Nairn County will be hoping it is third-time lucky against Inverurie Locos when the two sides meet on Highland League Cup duty at Station Park today.
Nairn have taken only one point from two league matches against the Garioch club this term but Locos will have to keep a watchful eye on prolific forward Conor Gethins if they hope to progress.
Nairn manager Les Fridge said: “It should be a good game for the supporters of both clubs as there is nothing between the two sides.
“It will all come down to whichever side performs on the day and, of course, whoever wants the victory the most.
“We will be without midfielder Gregg Main, who is unavailable with work commitments, and there are doubts over Gary Kerr and Mark Murphy.”
Locos co-manager Kenny Coull said: “There is all to play for.
“Now that Highland League champions Brora Rangers are out of the competition, it certainly opens it up for everyone else. We know it will be tough.
“But our defenders are really looking forward to the challenge of keeping Conor Gethins and Robbie Duncanson quiet.
“Apart from suspended defender Marc Young, we are at full strength.”
Huntly and Turriff United meet for the second time in seven days, this time at Christie Park, after Turriff won 3-1 at the Haughs in the league last Saturday.
Huntly’s on-loan forward Aaron Shand is again ineligible to face his parent club. United will miss Darren Mackie, Jamie Beagrie and Aaron McKenna, while Gary McGowan is a doubt.
On-form Cove Rangers are expected to be unchanged for the visit of Keith to Allan Park.
The Maroons welcome back captain Stewart Hutcheon and midfielder Stuart Massie, whose ongoing suspensions don’t apply to the League Cup, but midfielder Hamish Ritchie is out with a groin strain.
Buckie Thistle’s new manager Graeme Stewart faces a tough examination against Steve Paterson’s Formartine United.
The Jags have centre half Lewis MacKinnon and youngster Kyle Gauld suspended. Formartine midfielder Hamish Munro, a former Buckie favourite, is also serving a ban.