Morton v Airdrie United Preview

Tomorrow is a fresh start for all concerned with Greenock Morton as we play our first match since Davie Irons and Derek Collins were sacked.

It's hard to have any sort of intelligent discussion of potential tactics or formation as it is the first chance James Grady and Allan McManus will have ever had to pick a team at senior level in their respective careers. They have stated that they do have a formation in mind and that they have been working on it with the rest of the players during the week. I have a hunch that it will be a 3-5-2 but that's just a stab in the dark.

Another interesting talking point will be the team selection. Earlier in the week Grady (pictured, above left: in action against tomorrow's opponents) mentioned that he believes he should've been starting more often than he has, so he may give himself a run out up front. Personally, I think that only one of McManus and Grady will start so that we will have at least one member of the caretaker management team watching the game from the sidelines. I suspect that as the older, more experienced professional of the two, Grady will choose not to start the match.

Unsuprisingly we are still without Dominic Shimmin - whose injury troubles continue to mystify most fans - Kevin Cuthbert, who remains sidelines due to a broken foot, and Brian Wake who misses out with a hamstring injury (I wonder if it takes six months plus to clear up). In more positive news Peter Weatherson, Brian Graham and Ryan McGuffie are all ready to play despite suffering from a virus earlier in the week.

According to the BBC's match preview Airdrie's David Nixon, Ricky Waddell and Scott Gemmill are out, and Tom Parratt is doubtful. Former Celtic and Morecambe striker Diarmid O'Carroll looks set to make his debut after signing for the Diamonds during the week.

I'm optimistic that the positivity that comes with a change in manager will see us earn our first three points since we beat Ayr United 2-0 over a month ago.


Last Meeting

10.03.2009 - Scottish 1st Division
Morton 0 - 0 Airdrie


Possible line up

Stewart
Greacen McManus Walker
Finlayson McGuffie MacFarlane Jenkins McAlister
Weatherson Graham

Betting (high street prices)

Morton are best priced at 7/5 with .
Airdrie are 15/8 with .
The Draw is 13/5 with .


My Predicition

Morton 2 - 0 Airdrie
17/2 with .


Greenock Telegraph - Upbeat Mood in Ton Camp (25.09.2009)

airdrieunitedfc.com - Airdrie Travel To Greenock (25.09.2009)

bbc.co.uk - Morton v Airdrie United

oddschecker.com - Morton v Airdrie