- Montrose are up against it to win this, but can keep it close if they keep their momentum going.
- Montrose have failed to win any of their last 3 away games against Arbroath, so it's a fixture that has favoured the red and white.
- Arbroath have won three of the last five head-to-head meetings.
Both teams have something to prove in this
Arbroath have had an inconsistent start to their League Cup Group B 2026 campaign, losing 3-0 away at Dundee United. Montrose have had the opposite reaction, beating Dundee United 1-0 at home and then Stirling Albion 2-0 away.
The home side have failed to take the lead with Arbroath sitting 4th with 3 points from 2 games. Montrose are 2nd with 6 points from their 2 games so far. Arbroath have lost their last two games, but also won the last meeting between these two teams 1-0 away in League One 2024/2025.
Montrose have the momentum
Montrose have won two in a row and look to be in better form coming into this one. Arbroath have won one, drawn one and lost three of their last five, so the visitors arrive in far better shape than the home team.
Colin Hamilton has been the coach of Arbroath since September 2024 and his team have maintained a tight shape in their build up to this game. They are designed to sit deep, absorb pressure, and then hit their opponents on the counter or from set pieces.
Montrose will look to press high and pin Arbroath back, they will push forward, swap players and use the width of the pitch, but this game is likely to be a battle of patience vs pressure.
Back Arbroath, but expect a close game
Arbroath are the clear favourites at 1/2, with Montrose 9/2 and the draw at 59/20. The odds are stacked on the hosts, but they are still winless in their last three home games (D1, L2). Both teams to score looks live at 73/100, but our selection is that the hosts edge it in what should be a cagey derby.
Over 2.5 goals is 7/10, but we are taking the under option for this clash as we can see Montrose keeping it close. Montrose have lost two of their last 5 games and have won their only League Cup Group B 2026 away match, scoring twice.
Stewart Petrie has been in charge of Montrose since December 2016, and they have maintained an identity. They will give the game a go and it's possible they can force this one to go into the second half. Arbroath haven't scored many recently so their attacking threat will be on the transition and set pieces.
Ewan Loudon has been a spark for Montrose recently, hitting 2 of the team's 5 goals in their last 5, and he will need to be marked.
