Arbroath boss Allan Moore is tipping his table-topping men to bounce back from losing at Queen’s Park last weekend and see off Clyde today despite having defensive concerns.
The Lichties saw their lead in League One cut to just three points after a 2-1 defeat at Hampden seven days ago, but Moore is confident his team can return to winning ways this afternoon at Broadwood.
Moore said: “Last Saturday’s defeat was a carbon copy of the game between the sides at Gayfield earlier on in the season.
“They started really well and got their noses in front.
“Despite going on to have a lot of possession and chances we could not get level.
“At Hampden we played really well in the second half and could have rescued a point, but I have to be honest and admit that overall Queen’s Park deserved the three points.
“If we play like we did in the second half last weekend for the entire game at Clyde then I am confident we can get the win.”
Moore has been unsuccessful so far in his attempts to bring in defenders to his squad and the rear guard at Broadwood will have a makeshift look to it.
“We are struggling at the back as Scott McBride and Craig Johnstone are both carrying knocks and Kevin Nicoll remains out,” Moore explained.
“We will be a bit makeshift as Ryan McGeever has only played one game during his loan spell so far.
“Midfield to front we are fine but we are short of numbers defensively but we have to get on with things.
“Clyde have added a few players in this window whereas we have struggled to get new faces in however I am not going to bring anyone in that is not going to enhance the squad.”
Moore was disappointed to see winger Dylan Easton end his loan spell from St Johnstone and head for Dumbarton this week.
However, influential striker Paul McManus is available after a knee injury.
The Bully Wee signed veteran defender Martin McLaughlin from Dumbarton this week, although he is unlikely to make his debut due to a back injury.