Effects of concussion keep Gilchrist on the sidelines
Peterhead will be without Ally Gilchrist against visitors Ayr United.
The defender must sit it out on Saturday as a result of the concussion he suffered in the draw at Brechin last weekend.
Blue Toon boss Jim McInally is predicting a tough game against the team second in the table.
He said: "Dunfermline should be the top of our league as they have the greatest resources but Ayr have ran them close all season.
"They have a good manager and a good squad of players but we know that we are not that far away from them.
"We drew 2-2 at Somerset Park in a very even game so we know that we can win this one."
Ayr have Jamie Adams back from a ban and they also have Nicky Devlin available to start for the first time after a hand operation.
0n-loan Motherwell striker Craig Moore is also in contention again after a groin problem but an ankle injury keeps Ross Docherty out.
United manager Ian McCall said: "Peterhead will be a play-off team come the end of the season so the bigger the advantage we have over them the better our season will be.
"We were disappointed to lose to Dunfermline last weekend in a game where we did not do enough to win it. Beating Peterhead at their place would be the perfect response."
Source: PAR
