Callum Fordyce says Airdrie and Falkirk’s title credentials will be put to the test on Saturday when they clash at New Broomfield.
But the Diamonds assistant boss also reckons this will be the tightest League One title and promotion race in years.
Airdrie host John McGlynn’s new-look Bairns in their first home game of the season.
Although they beat Peterhead 2-0 to kick-off the new campaign on Saturday, Fordyce says it’s important to get off to a good start in front of their own fans, having lost the corresponding fixture 3-0 to Montrose last season.
And while Fordyce rates McGlynn highly, from their spell at Livingston together, he will do everything he can to upset his old gaffer.
He said: “I think this will be a good test of where both of us are.
“We were saying coming back down on the bus on Saturday that there are no easy games in this league, more so this season as well, because you’ve got six or seven teams that are going to be up there for the league.
“That’s no disrespect to some of the so-called lesser teams that will still provide tough opposition, but squad sizes and stuff like that will still play a part for the teams that have been round about there for the past few years.
“There will be at least seven or eight teams who will be pushing for that title and the play-offs, so it’s going to be good.
“Falkirk are a good side, I worked under John when I was at Livingston, he’s a very good manager and plays some good football as well.”
Airdrie have had the upper hand over Falkirk for several seasons, now, and beat them in three out of the four games last term, so Fordyce hopes they can keep that run going.
He said: “Every game is tough against Falkirk.
“We’ve been fortunate enough to have had some very good results since I’ve been at Airdrie, and it’s one we’re looking forward to.
“It’s important to get off to a good start in our first home game, in front of our own fans.
“The fans came in their numbers on Saturday, and showed great support for the players, which they always do in away games, and it’s great to see.
“But in your first home game you always want to try and get off to a flier.
“If we win it puts down a marker, but it’s also back-to-back wins, which is important. We want to try and win every game.”
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