First division football: Match previews

Published on 11/08/2012 00:00

AIRDRIE take on Dumbarton; Dunfermline travel to Cowdenbeath; Morton host Livingston; Partick meet Falkirk and Raith are up against Hamilton.

Airdrie United v Dumbarton

Airdrie are missing four players against Dumbarton, with Nathan Blockley and Sean Lynch suspended and Grant Evans and Kieron Stallard injured injury. Jamie Bain returns after a two-game ban and Alan Cook is expected to get his first start. Dumbarton’s Pat Walker is struggling with an ankle problem and Mark Lamont is doubtful after a bout of tonsillitis. Summer signing Ross Forsyth is out with a groin injury.

Cowdenbeath v Dunfermline

Cowdenbeath raise the Second Division flag without the injured Ruben Garcia and Liam Cusack. David Cowan and Kenny Adamson are doubts, however Jamie Stevenson, Marc McKenzie and Lewis Coult are all expected to be passed fit. Dunfermline begin life in the First Division without the injured Alex Whittle, however Jordan McMillan could return after illness with Joe Cardle and Ryan Wallace facing lunchtime fitness checks. New signings Craig Dargo and Stephen Jordan are both included in the squad however Ivan D’Angelo’s ankle injury rules him out.

Morton v Livingston

Morton’s Mark McLaughlin is suspended, Willie Dyer and Peter MacDonald are injured and Martin Hardie is a doubt.

Livingston’s only doubt is attacking midfielder Keaghan Jacobs

Partick Thistle v Falkirk

The Glasgow side miss Conrad Balatoni through suspension and David Rowson is ruled out through injury, however Paul Paton returns from a ban and Christie Elliot is available after tonsillitis. The Bairns miss only striker David Weatherston, who has a hamstring problem.

Raith Rovers v Hamilton

Raith Rovers player/ manager Grant Murray is set to play. New Hamilton skipper Alex Neil looks likely to take his place in midfield. Striker Kieran Miller is the only absentee due to a knee problem.