Our record against lower league sides is pretty abysmal, although last season we managed only to lose cup games to Rangers. However, this season we've already been knocked out of one cup by Ross County and in recent years have lost to the likes of Gretna, Dunfermline, Forfar and St Johnstone when they were playing a division or two below us. Not good.
Hopefully that story will be different tomorrow. Peterhead are near the bottom of the second division and are struggling a wee bit. If we can't win this one, especially with it being at home, then you really have to fear for us for the rest of the season. We can't afford to play a weakened side, but I don't think it's asking too much to expect our strongest team to progress without too many scares.
Despite that. I'd still like to see some of our fringe players given a chance. We are sorely lacking in creativity and it would be great to see at least one of Aaron Mooy and Jamie McCluskey given a chance for the start. If they can't do well in a home game against a side two divisions below us, they aren't going to do well against anyone. SImilarly, I'd like to see Paul McQuade handed his first start. Craig Dargo is struggling with injury and a forward line of Michael Higdon and Gareth Wardlaw would be relatively easy for the Peterhead to deal with. The pace and movement of McQuade would not.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in the defence after Monday's defeat to Kilmarnock. Lee Mair wasn't that bad, but John Potter is available again while Marc McAusland is struggling with injury. We could see a complete reshape, while Steven Thomson could make his return to the side. Definitely out are Nick Hegarty and Garry Brady, but Hugh Murray could be given a run out - although it could be his final appearance in a Saints shirt. There is also likely to be a debut for new signing Jim Goodwin at some stage.
As mentioned above, Peterhead are not having the best of times at the moment. They find themselves at the wrong end of the table and could well be involved in the relegation dogfight this season. It's a bit of a surprise as last year they were challenging for promotion, just missing out on the play-offs, and have a fine manager in the shape of Neale Cooper. They also beat Cowdenbeath in the Scottish Cup, so they can't be that bad a side.
Cooper has blended youngsters let go by bigger clubs with more experienced pros. Most of the youngsters are unfamiliar to me, although I do recognise the odd one or two from playing Football Manager. Of the more experienced players, Dennis Wyness is the one we really have to worry about. As he's one of our former players, it is unwritten football law that he will score against us tomorrow - despite having harldy been prolific since his move to Balmoor. He was never really that good with us - although he is the first Saints player to score at our new ground. He was a weid signing and he had talent, but just couldn't cope with the SPL anymore. He's done nothing since to disprove that theory, so that should ensure a good display tomorrow!
Another former Caley Thistle striker who used to be good that peterhead can call upon is Martin Bavidge. I seem to remember being quite surprised many years ago that he hadn't ended up at a higher level, instead plying his time in the lower leagues. Surprisingly for a former Caley Thistle forward, he didn't score against us in one of their numerous four goal humpings of us - although he did score in the final game of the 1999/2000 season when we lost 5-0 - but we were still celebrating from winning the league the week before. Bobby Mann is another Caley Thistle veteran and a no-nonsense centre half - although not as big a thug as Ross Tokely. Keeper Paul Jarvie is also familiar, having been with Dundee United and Clyde earlier in his career.