Match Preview

Falkirk welcome pre-season promotion favourites, St Johnstone, to Ochilview tomorrow, looking to avenge the 3-0 reverse earlier in the season. Results between the two clubs this season have been in total contrast, with Falkirk claiming a 4-0 victory in the corresponding fixture at Perth.

Despite both sides' differing fortunes last week, the bookmakers cannot separate the two, with both teams quoted at 11/8 for a win with William Hill, whilst the draw is available at 5/2.

Billy Stark has strengthened his Saintees squad since the last time the sides met, with the acquisitions of the experienced Rudi Vata, along with ex-Falkirk favourites Jamie McQuilken and Stuart Taylor. Conversely, Falkirk have lost Colin McMenamin, one of the goalscorers at Perth.

Assistant Head Coach, Brian Rice is keen that last week's first half performance against Clyde be repeated, but for the entire match this time, "We were outstanding in the first half, and went to pieces in the second. If we can just play the way we did in the first half for 90 minutes tomorrow, I don't think we'd have a problem. That was some of the best football we've played for quite some time, and we weren't exactly up against a poor side. We need to channel our disappointment at the final result, in a positive way for tomorrow's match."

Chipper and Yogi still have injury problems to contend with, although Allan Ferguson could make his return between the sticks, "Fergie wasn't quite right to start last week, but his experience is invaluable so we had him on the bench. Kevin James remains a doubt, and John Henry will be out for at least a month. John O'Neil is currently rated at 50/50, whereas Davie Nicholls is fit again. We also miss Brent Rahim through suspension, but we do have cover in that area."

It's a big week for Falkirk, and it really is make or break time over the next two matches. Brian commented, "We can still challenge for the title; if we didn't think that we'd be as well forgetting about playing the rest of our matches. The way results are going in this league, means that things can turn around again within a matter of weeks. We also have the Scottish Cup to aim for, and as soon as Saturday's match is finished, we'll be focussing all of our attentions on Aberdeen."

Saturday's match is all-ticket, and fans will have the chance to buy tickets at Ochilview on Saturday between 10.30am and 2.30pm. There is no pay at the gate facility for the match.

Jim Dawson will be removing the pitch covers at Ochilview this afternoon, and reports that the pitch is in excellent condition with little doubt of any postponment. Stay tuned to the official website, where details will be posted immediately there is any development.