AIRDRIE travel to playoff rivals Stenhousemuir knowing that every game is now a cup final, as the race for fourth place intensifies.

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With both teams locked on 42 points alongside East Fife, a positive result for either side would provide a huge boost as the end of the season looms.

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Stenny currently occupy the coveted play-off spot with a goal difference of +4 giving them the advantage over Airdrie's +1 and East Fife's -1.

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But Jimmy Boyle's men know that points matter most, as the Diamonds' run-in sees their fate lying entirely in their own hands.

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Midfielder Jamie Stevenson, who returned as a second-half substitute last week following a one-match ban, said: "Our season is boiling down to Saturday and the next few games. 

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"We need a win on Saturday, it's a 6-pointer".

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Previous results reflect the teams' respective positions, with results evenly matched going into this, the final meeting of the season.

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Airdrie won the opening fixture at New Broomfield 5:2, and striker Ryan Donnelly will be hoping to repeat that day's double, having rediscovered his scoring touch last week at Stirling.

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When the sides met at a foggy Ochilview in December, Stenhousemuir took an early lead through Andy Rodgers before a Willie McLaren equaliser forced the draw.

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And in the last meeting at New Broomfield, the Warriors were 3:0 victors. 

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Diamonds' skipper Paul Lovering once again misses out through suspension.

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The Ochilview men have selection headaches of their own, with Martyn Corrigan, Chris McCluskey and Eric Paton all sidelined through injury. Sean Dickson is rated 50/50 and will face a late fitness test, while Ross McMillan returns from suspension.

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The man in the middle for Saturday's showdown is Brian Winter.