Apart from long-term absentees Kevin James and Steven Milne, Saints are set to be without Peter MacDonald, Martin Hardie and Andy Lawrie, Brechin will be minus John Ward and Kevin Byres, while Dunfermline have Scott Wilson, Greg Shields, Scott Morrison and Scott Thomson sidelined.

Saints could, however, have Gary Irvine — the right-back who won the Challenge Cup last season with Ross County at McDiarmid Park — in their line-up.

“We beat Clyde in the final here last season and I was also in the Celtic side which won the BP U/18 Scottish Cup Final here against Aberdeen a few years ago. So McDiarmid Park is a lucky cup ground for me,” said Gary.

Brechin manager Michael O’Neill commented, “We may give a chance to some players who haven’t started recent games.”

Kick-off is at 7.45, admission is to the West Stand only, and prices are £10/£5. Season tickets are not valid.

Dunfermline may have Ian Williamson and Scott Muirhead back in their ranks for the trip to Airdrie now they have recovered from injury.

Pars team boss Stephen Kenny admits his side will “have to be competitive” to reach the semis.

The East End Park club have made an inauspicious start to life in the First Division, but Stephen feels his side are beginning to “put things together” — and tonight’s match will be a big test for them.