THE television cameras return to KDM Group East End Park tonight as Athletic play host to local rivals Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup.

The third round draw has pitted the near neighbours together in the tie of the the third round, which will be broadcast live on the BBC Scotland channel.

It will be a fourth meeting of the teams in league and cup competitions so far this season and, ahead of the big game, where's what you need to know.

Form guide

Dunfermline head into this one having picked up just one win in their last six games.

That came at Greenock Morton on November 3, which ended a run of three straight defeats, and has been followed by a late home defeat to Championship leaders, Dundee United, and Saturday's home draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Rovers, by contrast, are unbeaten in their last eight outings in all competitions, a run which has seen them win six of those matches.

Ian Murray's Raith have lost just twice on their travels so far this season; at Hibernian, in the Viaplay Cup, and at Airdrieonians in the Championship.

Recent meetings This will be the fourth meeting of the teams so far this season - and it's Rovers who hold the bragging rights.

After a 1-1 draw in the Viaplay Cup group stage back in July - which saw the Pars win a penalty shoot-out bonus point - Raith have won both of the first two Championship meetings so far by a solitary goal.

Sam Stanton bagged an injury time winner at Stark's Park last month, after he had netted the decisive goal at East End in August. That was Rovers' first win at East End in all competitions in eight attempts.

Raith won the last Scottish Cup meeting of the teams - 3-0 at Stark's Park in January 2019 - but Dunfermline triumphed in the last to be played on their patch, 2-0, during the 1985/86 season.

The Pars hold the advantage in the overall head-to-head record, with 50 wins to Raith's 44, whilst there have been 32 draws.

Team news

James McPake is set to be without Kyle Benedictus and Rhys Breen, who have been out since being substituted during the last derby in Kirkcaldy, whilst Ben Summers is rated as having a 50-50 chance of being involved.

What they said

Dave Mackay: "We know we're not far away from what we need to get the victory on Friday, but we also respect Raith Rovers for what they've done this season, and know that it's going to be a really tough encounter."

Chris Hamilton: "It's another big game that all the boys are looking forward to, the fans are looking forward to, so that's the focus.

"It'll be a tough game, of course. I think they've all been tough games this season when we've played them. They're a good side, playing well, so it'll be tough, but we're confident.

"We're confident in the group that we've got and the messages that we'll be given, and the game plan."

Deniz Mehmet: "A cup run is always nice to have.

"It brings confidence, it brings belief, and that hope as well that the cup can bring when you go on a little run. Obviously, financially, it's good for the club, and it's something good for the fans that, if you do get to get far, you always have that hope of getting a good fixture, and drawing one of the big teams to get a good gate. The atmosphere's going to come with that, and it's something that the fans can look forward to."

Tonight's match kicks off at 7.45pm, and fans can buy tickets online and at the ground until kick off.