Ayr vs Stenhousemuir preview - Donald missing for Ayr

Ayr will be without Michael Donald through suspension for the visit of Stenhousemuir in a game that could prove pivotal in both club's search for a play-off place.

Robbie Crawford is also out with a hamstring injury but Kevin Kyle will return after missing last week's win over Arbroath as his wife was giving birth.

Somerset Park player-manager Mark Roberts said: "We are in good form and that has led to increased confidence. We are going into games now looking to win and that is a big turnaround to earlier this month.

"I would see this game as a must-win for Stenhousemuir and we will prepare accordingly."

Stenhousemuir, who sit seven points behind their hosts, look set to be without midfielder Bryan Hodge who is suffering from a back injury.

Eddie Malone and Darren Smith are also injury doubts with manager Scott Booth giving them until just before kick-off to prove their fitness.

Booth said: "The first goal in this game will be crucial. The team that scores it will settle down and grow in confidence whereas the team that goes behind will feel a lot of pressure to chase an equaliser.

"We know that a win would get us right back into things in the play-off chase and we will be looking to get one."