ALBA CHALLENGE CUP PREVIEWS

Published on Friday 3 September 2010 15:56

FORFAR v ROSS COUNTY

Forfar manager Dick Campbell expects no surprises as he battles against his former Ross County side for a place in semi-finals. Campbell, who was axed at Dingwall in October 2007 despite County sitting top of the table, said: "Derek Adams knows me and my team and I know Derek and his team so there will be little point in trying to out-fox each other." Forfar will be missing on-loan Rangers goalkeeper Scott Gallagher, who is on Scotland under-21 duty, banned midfielder Iain Campbell and the injured Stephen Tulloch. County will also be missing Andy Barrowman (broken metatarsal) and Steven Craig (hamstring problem).

PARTICK THISTLE v AYR UNITED

Partick Thistle are looking to put an indifferent start in their league campaign behind them to see off Second Division Ayr United. Assistant manager Ian Maxwell said: "I really enjoy the ALBA Challenge Cup. I was involved with a St Mirren side that won the tournament and generating a similar level of excitement that I saw them around Firhill would be great." Captain Alan Archibald remains out with a knee injury for Thistle, while Ayr have David Crawford in line to resume goalkeeping duties as recent number one Alan Main cannot play in the competition as a trialist. Defender Bobby Donnelly is injured.

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH v EAST FIFE

The Doonhamers have skipper David Lilley available after a ban as manager Kenny Brannigan looks to take his side to the semi-final stage for the first time since they won the competition eight years ago. Brannigan said, "In my four years here we have never got past this stage so you can imagine how keen I am to do that this time out. It will not be easy as East Fife are a really good team going forward." Experienced midfield pair of Rocco Quinn and Ryan McGuffie are out for Queens through injury. East Fife are in good form after beating Dumbarton 6-0 last Saturday and Stevie Crawford has a full squad to choose from.

PETERHEAD v

STENHOUSEMUIR (Sunday, 3pm)

Peterhead manager Neale Cooper is out to achieve a personal first this weekend as he has never led a side into the final four of the ALBA Challenge Cup. Cooper said, "I have never managed to make the semi-final stage with either Ross County or Peterhead so there is a bit of extra motivation to win this game." The Balmoor side are without goalkeeper Paul Jarvie, defender Bobby Mann and striker Davie Ross through injury with winger Graeme Sharp unavailable. Stenhousemuir winger Grant Anderson is available, however goalkeeper Chris McCluskey is out with an ankle knock.