Somewhat against expectations, this evenings Scottish Cup Fourth Round fixtures pass the various pitch inspections, meaning that all planned fixtures are set to go ahead this week. Inside Left brings you a wee preview..
Albion v Stirling
High-flying Stirling drop a division to travel south to Coatbridge where they'll take on Albion Rovers. Like most of the teams in this list below the SPL, neither of these teams have played much in the last few weeks. Albion's last fixture was 12 December, Stirling Albion last played 15th December - both teams playing out draws. It'll no doubt be tough going, but Stirling should come out winners.
Ayr v Brechin
Ayr United meet up again with the team they knocked out of the First Division play-offs last season, when a 5-2 aggregate win denied Brechin promotion to keep them in the Second. Revenge is sweet then should the Glebe Park outfit win this evening. It's quite possible, considering the respective league forms of both sides: Ayr United are second bottom of the First division table, while Brechin currently find themselves in fourth spot in the Second, their season taking a wee dip after a promising start that had them leading the division a few weeks back.
Edinburgh City v Montrose
Montrose are currently the worst team in senior Scottish football, being the only team in Scotland to yet record a win in the league. To give you an idae of how bad, consider that even Highland League side Fort William boast a better record. I know nothing about Edinburgh City, but they must fancy their chances of progressing.
Forfar v St Johnstone
Derek McInnes and his troops make a short journey north-east to Third Division Forfar. The only SPL side in this round of the competition not to play this weekend, the Saints will be looking to get stuck into Forfar, a team they gubbed 6-0 back in the same competition in 1993 (although their last encounter, also in the Cup was a little closer, with the Saints winning narrowly 1-0). An upset possibly? No.
Inverness CT v Motherwell
To say that Terry Butcher returns to his former team is lazy blogging, which is why I do it. I just don't have the time to write anything else. Motherwell had a handsome win at the weekend, beating "under new management" Kilmarnock by three goals to nil, their first win under caretaker-manager Craig Brown. Inverness Caley's last game was on Boxing Day when they managed a 1-1 draw against league leaders Dundee. With the Dee now many, many points ahead of Caley, the most Butcher and his cohorts can hope for is a decent Cup run, but that'll come unstuck tonight against the Steelmen. Start planning for next season Terry!
Kilmarnock v Falkirk
The only all-SPL tie of the evening (though not the round, as Rangers and Hamilton slug it out again tomorrow) sees the two bottom sides fight it out for a modicum of glory. One point separate the two sides, but this is the Cup so anything can happen! Jimmy Calderwood will want to get his tenure as Kilmarnock manager back on the rails with a good win this evening, and I think he just might get it. Remember folks, one of these two teams is going down!
Ross County v Inverurie Locos
Inverurie will be hoping to progress in this round - this time last season they faced Motherwell (after many call-offs) but lost 3-0 in the end. This time out against Ross County they'll struggle again, but they should have a good go regardless. Expect Ross County to progress however!
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