- Stenhousemuir are 2nd in League One with 61 points from 34 games.
- Alloa Athletic are 3rd in the table with 53 points, also from 34 games.
Stenhousemuir will want to win
Gary Naysmith’s high-pressing philosophy has transformed Stenhousemuir’s fortunes since he took over in January 2023 and they sit 2nd in League One.
But the Wasps will be desperate to improve on the last two meetings with rivals Alloa Athletic, which they failed to win. The last meeting between the sides finished 0-0 at the Indodrill Stadium and it could be another cagey fixture on Saturday with both teams likely to be highly motivated and defensively astute.
Naysmith’s team have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five and this season has been built upon a fast, high-octane and vertical style of football played by a 4-2-3-1 formation. The 4-2-3-1 sets up their players to press in numbers at every opportunity and get the ball back in wide areas, but it can be a risky tactic if they lose possession in the wrong areas.
Alloa can play ‘nice’ football
Andy Graham has done a wonderful job at Alloa Athletic and his team have played some lovely football since he took charge in November 2023. A more patient and possession-based side, Graham’s men set up to control the tempo and pick their moments to counter with numbers.
Stenhousemuir should provide plenty of opportunity for Alloa to do that as they will press high and early, often forcing quick turnovers. But Alloa are not a one-trick pony and will always have the option to play the long ball if Stenhousemuir’s high line allows them to do so.
Luke Donnelly has come to life of late with two of Alloa’s last five goals on his account, but the team’s main goal threat remains Callum Burnside, who has nine in 24 League One appearances.
Stenhousemuir can nick it
Alloa will go to Ochilview on Saturday with a 17 away League One record of seven wins, two draws and eight losses, while Stenhousemuir’s home record is nine wins, seven draws and one defeat in 17 games. But Stenhousemuir have conceded only 12 goals in 17 home games and this contest is likely to be decided by whichever team can keep the clean sheet.
Alloa have scored 22 goals in 17 away games, so will have the belief that they can cause some problems in this one. Stenhousemuir’s Matthew Aitken has scored nine goals in 32 League One games and is always a threat to all opposition defenders. But with the odds of a Stenhousemuir win so close - 21/25 - it looks more profitable to take the bet on Both Teams to Score - No at 47/50 with Total Score Under 2.5 available at 41/50.
This is the ultimate chess match between two very different teams, one that plays a high-octane game and one that is more calculated and patient. Stenhousemuir’s intensity and desire to get at the opposition should just win the day in what will probably be a low-scoring affair.
