FORFARSHIRE skipper Umair Mohammed believes today’s Tayside derby will be the most important match of the season - but not for his team.

League pacesetters Arbroath welcome Mohammed at Co to Lochlands.

And the visiting captain insisted all the pressure will be on the hosts on their own turf.

He said: “It is definitely the the biggest game of the season so far - but only for Arbroath.

“We are under no pressure whatsoever, however they need the win to continue their journey at the head of the title race.

“We, of course, will do what we always do and set out for a victory.

“There derbies are always a fiery affair and this weekend will be no different.

“There are many such tussles take place every season in Scotland, but it would be hard to find one that has as much spice to it as ours.

“They are the fixtures you really want to be a part of.”

Forfs are boosted by the return of former home-team hero Matty Parker and Brock Ditchmen.

He was backed up by Arbroath skipper Marc Petrie, who stated: “This is a a match I always look out for in the fixture list.

“We know we'll have to be at the top of our game because Forfs are a very good side who have a similar policy to ourselves in bringing through homegrown players.

“We weren’t too happy with our performances against Aberdeenshire and Heriot’s but we have worked hard this week to make the necessary improvements.

“We are 100 per cent focussed and motivated.”

Falkland captain Stuart Campbell has faith in his side’s ability to triumph in the basement battle with SMRH and take a step towards top flight survival.

The strugglers clash at Inverleith, with Campbell stating: “It will be very tough - just as the whole campaign has been for us.

“But player availability is better with holidays and other commitments out of the way.

“The guys have trained well and I'm sure if we do our disciplines accurately, we not be far away.”

Elsewhere, Glenrothes entertain Heriot’s and Grange take on Watsonians at Myreside, with Aberdeenshire hosting Carlton.