Raith Rovers vs Cowdenbeath preview - Rovers without duo

Raith go into the Fife derby against Cowdenbeath without injured duo Iain Williamson and Scott McBride.

However, versatile defender Laurie Ellis could start after a knock restricted him to a substitute's role at the weekend.

Kirkcaldy boss John McGlynn has asked his league leaders to dig deep and show great character, with Dunfermline poised to take advantage of any slip-up.

McGlynn said: "We now have a real test of grit and determination in a local derby against a Cowdenbeath side that will be looking for any weakness from us.

"We should be positive as after all we are still top of the league and deserve to be there, so I will be asking the players to show a confident attitude."

Cowdenbeath duo Joe Mbu and Lee Makel and trialist Bob Malcolm should be included for the trip after missing out against Dundee.

That leaves just long-term absentees Dene Droudge and Danny MacKay unavailable to manager Jimmy Nicholl.

Three points would move Nicholl's side above Ross County and into eighth, and he said: "A win would see us move into the play-off places and what a boost that would be to everyone at this club.

"It will not be easy as Raith Rovers will be hurting after Saturday and we don`t want to suffer a backlash from that. Our defence will need to stand strong, and if they do that, we have a chance."