If the last two clashes between Montrose and Airdrie are anything to go by Saturday’s meeting could be a feast of football.
Both sides have produced 16 goals in their previous games, a 4-2 win for the Gable Endies at the beginning of the month, while the Lanarkshire side came out on top in a remarkable 6-4 in the Championship play-off back in May.
Despite not being goal-shy, the Diamonds and Gable Endies go in to the tie in contrasting form.
Montrose aware of Airdrie threat
Stewart Petrie’s side are unbeaten in four games while Rhys McCabe’s men sit in eighth without a win since mid-September.
However, the Montrose boss says form goes out the window come kick off and is preparing for a tough afternoon.
“Going by the last two games, I wouldn’t expect it to be 0-0,” he joked.
“They are really good going forward and dangerous. They’re not in a rich vein of form but Rhys will be looking to turn that around sooner rather than later.
“We know how good they are at home.
“It’s another big effort the boys will have to put in.
“It’s off the back of Falkirk and Dunfermline, so we’ll have to dig in deep against a side that’s more than capable.”
Any kind of result at the Excelsior Stadium will see Montrose finish off October unbeaten.
Their recent form of three wins and a draw, has shot the Angus side up the League One table to third spot.
“If you can go any month unbeaten, you’ve done terrific,” Petrie said.
“In this league, it’s difficult in this league to pick up back-to-back wins, never mind going on a wee run unbeaten.
“This league is so close and you need to play well to get something out of games.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves; Saturday is a difficult match.”
Team news
Veteran striker Rory McAllister returns to the squad after missing out last week’s victory over Dunfermline.
Petrie also shared team news and a positive update over Terry Masson’s fitness.
“Graham Webster is better after a week’s training,” he said.
“Craig Johnston had a slight hamstring strain on Tuesday but he’s over that. It’s probably the healthiest the squad has looked all season.
“Terry Masson completed the majority of training on Thursday night.
“We’ll look for him to kick on in training again. He’ll miss out this Saturday but there’s every chance he could return next week.
“As well as Terry it will be Lewis Milne and Adam Hutchinson out.”
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