The fact that both Saints and Clyde are near the top is a bit of a shock. Saints is a surprise as we've done nothing constructive in recent seasons. Clyde have finished second in each of the last two seasons, however they lost most of their playes and their manager in the summer. The closest I reckoned either team would come to the top of the league would be if the table was turned upside down. Shows what I know.
Clyde have lost two more players since their last game. Karim Kerkar, their Algerian internationalist, has moved to SPL side Dundee United, whilst former Hearts man Jean Louis Valois has decided that his midweek cup game will be his one and only appearance in a Clyde shirt. However, they have recently signed defender Scott Wilson from Airdrie (not the useless ex Rangers one), and have added Eddie Malone from St. Johnstone. The latter will make his league debut for Clyde tomorrow, his first league game since being sent off against us at Love Street two weeks ago. Fingers crossed he can get himself sent off again!
Saints have two players missing for tomorrow's game. Big Mixu is suspended after a stupid red card against Hamilton last weekend, whilst Simon Lappin is away with the Scotland under 21 side. The latter has been of particular annoyance to Saints boss Gus MacPherson. There are no SPL games this weekend, as Scotland have a friendly against Spain. The under 21s also had a friendly against Spain, which took place last night. Lappin was an unused substitute. Why not take some SPL players to bench warm, rather than players from first division teams who have matches? Madness! Even worse, had the under 21s flown back last night then we would be fine. Apparently they don't return until Saturday night. Why not? Even tonight would be OK, why wait until Saturday? Are they being inflicted with the horror of watching the full team getting gubbed?
Ryan McCay or Laurie Ellis will replace Lappin in the left wing back role. To be honest, Lappin hasn't been too great this season so his loss won't be too bad, but it's the principle of the thing. Up front, either John Baird or Allan Russell will partner Brian McGinty. Baird will be out to prove a point, having been released by Clyde during last season, but Russell always seems to do well against Clyde. Saints assistant manager Andy Millen will also be hoping to do well against the club he left for Saints last Christmas.
Saints have yet to be beaten in the league this season, and Clyde have yet to drop a point. Both teams have good defences, so we could well be heading for a 0-0 draw!