Ladbrokes League 1: Stenny to be sunk by rejuvenated Brechin

A couple of weeks ago, life was pretty glum if you had any connection with Brechin City. The Angus based side opened the season with first round defeats in both cup competitions, and six straight losses in the league.

From somewhere, however, they have picked up consecutive victories, and they will be looking to make it three in-a-row against Stenhousemuir.

Elsewhere, Albion Rovers are the latest team tasked with stopping the prolific Dunfermline front line, and current leaders Ayr host the much improved Cowdenbeath.

There is a north-east derby as Forfar make the short journey up to Peterhead, and there may be goals galore as Airdrie welcome Stranraer to Lanarkshire.

Get the lowdown on this weekend’s five Ladbrokes League 1 fixtures here…

Airdrieonians v Stranraer

Goals could be on the menu as Airdrie host Stranraer at the Excelsior. Airdrie have both scored and conceded in their previous four fixtures, and are in double figure in both the scored and conceded columns.

The visitors from Galloway have scored in all but one of their away games, and recorded an impressive victory at Forfar last weekend. Four of the last five meetings between the two have produced goals for both sides, at an average of just shy of four a game.

Best bet: Both teams to score @ 4/7

Ayr v Cowdenbeath

Ayr United are on a fantastic run of form, going seven unbeaten and climbing to the top of the table.

Despite this run, they actually have a better away record, and have dropped points in two of their last three at home.

Cowdenbeath are yet to win away, but their results and performances in September show a marked improvement, and a good run of results this month will see them pull clear of the relegation zone and push on towards the top four.

The Blue Brazil have a very decent record when they travel to Somerset Park, in the previous four league visits they have won three and drawn the other.

Despite being at opposite ends of the table, there may be a shock in store here.

Best bet: Cowdenbeath @ 17/4

Dunfermline v Albion Rovers

Interestingly, the free-scoring Dunfermline seem to find it easier playing away from East End Park in recent times. The Pars have cruised to thumping 4-0 and 5-0 wins on their previous two road trips, but have conversely only picked up one point out of six in front of their own fans.

The visitors have won their last two league matches, as they continue to make the step up from League 2 an easy one. These teams have not played each other for over twenty years, but in the last five encounters Dunfermline have won all five, scored 19 and conceded none.

Dunfermline may well come out on top, but this is likely to be a tighter match than the odds suggest.

Best bet: Albion +2  @ 17/20

Peterhead v Forfar

Peterhead are yet to win in five matches, but Jim McInally’s troops put in a gritty performance last time out, holding leaders Ayr away from home in a much improved performance.

Since hitting the summit of the Ladbrokes League 1 table, Dick Campbell’s Loons have lost two games in-a-row, against the lowly Cowdenbeath and Stranraer.

The Blue Toon came out on top on both occasions that Forfar made the trip to Balmoor last season, and a comfortable home win looks likely here.

Best bet: Peterhead @ 23/20

Stenhousemuir v Brechin 

Stenhousemuir have lost their last two matches without troubling the scorers as they have slumped from top four to bottom half. The Warriors were left battered and bruised, as they were on the end of a Dunfermline whirlwind, going down 5-0 in their last match at Ochilview.

It has been a remarkable couple of weeks for Brechin. Darren Dods’ men were pointless and rooted to the bottom, after a miserable start of six consecutive defeats . From somewhere the Glebe Park outfit have put together back-to-back victories over Peterhead and Cowdenbeath.

The away side will be full of confidence, while Stenny will be reeling from their last home nightmare.

Best bet: Brechin/Brechin @ 9/2

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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