Dunfermline will be first footed by Raith Rovers today but somebody missing the action will be defender Scott Muirhead due to injury. The injury happened during an indoor session as the Pars' regular outdoor facilities are hidden under a blanket of snow and ice. Boss Jim McIntyre said: "Scott twisted his ankle during training on Monday and he will be out for the next two weeks with strained ligaments. We trained inside at a place in Edinburgh on Monday. However, we had to travel all the way to Glasgow on Tuesday as that was the only facility we were able to book. It is a far from ideal way of preparing for such a big match but most teams in Scotland are in the same boat at the moment. The lads are all desperate to play at the weekend and it looks like the game will definitely go ahead. The undersoil heating at East End Park is switched on and we are expecting a bumper crowd for what is sure to be another exciting local derby."
 

Raith have had to get ready for the game while speculation runs rife that their manager, John McGlynn, will be moving on soon to take on the manager role at Dundee United. McGlynn has refused to comment on the rumours and is concentrating on catching today's opposition. His side have been boosted by the return to fitness of club captain Iain Davidson and winger Iain Williamson. The duo have been out of action since October with knee injuries but are expected to go straight into the side. The Rovers boss (for now) said: "They are more or less fit. They haven't played in any games, but they're as ready as they're going to be." Raith will have to cope without defender Dougie Hill who is suspended. Laurie Ellis' wife gave birth on Boxing Day, but the left-back has made himself available to play.