Airdrie United vs Albion Rovers FC preview - Airdrie out for derby revenge

Airdrie welcome back skipper Paul Lovering and defender Rhys Devlin from suspension as they look for revenge for November's 7-2 defeat against Lanarkshire neighbours Albion.

Winger Graeme Owens and striker Derek Holmes are missing through injury, with Diamonds boss Jimmy Boyle telling his men they will need to work as hard as they did when they won at Forfar last week to take anything from the Coatbridge side.

Boyle said: "The last game was a sore one to take but it would be great to bounce back and win this one to record our first back-to-back victories of the season.

"We worked really hard to come from two goals down to defeat Forfar 3-2 and we will need to work as hard again."

Albion striker John Gemmell returns into contention after missing the club's Boxing Day defeat against Brechin due to work commitments.

Rovers are, however, again missing Barry Russell through injury as they look to leapfrog their local rivals in the table with victory at the Excelsior Stadium.

Manager Paul Martin said: "I was really proud of the players when we won the last game 7-2 in terms of not only how they played but how they quietly celebrated what was the club's first win in over 30 years in derby games.

"We kept ourselves to ourselves and there was no gloating and looked upon it as gathering just another three points. Airdrie will no doubt be out for revenge and we will need to guard against that."