The Spiders open 2021 by making the short journey to Coatbridge to take on Brian Reid’s Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill. Ray McKinnon will undoubtedly be looking for his side to start the new year the way they finished 2020 and to maintain the unbeaten start to the league campaign.
Manager’s thoughts
“If the game beats the weather and goes ahead we know it will be a difficult one in these conditions. We’ll be up against an Albion Rovers side who are on the back of a poor defeat and who will be looking to do whatever they can to put that right. We know that teams will raise their game against us and I expect this to be no different to any other game we will play this season.
“First and foremost it’s about doing what we need to do to get the three points. I know I have spoken previously about the need for the performance to be there but going away from home to venues such as Cliftonhill, the points come first with the need for a strong performance a close second. We expect to see those who do start the game, apply themselves in the right manner from the start and we expect it to be a tough shift on what is likely to be a heavy pitch.
“We will look to make best use of the squad again, as we did on Monday night in the cup. I thought the boys that came in did very well in terms of keeping the ball and moving it. We didn’t get the goals but the 120 minutes will have done them all the world of good in terms of fitness. The whole squad is in a good place fitness wise now and I expect anyone who is called upon tomorrow to be ready to step up to the plate.
Squad news: The gaffer was delighted to confirm that he has no fresh injury concerns to contend with ahead of the match.
The opposition: The Rovers currently sit second bottom of the table having picked up six points from their opening eight games, courtesy of wins over Annan Athletic and Elgin City. Their last league match was a 4-0 defeat away to Stranraer, a result which was followed by a 3-0 Scottish Cup defeat at home to Buckie Thistle last weekend.
Head to head: Played 226; Queen’s Park 80; Draw 66; Albion Rovers 80. Scored – Queen’s Park 356; Albion Rovers 318.
Last meeting of the sides: 24/10/2020 Queen’s Park 2-0 Albion Rovers, Scottish League Two.
Last matches: 28/12/2020 Dundonald Bluebell 1-3 Queen’s Park (after extra time); 26/12/2020 Albion Rovers 0-3 Buckie Thistle.
Recent form (all competitions): Queen’s Park WWWDWW; Albion Rovers LLLWLL.
Top scorers (all competitions): Queen’s Park – Bob McHugh (4); Albion Rovers – Matthew Aitken (7).
Match officials: Referee – David Dickinson; Assistant Referees – David Dunne and Regan Wallace.
Live streaming: Albion Rovers will be providing a live stream for the match and you can order your match pass for £10, here https://albionroversfc.univtec.com/outside/login?redirectTo=%2Fevent%2F5fce8fb610913310bc875865
Facebook: Get the team news at 2.15pm followed by live goal, half time and full time score updates via our Facebook page.
Twitter: Get the team news at 2.15pm followed by live updates throughout the match via our Twitter account @QueensParkFC.
Instagram: Get the team news at 2.15pm followed by live goal, half time and full-time score updates via our Instagram.
QPTV: Post match reaction from the manager will be available shortly after the game. Match highlights to follow on Sunday morning on our YouTube channel.
Next match: v Queen of the South, Scottish Cup Second Round.
Other League Two matches: Brechin City v Elgin City; Cowdenbeath v Edinburgh City; Stenhousemuir v Stirling Albion; Stranraer v Annan Athletic.