Pars aiming for pass marks in derby

DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC v RAITH ROVERS

Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre will be looking for his side to grab their first home league win since November tonight to see off local rivals Raith Rovers and move into the chasing pack behind leaders Dundee. The Fife derby at East End Park is the pick of tonight's rearranged Scottish Football League fixtures, and a bumper crowd is hoped for.

McIntyre was delighted that his players passed their way to victory against Morton at Cappielow on Saturday when they came from a goal behind to win 2-1, saying: "When you have the players that we have, you have to play a pass and move game and we stuck to that against Morton. I will be looking for the same against our visitors from Kirkcaldy."

Defender Neil McGregor is a doubt after picking up a knock at Cappielow on Saturday, and midfielders Steven McDougall and Stephen Glass remain out through injury along with striker Graeme Bayne. McIntyre has ruled himself out until he has played more reserve fixtures.

Raith Rovers are low on numbers despite the addition to their squad of former Hibs defender Thierry Gathuessi and ex-Ross County striker Dene Shields. Manager John McGlynn is calling for his squad to show the spirit they did in their recent Scottish Cup tie at Aberdeen, saying: "The players coming in have the chance to grab a starting jersey in a Scottish Cup quarter-final tie, and that is a big incentive, I am sure."

Stephen Simmons and Gregory Tade are absent through suspension and Stark's Park captain Iain Davidson is sidelined with a foot injury. Defender Mark Campbell and on-loan Dundee United striker Jonny Russell are also absent through injury. Full-back Laurie Ellis and defender Grant Murray are doubtful.

AYR UTD v AIRDRIE UTD

Ayr United host their first home league in nearly three months and the match against Airdrie United could prove pivotal. The clubs have played the same amount of games, with Brian Reid's side holding a five-point advantage and Reid knows a win will have his side chasing Morton to get out of the play-off spot, rather than looking over their shoulders at Airdrie. Ayr's recent signings Steve Bowey and striker Tam McManus will be in action for the first time on home soil, but defender Kevin James remains out injured along with on-loan Hearts full-back Ricky Visconte. Fit-again Billy Gibson is included in Reid's squad.

Airdrie only played one league game in February, however they are not totally detached at the bottom and a win tonight would see the gap with Morton reduce to only two points. Manager Kenny Black said: "No-one needs to tell the players and I this is a massive game. I wish we were going into it having played a few more games recently." Airdrie midfielder Alan Trouten starts a three-game ban, but defender Bobby Donnelly returns after suspension with Darren Smith back in the squad after injury.

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH v ROSS COUNTY

Queens can climb over Ross County in the pursuit of Dundee with a win at Palmerston, but will have to do without the services of the suspended pair of midfielder Rocco Quinn and striker Leon Knight. Manager Gordon Chisholm is hoping that captain David Lilley is free of the groin injury that has been troubling him recently.

Ross County's assault on the top spot has stalled recently following a home draw with Dunfermline and a defeat at Firhill against Partick Thistle on Saturday. Manager Derek Adams is showing no signs of panic, saying: "It was only our first defeat in nine league and cup games so there will be no need for mass changes for this game." County defenders Alex Keddie and Gary Miller are back from suspension.