IF current league standings are any kind of yardstick then Arbroath will be overwhelming favourites to triumph in today’s Angus derby showdown with Forfarshire.

However, visiting skipper Marc Petrie didn’t dare concur with that theory as he prepared his side for the short hop to Broughty Ferry.

And the cautious captain admitted that any team featuring Chris Greaves are capable of great feats.

Petrie said: “Of course we will go to Forthill high in confidence after our great start to the season.

“But, as the old cliche stresses, form flies out of the window when it comes to matches between close rivals.”

On the threat of Shire player-coach Greaves, he went on: “Chris is a fantastic performer who has scored some big runs on big occasions this year and I don’t think it will be long before he receives a Scotland call-up.

“But it would be foolish to focus on him and him alone.

“Matty Parker has been in excellent form and we have heard that Craig Wallace is coming up from England specially for this game. We are all too aware what he is capable of doing!”

Petrie added: “We are heartened by the fact that we also have proven matchwnners.

“Brendon Ford is in decent touch and we have Fraser Burnett back in the top order.

“Elton Willemse is absent for family reasons, so it is another opportunity for 16 year old Adam Brewer to make his Premiership debut following the disappointment of last week’s rain.

“We have had a good week’s training and the boys are all motivated.”

Greaves admitted he is full of anticipation.

He enthused: “It has always been a sparkling fixture filled with great cricket and a massive suspense.

“We are buying to make an impact, we are in a good space - and it is just a matter of time.

“Arbroath’s style will entertain any cricket lover and it will be interesting to say the least.
.
“Obviously for myself it's a whole new experience, I don't want to think about it too deeply as I am focused for the right reason and hope to make a winning contribution”

Struggling Falkland will see the home-turf clash with newly promoted SMRH as a chance to steady the ship - though they will be mindful of the fact that they did inflict a shock on Glenrothes last time out.

Falkland skipper Stuart Campbell said: “We are boosted by the return of Grant Doig from university, along with Adam Ferguson.

Callum Watson is also in the line-up on the back of impressive displays in the Scottish Cup and Village Cup.”

Glenrothes make the jaunt to Goldenacre to face Heriot’s, bolstered by the return to the attack of fit-again Scotland paceman Safyaan Sharif.

Fred Culley also returns to the batting ranks.

Elsewhere, unbeaten Grange should be too strong for Watsonians at Raeburn Place, while champions Carlton will be fancied to step up their revival with a victory over Aberdeenshire in the capital.