SFL previews: Palmerston set to stage first game in 80 days

Queen of the South v Ross County

Queen of the South are keeping their fingers crossed that their first home league game in 80 days gets the go-ahead. The lack of home games has added to cash woes at the Dumfries club, however manager Kenny Brannigan is looking for his men to ease some of the pain by launching a title challenge. Brannigan said, "With Falkirk defeating Raith Rovers and Dunfermline losing at Partick Thistle we can push ourselves into contention by winning our games in hand. We can be as good as anyone in this league but we need to put points on the board to prove it."

Captain David Lilley will miss out through suspension as will Bob Harris. Ross County's injury list grew longer at the weekend when striker Steven Craig was carried off during the 2-1 defeat at Morton, while Gary Miller misses a second game through suspension.

SECOND DIVISION

Forfar Athletic v East Fife

Forfar host East Fife in their first Station Park match since 6 November with manager Dick Campbell out for some revenge. Campbell said, "East Fife ended our interest in the Scottish Cup in one of the last games we played, but we have the chance to put that right."

Defender Marc McCulloch and winger Dale Hilson are added to the squad, with Stephen Tulloch ruled out after picking up ankle ligament damage. Captain Andy Tod has been released to start a new career as a police officer.

East Fife manager John Robertson is looking for an improvement in his defence that has conceded 14 goals in their past three games and has slipped into second bottom spot in the table. The Fifers will be without former player/manager Steven Crawford, who has left the club to join First Division Cowdenbeath, with injured defender Stevie Campbell also out.

Airdrie United v Dumbarton

Airdrie manager Jimmy Boyle wants his men to open up a ten point gap on bottom side Dumbarton by seeing off the Sons this evening. Keiron Stallard is available for defensive duties following the completion of his loan move from Falkirk and midfielder Stephen McKeown is in line for his debut after re-signing at the club.

Dumbarton midfielder Martin McNiff is banned following his red card at the weekend, but midfielder Jordan Halsman has signed on loan from Motherwell and could make his debut.

Livingston v Brechin City

The leadership of the Second Division is up for grabs when present table toppers Livingston host third-placed Brechin. Livingston will be missing defender Mick O'Bryne through suspension and defensive colleague Cameron MacDonald is also ruled out with an injury.

Brechin's Kevin Byers could return from the knock that kept him out of the 2-1 win at Dumbarton at the weekend, however Andrew Cook remains a doubt.

THIRD DIVISION

Annan v Queen's Park

Annan can jump over Elgin and into a play-off place by defeating Queen's Park for a second time this season at Galabank.Left sided defender John Macbeth, midfielder Bryan Gilfillan and striker Ian Harty are injury doubts for Annan. Queen's Park will include 45-year-old defender Andy Millen in their squad, after central defender Jamie Brough picked up an ankle injury in training on Thursday night that will sideline him for a few weeks.