Arbroath face a critical test of their Championship credentials this Saturday when they visit Livingston, aiming to halt a damaging run of form. The Lichties have lost their last three league matches, a sequence that has seen them slide to eighth place with 11 points from 11 games, a record of three wins and two draws from those matches.
Their most recent outing was a 2-0 defeat away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle last weekend. Calum MacLeod opened the scoring in the 39th minute, with Adam Bavidge adding a second just three minutes later.
Recent struggles
The team's last victory came over a month ago, a 2-1 home win against Queen's Park on September 25. Since then, they have suffered defeats to Partick Thistle, Greenock Morton, and Inverness. Their recent form across the last five games stands at one win and four losses. This poor run leaves them 12 points adrift of league leaders Stenhousemuir and in need of a swift turnaround.
Livingston present a formidable challenge, sitting fifth in the table and unbeaten in their last two matches. Their most recent game was a goalless draw with Dunfermline Athletic. The Lions' lineup that day featured the likes of Prior in goal and a defence marshalled by Kabongolo and McGowan.
Head-to-head hope
Arbroath can draw confidence from the most recent meeting between the sides. On August 29, they secured a 1-0 victory over Livingston at Gayfield Park. Replicating that defensive solidity will be key for a team that has kept just one clean sheet in their last five outings. The club's top scorer this season is R. Callachan, who has yet to find the net in his one appearance.
In midfield, the experience of McKenna and Ricky Little will be vital, while the attack will look to the likes of Reilly and MacIntyre for a spark. MacIntyre scored in the 1-2 loss to Morton earlier this month, a rare bright spot in the recent gloom.
The match at The Home of the Set Fare Arena kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, October 24. Following this fixture, Arbroath's next challenge is detailed on our fixtures page as they continue a busy period in the Scottish Championship.
