Albion Rovers FC vs Brechin preview - Gemmell blow for Albion

Albion will be without influential striker John Gemmell due to work commitments as they host Brechin.

Rovers are just three points ahead of City in the table and they will also have to cope with the absence of left-back Barry Russell, who has a hamstring injury.

On-loan St Mirren striker Thomas Reilly is included after a deal to extend his time at Coatbridge was agreed.

Rovers boss Paul Martin said: "Losing John is a big blow as he has been in great form recently but we have several players who have been really keen to show me what they can do and one of them will get the opportunity to do that.

"We beat Brechin 4-1 last month but the game was much closer than that so we will need to be at our best again."

Brechin are sweating on the fitness of Charlie King.

The City skipper has a hamstring injury and is facing a race against time to be fit for the clash.

Defender Gary Fusco misses out through work commitments and centre back Gerry McLachlan is still not ready to return after knee surgery, however manager Jim Weir has a happy problem to solve up front.

Weir said: "Paul McManus and David McKenna did really well against Airdrie last week when they came on and scored to help us with the game so I have a nice dilemma over who I start with in this one.

"We performed well last week and a win in this game gives us a great platform for 2011."