Sandy Hodge will miss the match through his foot injury, while David Farrell is doubtful. As usual the Blues are suffering from a problem in the defense. The same can not be said about our forwards as Ian Harty, George Shaw, Kevin Finlayson, Martin Glancy, John Dempster and Jered Stirling as Billy McLaren has a full squad to choose from.

In a recent interview with Ananova Billy McLaren commented on the match ahead:

He said: "A win would be a huge help, but if we lose we could be right back in the mire, so hopefully we can go up there and be professional about it and take the points."

Cowdenbeath finished last season on the same points total, 76, as Third Division champions Hamilton Academicals. However, Hamilton had a goal difference of +45 while the Blue Brazil only had +27.

The Blue Brazil are under new management after Gary Kirk was dissmissed a month ago after a run of poor results. The new manager is veteran striker Keith Wright (ex-Raith Rovers , Dundee, Hibs, Greenock Morton and Stenhousemuir) and he is assisted by former Hibs favourite Micky Weir. Wright joined Cowdenbeath from Stenhousemuir in 2000 and he helped the team gain promotion last season. This season he scored ten goals before moving into the managerial hot-seat.

Since taking charge Wright has given the team two wins and two draws in the last five games. These valuable points have seen Cowdenbeath move from 9th into 6th place, although only on goal difference over Stranraer and Berwick Rangers.

The situation this week is the same as last week where the Blues must pick up all three points - or suffer the consequences. With only three games remaining (Cowdenbeath, Stenhousemuir and Alloa Athletic) the margin for error has evaporated.

Which players should Stranraer fans keep an eye on? Read on and find out:

Craig Winter is a midfielder who also scored seven goals last season. The 25 year-old player was signed in 1994, and since then has made over 200 full appearances for Cowdenbeath, and found the back of the net in the league on 14 occasions. He will miss Saturday's match after being sent off against Queen of the South.

Hamish French was signed by Gary Kirk during the close season. Although being 38 this year, he has a wealth of experience in the higher leagues. Former clubs have included Dundee United, Dunfermline and Alloa Athletic. He has played a total of 357 first team games as well as 19 appearances as a substitute, and has netted 71 goals. This season French has scored three times, including one goal against Stranraer in October.

Keith Wright has made a total of 573 full appearance (and 58 as a substitute) in senior football, and scored an incredible 222 goals in the process. As mentioned earlier, his clubs have included Raith Rovers (when Stranraer and Raith were in the Second Division), Dundee, Hibs (who paid Dundee £420,000), Raith, Greenock Morton (£30,000 transfer fee) and Stenhousemuir. Wright joined Cowdenbeath in late June, 2000. Last season he scored 8 goals, which made him the third highest scorer for the club, while this season he scored ten goals. Despite his age, 36, he still has plenty of punch in him.

Top scorer Graham Brown has netted sixteen goals so far this season, all of which have been scorered in the league. His most recent goal was scored two weeks ago against Morton, so he is certainly on form at the moment. The twenty-two year old, 5'11", South African-born striker joined Cowdenbeath in August 1997. Since then he has made 164 league appearances and scored 40 goals in the process. He is always a threat up front and the Stranraer defence will have to work hard to keep him from adding to his goal tally on Saturday.

Injury Worries: Stephen Smith and Craig Neeson.

Current League form: L D D W W

The only club connection is midfielder Michael (Mick) Oliver (now assistant manager at Clydebank) who played one game for Stranraer (season 85/86) having played for Cowdenbeath in season 1982/83. Oliver also played for several other clubs including Falkirk, Queen of the South, Albion Rovers & Stenhousemuir. [Thanks to the Border Fox for supplying that tidbit]

If you know of any other connections, please feel free to e-mail me (sandy@stranraerfc.net) with any submissions.