By Aaron Masterson

In the Scottish Championship on Saturday, an important matchup takes place as Ayr United face Dunfermline Athletic.

This is an important clash for both sides as a win for The Honest Men at Somerset Park would see them take second place in the table, however, a win for ninth-placed Dunfermline would see them go into eighth. This takes them out of the relegation playoff place and a point ahead of Hamilton.

A better anticipated match-up in this game is the meeting of both managers. Ayr’s current manager Scott Brown faces his former Celtic gaffer, who has recently been appointed as the Dunfermline boss, Neil Lennon.

Could this previous relationship add a bigger fire to an already important game?

Neil Lennon celebrating with Scott Brown after their win against Rangers (Michael Steele via Gettyimages)

Going into the game, Ayr have won only two of their last five games. These wins came in the form of a 4-1 home win against Airdrieonians and a 2-3 away win against Queen’s Park. Ayr have also recently suffered defeats at Firhill against Partick Thistle and at Cappielow against Greenock Morton.

Dunfermline have won one of their last five games which came against Greenock Morton, however, they have suffered three defeats against Hamilton, Falkirk and Raith Rovers.

Some of the Ayr players to look out for include striker George Oakley and wide man Jay Henderson. Oakley is top of The Honest Men’s goal scoring charts, netting 13 times this season and Henderson tops the assist chart with nine. Both players are equal at 16 for total goal contributions this season for Ayr.

Ayr United’s Jay Henderson against Hamilton Academical (Paul Byars via SNS-Group)

Dunfermline’s star men are two former St Johnstone teammates in Chris Kane and David Wotherspoon. Kane is top goal scorer this season for The Pars with 10 goals in 18 starts. Wotherspoon has racked up four assists which is the most of any Dunfermline player this campaign.

Young Northern Irish winger Lewis McCann could also be a threat with three goals and three assists which leaves him third top goal scorer for The Pars and second on their assist charts.

This game promises to be fiery with all that’s on the line for both teams. Fans will also have their heads turned towards the touchline to see how the individual battle between both managers pans out.

Brown vs Lennon: Ayr United vs Dunfermline preview