David Bates in line for bow as Brechin boss Darren Dods faces old club Forfar
New on-loan Brechin defender David Bates is expected to make his debut against a Forfar side that player-manager Darren Dods left in the summer.
The hosts, who are chasing their first point of the season, will be without Ross Perry (ankle), Paul McLean (hip) and Dene Shields (foot).
Dods said: "We have taken encouragement from the way we finished at Stranraer last weekend. We were the stronger team and came close to grabbing an equaliser.
"The spirit has remained high despite a lack of wins. Hopefully we can get the better of Forfar and get our season going."
Forfar lost top spot last weekend when an injury-hit Loons side were defeated 4-0 by Dunfermline, however the Station Park side are in better shape this weekend.
Manager Dick Campbell has brought in goalkeeper Scott Gallagher from Hearts on loan to take over from Rab Douglas, who has been playing despite carrying an injury, and Gavin Swankie comes back having recovered from a knock.
Mark Baxter remains out with a hamstring injury, though.
Campbell said: "This is a local derby so form does not count for much. Darren Dods will turn Brechin around, however I am hoping that he has to wait another week before doing so."
Source: PAR
