Turriff United can retain fifth spot in the Highland League with a home win against Inverurie Locos today but manager Ross Jack knows it will be far from easy.
Locos are in confident mood following their Aberdeenshire Shield triumph against Banks o’ Dee and Jack knows his players face a testing afternoon against the Harlaw men.
Jack said: “Locos have been going really well and we have been struggling with a long injury list.
“We could be without four players, with forwards Nic Wozniak and David Booth, as well as central defender Darren Wood and midfielder Allen McKenzie all facing late fitness tests.
“Centre forward Andrzej Kleczkowski is a non-starter.”
Locos manager Scott Buchan has a full squad at his disposal apart from suspended midfielder Mark Souter.
Cove Rangers, who occupy third place in the table, will start as favourites against Deveronvale at Harlaw Park, Inverurie.
Cove assistant manager, Graeme Mathieson said: “I haven’t seen much of Vale lately, they have had a bit of an indifferent season.
“When we played them at Banff I thought they played some decent football.”
Cove have doubts over midfielder Stuart Duff, who has a hamstring injury, and central defender Stuart Walker, whose wife has just given birth to a daughter.
Vale travel without captain Scott Fraser, who is recovering well after his recent knee operation, and fellow central defender Lukasz Krobot, who is offshore.
Fourth-placed Formartine United welcome Strathspey Thistle to North Lodge Park.
Formartine have midfielder Scott Ferries available after suspension.
Former Fraserburgh centre half Russell McBride and goalkeeper Andy Reid, who has shaken off a hip injury, are also in the reckoning.
Strathspey add new loan signing from Buckie Thistle, midfielder Robert Scott, to their full strength travelling squad.
Fraserburgh face Forres Mechanics at Bellslea Park (2pm).
The Broch will miss the injured Dean Cowie and fellow midfielder Jamie Beagrie, who is offshore.
The Can-Cans are without injured attacker Scott Moore and Craig McGovern.
Fellow midfielder Kyle Scott has a kidney complaint and full back Graham Fraser is unavailable.