- Inverness CT have won 4 of their last 5 matches in all current competitions (1 draw).
- Arbroath have lost 4 of their last 5 in all competitions (1 win).
- Inverness CT have won their last 2 away matches in all comps.
Championship 2026/2027 is a long haul
There is no denying that Inverness Caledonian Thistle have been the better side through the opening 1 matchday of the Championship 2026-2027 campaign, as the Thistle sit 7th on 1 point, marginally ahead of Arbroath, who are 9th having picked up 0 points.
Saturday's away game to Gayfield Park is one where Inverness CT have failed to win either of their last two away matches at Arbroath, even if they don't have a great record against the Red Lichties. They haven't won either of their last two away matches against this weekend's hosts, so this one is far from a home banker.
Thistle have the edge
Scott Kellacher's side are flying in all competitive action, winning 4 and drawing 1 of their last 5, so they should arrive in Angus in good condition and full of confidence. A 1-0 home win over St. Johnstone was followed up with a 1-0 away win at Greenock Morton, before Inverness CT were pushed hard by Dunfermline, but still managed to take a point from a 0-0 draw. The Thistle's boss is getting a lot out of this squad with a higher-tempo possession-first game, which has seen the side press well and combine quickly through the thirds to create numerous chances. Ryan Duncan has been a bright spark for the club, having notched two of their five goals in the last 5 matches, and offering real end product.
Hosts are on a poor run
Arbroath boss Colin Hamilton has his side set up in a much more pragmatic manner, with a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-1-1 that will look to be a menace on the counter attack, second ball and set-pieces. They're on a much poorer run than their visitors, having won just 1 of their last 5 in all comps (4 losses).
A 2-0 away defeat to Ayr United yesterday followed on from a 1-0 win at home to Stirling Albion in the cup last weekend, so Gayfield Park has hardly been a fortress. The Red Lichties will have to respond quickly if they want to get a foothold in the Championship this term.
Back the visitors
This is a classic case of two completely different styles of football and although Inverness CT will probably dominate the ball, Arbroath's physicality in transition and from set-pieces should keep them in the game.
However, Inverness CT are in much better form than the hosts and they have proven they can win away from home, so they look the likeliest winner in this one.
The odds are stacked in Arbroath's favour, but the hosts are 81/50 favourites, the away side are 31/20 and the draw is 12/5, which makes little sense. Under 2.5 goals at 18/25 certainly suits this matchup, but both teams to score No at 87/100 is the main selection as I expect this to be a cagey contest.
