Kevin McBride believes the Monklands derby spoils will go to whoever shows the most desire.

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The Airdrie head coach is preparing for the visit of neighbours Albion Rovers this weekend, and he's expecting an interesting showdown.

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"It should be an exciting one. All form goes out the window in these games, anything that's happened in the past doesn't matter.

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"It's all about who wants it the most on the day."

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Three points separate the sides going into Saturday's match, with McBride's Diamonds sitting above Rovers on eight points having won two, drawn two and lost two.

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The latest draw came last week at home to East Fife, which left McBride bemoaning his side's lack of cutting edge compared to previous matches.

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With another home game this weekend, the gaffer only has one objective.

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"We go into every game aiming to win the three points, plain and simple.

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"It's another home game and we're desperate to get back to winning ways."

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Darren Young's Rovers have had a tough start to the season but the lengthy injury list which has hampered their progress is now beginning to clear, and McBride expects them to be up for the derby.

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"They have players coming back and we know we're going to face a difficult challenge. They have some excellent players there."

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Conor McLaughlin looked to be a fitness doubt for the Diamonds after taking a heavy knock during last weekend's match, but the midfielder has made a quick recovery and played the entire 90 minutes of Thursday's Development League West game against Morton.

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Saturday's referee is Crawford Allan.