Newtonmore will ask leading scorer Dave Cheyne to play through the pain to cope with the loss of full centre Jamie Robinson, who will play no part in The Eilean club’s run-in towards what could be their first Premier Division title.
Robinson has taken up a job connected with the Winter Olympics in Vancouver for a year and manager Norman MacArthur is switching Glen Mackintosh out of attack to replace him.
“Dave Cheyne has been mainly on substitute duty because of a pelvic complaint, but now he’ll start at wing forward in our remaining games,” said MacArthur. “Dave’s happy to do it despite the fact he’s been ordered to rest, because our sights are on the title.”
More, unbeaten in 15 league games, face Lochaber at Spean Bridge tomorrow, after which they travel to Inveraray and Kingussie. If they win all three they will be champions. But Kingussie can retain the trophy by winning their last five games.
Goalkeeper Andrew Borthwick is back from suspension for Kingussie’s tricky trip to Camanachd Cup runners-up Kyles Athletic, who have already beaten Kingussie twice this season.
Duncan Kerr has hit four goals in two games and carries a threat for a Kyles side who could yet finish in third place. Kingussie wait for a fitness check on Ryan Borthwick and hope to have Gary Munro available.
Inveraray and Bute, level on points in the struggle to avoid the second relegation place, face challenging tasks.
MacAulay Cup winners Inveraray will have Gary MacPherson available again for their home game with Fort William. Bute head for Mossfield Park to play Oban Camanachd.
Lochside Rovers will win the South First Division title if they take a point against Oban Celtic but, as the reserve side of Oban Caman-achd, they will not be allowed promotion to the Premier Division, with second-placed Glasgow Mid Argyll poised to move up.
The other new Premier place, however, is a three-horse race as Kilmallie, Skye and Lovat pursue the North First Division title. Kilmallie and Skye have one game each to play and Kilmallie are a point ahead. But Lovat, three points off the top, have four games to play and will decide their own fate.
While Kilmallie are idle tomorrow, Skye play their final game with Lovat, the visitors, and it is a must-win for the islanders.
Skye manager Aonghas MacDonald has injury problems. Allan Mackenzie (broken thumb) and Alan Palmer (arm injury) were casualties in the Joe Toal Sixes on Sunday and their season is over. Gilleasbuig MacDonald is doubtful after sustaining a head wound during a Scotland training session.
To add to Skye’s woes, Martin Bruce (15 stitches in face) and Jamie Nicolson (thumb) are out after being hurt in a reserve match.
Lovat know six points from their last four games will seal their quick return to the top flight.
Lochcarron, without a point and with three games to play, will be confirmed as finishing bottom should they lose their West Ross derby against a Kinlochshiel side who have regained goalscoring form.
Beauly play their first game in five weeks when they host Strathglass, who have already beaten them 4-1.