Dunfermline vs Airdrie United: Marc McAusland blow for Dunfermline

Dunfermline will be without Marc McAusland against Airdrie after he followed Mickael Antoine-Curier out of the exit door at the end of his short-term deal.

Ryan Williamson and Callum Fordyce continue to be absent due to broken legs while illness keeps Lewis Martin sidelined.

Manager Allan Johnston said: "We are at home and should be looking to win games like this. However, Airdrie showed recently in the Scottish Cup against Dundee United that they are a useful side so we have to play at our best.

"We were not at our best at Peterhead last weekend and drew. I am looking for things to be sharper in this game."

Airdrie have goalkeeper Neil Parry available after a ban, but teenager Rohan Ferguson impressed in his absence and could keep hold of the starting jersey.

While David van Zanten is out with a knee injury, David Cox returns following suspension.

Manager Eddie Wolecki Black said: "Dunfermline are the strongest side in our league and deserve to be where they are. If we are to do anything then we have to defend better than we have been recently.

"We showed that we can score goals, hitting three against Peterhead and Brechin recently, however we only picked up one point. Everyone in the team needs to help improve our defending."