Match preview: Inverness Caledonian Thistle look to pick up first win of the 2020/21 campaign when Arbroath come calling to the Highlands
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Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Arbroath face off at the Caledonian Stadium this afternoon with both sides looking to secure their first three points of the campaign.
Last season Arbroath had the upper hand in matches between the sides, winning 3–0 at Gayfield before turning ICT over by a single goal back in the Highland capital.
The current Caley Jaags squad looks very different to the team that played in those matches though, partially enforced by the injury crisis currently affecting manager John Roberston's plans, so he will hope for a clean slate and a better outcome for his side this time around.
Team News
Inverness Caledonian Thistle: Robertson kept his cards close to his chest when talking to the media this week, revealing that a couple of players were back in training but not specifying who.
Any returns from the treatment room are unlikely to play 90 minutes though, so the likes of Daniel Mackay and Roddy MacGregor should be confident of retaining their place in the starting line-up at least after impressing in recent matches.
Arbroath: Dick Campbell has been rotating his limited resources through the opening stages of the season in the Betfred Cup and Championship, but can add a few more options to his side this afternoon.
Thomas O'Brien, Scott Stewart and Connor Smith could all return to the squad – the former after suspension, and the latter two after they were ineligible to face parent club Hearts last weekend.
Recent form
Inverness Caledonian Thistle: drew 1–1 at home against Ayr United, lost 3–1 away at Dunfermline, drew 0–0 at home against Cowdenbeath (won 4–2 on penalties), lost 1–0 away at Hearts, drew 1–1 at home against Elgin City.
Arbroath: lost 1–0 at home against Hearts, lost 3–0 away at Raith Rovers, lost 2–1 away at Ross County, won 3–1 at home against Montrose, won 2–1 away at Stirling Albion.
Head-to-head (all competitions)
Inverness Caledonian Thistle 21
Draws 4
Arbroath 7
Last five meetings
Inverness Caledonian Thistle 0–1 Arbroath – Championship, Saturday, December 28, 2019
Arbroath 3–0 Inverness Caledonian Thistle – Championship, Saturday, November 9, 2019
Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2–1 Arbroath – Championship, Saturday, August 10, 2019
Inverness Caledonian Thistle 7–0 Arbroath – League Cup, Saturday, July 30, 2016
Arbroath 0–2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle – League Cup, Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Ones to watch
Inverness Caledonian Thistle: Daniel Mackay – the 19-year-old looks to have benefited from the opportunity to play every week on loan at Elgin City last season, and if ever the hometown boy was needed to step up and reach his potential it is with ICT's current injury problems.
Mackay has started all four of Caley Thistle's matches this season and shone as an attacking threat against Ayr last Saturday.
He has not hit the back of the net yet though, and this afternoon would be a timely moment to break his duck for the campaign and score his first goal in Inverness colours in over two years.
Arbroath: Dale Hilson – Although Arbroath have not yet scored in the Championship, ICT fans need only look to Hilson's last trip to the Highlands for a marker of his quality.
His free kick from distance gave the Smokies a well-earned lead against Ross County in the free kick, and manager Dick Campbell was enthusiastic about the former Forfar Athletic forward's ability afterwards.
Hilson might not be the flashy name in an Arbroath attack also featuring Kris Doolan, long-serving Bobby Linn and on-loan Aberdeen forward Michael Ruth, but that might work in his favour if he can keep finding the back of the net.
ICT manager John Robertson's pre-match thoughts
“Dick did his usual against Hearts, he did a very good tactical job. After the goal they obviously had to push towards the end to try and get an equaliser.
“They beat us twice last season, so we are under no illusions just how tough a game it’s going to be.
“They beat us home and away, and we know it’s going to be a difficult match.
“The point we got last week was well deserved. We had chances, particularly in the first half, and could have been clear and away.
“Considering the options we had available it was a tremendous effort from the players, but we move on to this week.
"We are hopeful we can build on last week’s good display, and take our chances this week."
