Raith Rovers v Saints Preview

Saints currently have a large number of players missing. Paul McKnight, Kevin Twaddle, David Jack, Eddie Annand, Barry Lavety, Hugh Murray and Mark Dempsie all miss the game thanks to injury. The injuries to McKnight, Annand and Lavety are most worrying as they leave us without a recogfnised striker. Until today that is, when Allan Russell was signed from Hamilton Accies on a one year deal. He'll start tomorrow (if he has his registration) alongside Brian McGinty, who is more of an attacking midfielder than a striker. Expect goals to come from Russell (if he's any good) and players such as John O'Neil and the impressive Mark Crilly. Or McGinty might surprise us and score a goal from open play!

Raith will be raising the second division flag tomorrow before the game, after winning it at the first attempt. They did well with former Airdrie playmaker Antonio Calderon as their player manager. They have lost striker Andy Smith to Clyde, and left back Laurie Ellis to us, but have brought in players such as moany git Chris Sutton's younger brother John. I feel they'll do well this season and will finish nearer the top than the bottom. However, I have been nown to be wrong, occasionally :-)

A good start to the season is vital if we are to have any chance of challenging for the title. Let's hope John Coughlin decides to go with a back 3, rather than a back 4, and steer us to victory tomorrow.