Airdrie vs Dumbarton preview - Arthur back for basement clash

Second-bottom Airdrie will welcome back Kenny Arthur when they host bottom side Dumbarton.

Arthur has recovered from a hamstring injury and replaces Grant Adam, who has returned to St Mirren at the end of his loan spell.

Nathan Blockley is available after injury kept him out of the 3-1 win at Dunfermline last week and Grant Evans is free of suspension.

But manager Jimmy Boyle is without with the injured David Lilley (groin), Sean Lynch (ankle), Jack Boyle (back), Alan Cook (ankle) and Gavin Griffin (calf).

Boyle is not planning any other changes and said: "The young lads who came in and did so well at Dunfermline deserve starting jerseys in this one.

"This would be a great game to win but I am sure Dumbarton are saying exactly the same."

Jamie Ewings and Steven McDougall are included for Dumbarton after they recovered from knocks picked up in last Saturday's 2-0 win over Partick.

Player-manager Ian Murray is still not ready to make his debut following a groin injury and he joins James Creaney and Pat Walker on the sidelines due to ankle injuries.

A win by a two-goal margin would lift the Sons off the foot of the table for the first time since August, however Murray is not setting his sights too high.

He said: "I will settle for a win of any kind. This game is a bit different as we go into it with a bit of expectation after doing well against the top sides in the league recently."