Let’s begin by noting that Clyde beating us would not be the biggest giant killing act in Scottish Cup history. The top of the First and bottom of the SPL are not that far apart in terms of ability and we will need to be on form. However, if we do find form then we should be more than strong enough to brush Clyde aside but how often have we struggled when we were favourites in the past?
In the current teams defence, we did manage to ease past East Fife in the League Cup but Clyde will obviously be a much tougher proposition. In Falconer, Kernaghan, Millen and Kane, they have players who are experienced and know how to play. The flip side of that coin is that they are all coming to the end of their careers – three of them were Premier level players, they are not any more. Stevie Cosgrove maybe in the Clyde midfield and will be anxious to play well against his old team.
It is safe to assume that we won’t change Frankie DuBourdeau or any of the back three. Scott Leitch may have recovered from a knee injury but Fagan, Adams and Pearson have been more than adequate. Dirk Lehmann is likely to be out with his ankle knock but James McFadden is available. Whether he starts after the excellent display on Wednesday by Craig and Clarkson is up for debate.
The game being at Broadwood might actually suit us. It has a massive pitch and Clyde will also feel obliged to come out and have a go attacking wise. We play better when we have space for the likes of Pearson and McFadden – and now even Craig and Clarkson – to run into.
It will be hard fought and there will be some anxious moments but we will emerge with 1-2 victory.