Falkirk vs Livingston preview - Dods blow for Bairns

Posted Wednesday, January 02, 2013 by PA

Falkirk will have defender Darren Dods suspended for the visit of Livingston after he was red carded in the 4-3 defeat to Dumbarton on Saturday.

On a more positive note, Kieran Duffie is available again after a ban as the Bairns look to get back on track after losing to the bottom of the table Sons.

Technical Director Alex Smith was being upbeat despite that defeat.

He said: "We created lots of chances which was pleasing and whilst it is a setback these things can happen with a young squad.

"We have the chance to bounce back quickly and we have a real incentive to do so as we gave our poorest display of the season against Livingston the last time they were here. We can put that right in this meeting."

Livingston will again be without long-term injured defenders Paul Watson and Jason Talbot as they look to complete a hat-trick of wins over their hosts.

The Lions were idle on Saturday when their game against Hamilton was a late victim of the weather but head coach Gareth Evans is looking for his men to be ready from the first whistle.

Evans said: "Falkirk and ourselves are very similar in terms of style and the ages of our squad but we have the chance to get back above them and aim to take it.

"We have had two good results against them already this season but I am sure they will be extra determined to stop that becoming three so we have to be ready from the first whistle."