MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Forfar Athletic and Inverness Caledonian Thistle meet at Station Park on Saturday in their first competitive clash since 2001, a remarkable statistic in itself.

Both clubs go into the final match in Group A of the Betfred Cup with little realistic chance of reaching the second stage of the tournament.

The ‘Loons’ have still to record a victory while Caley Thistle sit on five points with the possibility of an eight point final tally if they win at Station Park still very unlikely to see them gain a place as one of the four best placed runners-up.

Both managers are therefore likely to utilise the fixture as a useful exercise ahead of next weekend’s opening Ladbrokes League fixtures against Airdrieonians and Dundee United respectively.

Gary Bollan’s options are again however limited due to lack of numbers although Scott McBride should return, while John Robertson who arrived back in the Highlands in the summer following Caley’s relegation from the Premiership is likely to rotate his squad following last Saturday’s 2-0 home loss to Falkirk.

The new Inverness boss has in fact brought in ten new faces to date including goalkeeper Mark Ridgers from Partick, striker John Baird from Falkirk and Dutchman Collin Seedorf.

The man in the middle is Gavin Duncan.

The kick-off is as usual at 3p.m. with admission prices £10 for adults, £5 for senior citizens, while under 16’s go free.

Forfar Athletic season tickets are not valid for the game.

Although there is no official match sponsor, all hospitality lounges are to the delight of home officials full to capacity.

The 1984 Lounge at the ground will be open from 12.,30p.m. until kick-off and on the final whistle till approximately 7.30/8p.m.

The Club Shop will also be open, while copies of the joint programme issued for the Stirling/Caley Thistle ties will be on sale.