Lossiemouth manager Charlie Charlesworth is predicting mixed fortunes for the four Highland League clubs in William Hill Scottish Cup action this weekend.
Buckie Thistle take on Dunfermline at Victoria Park in what looks like being a cracking tie.
Charlesworth said: “As well as they are doing in the Highland League this season, Buckie Thistle have it all to do and I am taking the Pars to edge this one, even with the Jags having home advantage. There should be a great atmosphere at this one.”
Formartine are also at home and are all set to take on Annan Athletic, with Charlesworth saying: “Formartine United will be looking to avenge their 4-0 cup defeat at Annan Athletic in 2013 when the pair face each other again this weekend, this time at North Lodge Park.
“Annan are sitting in mid-table in League 2 but if Formartine get one or two players back from injury – the likes of Paul Lawson and Garry Wood – they are capable of getting a replay.”
Forres Mechanics have home comfort against Stenhousemuir.
Charlesworth said: “The Can-Cans did really well to beat Cumbernauld Colts 4-0 at Mosset Park in the last round.
“It will be tight but if Forres play to their potential – and Lee Fraser is fit which is crucial to the way they play – that one could also go to a replay.”
Wick travel to take on Stirling Albion and Charlesworth rates the Scorries as having the best chance of progressing of the Highland four.
He said: “When I was Deveronvale manager a few years ago we beat Albion 1-0 in the Scottish Cup down there. I know things will have changed at Forthbank since then but I am going to give Academy the nod in that one as they have shown their best form away from home this season and in Sam Mackay they have a real match-winner.”