Two of the main contenders for the title, Brora Rangers and Fraserburgh, go head-to-head in what should be a Dudgeon Park thriller this afternoon.
Brora boss Steven Mackay wants his side to show their title credentials by making home advantage count against the Broch.
Mackay said: “Nothing will be decided on this game but it may possibly give an indicator.
“Formartine United and Buckie Thistle might have more to say about that as the season progresses but this game will give an early indication of where both teams are at.
“Both Fraserburgh and ourselves have had pretty good starts to the season and of course we go both into the game on the back of winning trophies last weekend so it will be an interesting encounter for sure.
“We picked up three points against Keith at Kynoch Park on Wednesday night, albeit I think we made it a little bit harder for ourselves than it should have been.
“Our only absentee is striker Jordan MacRae who picked up a shoulder injury in the first half of the North of Scotland Cup final against Caley Thistle.”
Broch boss Mark Cowie believes Brora are the favourites for the league title this season.
He said: “We will both be coming off a high after last weekend’s cup final success – us defeating Formartine United on Friday night to lift the Aberdeenshire Cup, and Brora Rangers winning the North of Scotland Cup.
“So confidence in both camps should be pretty good.
“We need to concentrate on the games ahead to try to have more success and that starts with possibly the toughest game of the season, away to Brora.
“They can pick an 11 from 18 or 19 players and it will still be a very strong team. In terms of the league, if we’re honest, anybody who finishes above Brora will win the league.
“They’re the benchmark, the team to beat. Buckie have had a great start and are deservedly top of the table, but I think Brora have a deeper squad to rotate from.
“Come the end of the season if you finish above Brora you have a real chance of winning the title.
“At this moment in time I feel they’re the strongest squad in the league.”
Cowie added: “We have the likes of Paul Campbell, Sean Butcher and Scott Barbour all on double figures for goals scored but we know we will have to be at our best against one of the most frugal defences in the Highland League and a class goalkeeper like Joe Malin, who really should be playing at a higher level.”
Fraserburgh will travel without last weekend’s two-goal hero, Willie West, who is suspended after his recent dismissal in the league game against Nairn County at Station Park.
