Last season, both meetings ended in 1-1 draws.

East Stirlingshire find themselves in 15th place with four points – having one win, one draw, and six defeats from their eight played.

Since their 4-1 away to Gretna 2008, The Shire have picked up back-to-back losses, and will be looking to pick up points against a team in a similar position.

Caledonian Braves sit one place below The Shire, in 16th with four points, also, but have played a game less.

The Braves had five straight defeats prior to their 1-1 draw with Hearts B, and will be looking to take the opportunity of leapfrogging Shire, in this fixture.

Last season, University of Stirling took maximum points off East Stirlingshire – thanks to 1-0 and 2-0 victories.

East Stirlingshire struggled in their opening five fixtures of the 23/24 campaign – managing only a 0-0 draw with Civil Service Strollers, and four defeats to Tranent, Gala Fairydean Rovers, East Kilbride, and Berwick Rangers.

However, The Shire will take confidence in picking up their first three points, at the weekend – as they left Raydale with a 4-1 win over Gretna 2008.

University of Stirling also took some time to pick up their first three points. Having managed 1-1 and 2-2 draws v East Kilbride and Berwick Rangers, and losing to Linlithgow Rose and Cumbernauld Colts, the Uni got their season underway with a 1-0 win over Caley Braves.

Stirling Uni come into this off the back of knocking Gartcairn out of the South Challenge Cup. With the ninety and extra-time finishing 1-1 – the Uni put away all their penalties as Gartcairn failed to score, winning the shootout 3-0.

Berwick Rangers took maximum points off East Stirlingshire, last season – thanks to 3-0 and 4-1 victories.

East Stirlingshire haven’t had as good a start as they did, last season – which saw them open with three draws and a defeat, contrary to the three defeats and a draw that they’ve started with, this campaign.

The Shire, however, are competing – losing 2-1 to both Tranent and East Kilbride, 2-0 to Gala Fairydean Rovers, and holding Civil Service Strollers to a 0-0 draw.

Berwick Rangers are also in search for their first win of 23/24 campaign – having managed two draws and two defeats.

All of the Wee Gers outings have been tight affairs – losing by only one goal in their 2-1 defeat to Bo’ness United and 1-0 loss at Caley Braves, both followed by 0-0 and 2-2 draws at home to Cumbernauld Colts and Stirling Uni.

Since their relegation to the Lowland League in 2017, East Stirling have continually finished in the top-six, until last season. The 22/23 campaign will certainly be looked at as an underachievement, with The Shire sitting fourth from bottom in 16th place.

Manager, Pat Scullion has recruited well, bringing in former Lowland League top-scorer, Jamie Penker on loan from Spartans, former Berwick Rangers and now Shire captain, Jamie Pyper, as well as Euan McGill and Jamie Thompson from University of Stirling, amongst others.

Having been crowned East of Scotland Champions, and navigating the promotion play-off with a 2-0 win over Mick Kennedy’s Darvel, The Big T enjoyed their inaugural season in the Lowland League – finishing fifth with 65 points, one point ahead of two-time Lowland League champions, East Kilbride.

The Belters have made some statement signings, as Max Christie looks to push for the top of the table – bringing in FC Edinburgh captain, Robbie McIntyre, Broque Watson from Broomhill, Alassan Jones and Lennon Walker from Christie’s former club, Bo’ness United, as well as experienced players Kallum Higginbotham from Kelty Hearts, with both Dean Brett and Alan Horne joining from Bonnyrigg Rose.