New Arbroath boss Allan Moore is set for a baptism of fire in his first game in charge, with League Cup holders Aberdeen arriving at Gayfield.
The 49-year-old was only appointed as Paul Sheerin’s successor on Tuesday night and met his players for the first time the following evening.
That squad is threadbare to say the least, and Moore has been phoning round frantically trying to bring players in.
Arbroath will face an Aberdeen side that has just returned from a training camp in Ireland as they prepare for their return to European football with a Europa League qualifier against Latvian side Daugava Riga on Thursday.
Moore said: “I met the lads on Wednesday night for the first time and there were 11 boys training, but one of them felt his groin so we ended with only 10.
“Obviously, with Aberdeen coming to Gayfield on Saturday, I have been trying really hard to get more lads in.
“I have phoned the likes of Roddy Grant at St Johnstone and I will be calling others like Jackie McNamara at Dundee United and my predecessor at Arbroath, Paul Sheerin, up at Aberdeen to see if they can spare any players.
“Unfortunately, with most clubs just back, squads have yet to be finalised, so it will be difficult. I have also been ringing round agents, so there may be a few trialists in.
“Whether they end up signing, we will just have to wait and see.
“Aberdeen are gearing up for their Europa League tie and they beat Brechin 4-1 on Wednesday night, so we know just how difficult the game will be.”
As well as saying hello to Moore, Lichties fans will have the chance to wave goodbye to his predecessor.
Paul Sheerin will be at the game after returning from a spying mission in Latvia for his new employers.
The friendly has also attracted UK-wide attention, with a team from Sky Sports News arriving to give regular updates on the action.