perfect start when welcoming injury-hit Arbroath Vics.

Dave Sturrock, Ryan Lewis and Craig Keir are all injured for Vics, while Lee Jones is unavailable, so trialists will make up the numbers. In addition, Kevin Durno requires a fitness test.

On their return to action this season, Luncarty are unbeaten in three games and must fancy their chances of posting their first home win when Newburgh check in at Brownlands Park.

Scone Thistle return to action after being idle last week, with Coupar Angus their visitors.

The hosts are at full strength and can now include new signing Abi Njie from Arbroath Vics.

Coupar Angus also have new faces in their ranks, having signed full-back Dougie Inglis, who played for his university team, and Lewis McNaughton.

Kirrie Thistle may be the odd team out this week, but manager Jim Finlayson has been busy in the transfer market, signing midfielder Adam O’Connor from Violet.

Played last night: Downfield 0 Dundee United u20 3.