Forfar manager Jim Weir is adamant there is a lot more than local pride at stake when his side pitch up at Montrose.
The main reason is that winning could put pressure on League One leaders Arbroath.
The Loons are unbeaten in six league games and sit third on goal difference behind Raith Rovers at the moment.
Weir said: “It will another fiercely-contested local derby.
“We have done well against Montrose so far this season by winning two and drawing one.
“In fact, we have done well across all the Angus games, and we will look to keep that going.
“I am sure that Montrose will want to turn that around but there are plenty of other reasons why this is such a huge game.
“Raith, who are alongside us, are playing the leaders Arbroath and East Fife, who are just below us, are not playing.
“If we win, we will pick up points on one if not both of the top two and also increase our advantage over East Fife before they play catch-up.
“Arbroath are well out in front but if they lose in Kirkcaldy it would be great if we won as it would put a bit more pressure on them.”
Weir knows that it will not just be a case of turning up.
He added: “Montrose are a good side and they will have been disappointed at losing at Stenhousemuir last weekend.
“They are a dangerous team especially at set-pieces as they have a lot of height in their team, and players who can cross the ball well.
“That is a dangerous combination to defend against.”
Brad Spencer returns from the two-game ban he picked up when he was sent off on his debut at Arbroath but he may have to be content with a place on the bench after Gary Irvine made an impressive goalscoring debut in the 2-0 win over Airdrie last week.
Weir, who has no injury concerns, said: “I was delighted with Gary as it was his first game in a while, and he marked it with a terrific goal.
“He was a calming influence in the middle of the pitch, and he made a lot of good passes. He has settled in well and his 40-yarder helped with that.”
