SFL previews

SECOND DIVISION

Brechin City can consolidate second place in the table by defeating Ayr at Glebe Park, and manager Jim Weir's squad is boosted by the return of central defender Gerry McLauchlan and star striker Rory McAllister from suspension. Ayr manager Brian Reid is looking for his men to bounce back after Saturday's 3-0 reverse to Livingston and complete a week of tough fixtures with two wins.

Forfar v Alloa

The home side won 3-0 at Recreation Park at the weekend to move eight points clear of their rivals with five games in hand and they add Martyn Fotheringham to their squad after suspension, with only Marc McCulloch rated as a doubt. Nathan Taggart should return to the Wasps' squad after injury, but full backs David McClune and James Bloom both drop out following knocks picked up on Saturday.

East Fife v Dumbarton

East Fife striker Steven Hislop will join defender Stevie Campbell on the sidelines through injury, with defender Matthew Park in line for a start after a substitute debut at the weekend. For Dumbarton, Andy Geggan returns after suspension to bolster a visiting midfield that is still missing the injured pair of Craig McLeish and Alan Cook.

Livingston v Airdrie United

Livingston manager Gary Bollan has told his players to build on wins over Brechin and Ayr in their last two games. Centre back Michael O'Byrne is available following a ban. Airdrie United manager Jimmy Boyle would be delighted to have his experienced trio of defender Eddie Forrest, midfielder Jamie Stevenson and striker Scott Gemmill in his line up to face Livingston, but injuries may dictate otherwise.

Peterhead v Stenhousemuir

Peterhead boss Neale Cooper is hoping to have striker Martin Bavidge available for the visit of a bottom-placed Stenhousemuir side that could pull to within a point of the Blue Toon should they win at Balmoor. Stenhousemuir winger Stevie Murray misses the trip following his sending off at the weekend.

THIRD DIVISION

Albion Rovers v Stranraer

A third home win in a row for Albion Rovers would see the Coatbridge side move five points clear of Stranraer and put them in pole position should leaders Arbroath stumble at Annan. Striker Michael Moore continues to be ruled out.

Annan Athletic v Arbroath

The Galabank men won 3-2 at Berwick on Saturday and it looks like same again with midfielder Bryan Gilfillan remaining out through suspension. Arbroath have Ross Chisholm available after a two-game ban.

Clyde v Berwick Rangers

Clyde will again be without new signing, Charlie Miller, as they wait for clearance. Berwick Rangers are hoping that full-back Elliot Smith will be over the injury that kept him out of the 3-2 defeat by Annan on Saturday.