Elgin City have netted nine goals in two games against Montrose this season, but City manager Jim Weir expects a stiffer test at Links Park today.
Montrose are unbeaten in four games since Stewart Petrie replaced Paul Hegarty at the start of last month, including victories against Clyde and Berwick Rangers.
Elgin’s 4-1 victory on December 3 – a day before Petrie’s arrival – left the Gable Endies bottom of League 2 and Elgin won 5-0 on their most recent visit to Links Park lastOctober.
With Montrose now seventh and able to close to within four points of Elgin with a win today, Weir expects to face a vastly-improved Angus side.
He said: “Montrose are on a great run and are unbeaten in their last four games. Their new manager has given them a real lift, so it’s going to be a difficult job even though we’ve done well against them in the past.
“We have to take our medicine. Monday’s 2-2 draw against Forfar was two points dropped. We have to make more of the opportunities that come our way and stop gifting soft goals.
“We’ve got another three home games coming up after this game, so it’s a big month for us.”
Weir has been left frustrated in his attempts to strengthen his squad so far, with two deals falling by the wayside last week. He remains hopeful of adding before the end of the January transfer window.
Weir added: “It was disappointing because we were planning and doing all our work. But if you let it affect you in this job you’re not the right person for it.
“I’ve just got to try for what I think is going to improve the team and if I don’t get it move on and try and get someone else.
“I really feel we’re needing something right now as there are areas where there is not enough pressure on certain players.
“Hopefully, we can add a bit of quality and competition.”
Defender Keiran Stewart is likely to remain sidelined until next week with an ankle injury but midfielder Thomas Reilly returns from suspension.
Long-term absentee Scott Smith is six weeks away from full training after an ankle operation.
