PARS star Aaron Comrie believes anyone who tries to guess how this season's Championship will pan out is "brave" as he and his team-mates seek a winning start.
After consolidating their place in the second tier last term, following their League One title success in 2022/23, Athletic go to Livingston on Saturday in their opener for the upcoming campaign.
Two promoted sides - arch-rivals Falkirk and Hamilton Academical - have replaced relegated Arbroath and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, whilst Livi dropped down from the top flight as Dundee United clinched the title to take their seat at the Premiership table.
Dunfermline, however, go into the season on the back of a disappointing Premier Sports Cup campaign, which saw them eliminated after defeats to Forfar Athletic, this weekend's opponents, and Cove Rangers.
So far, the club have only added Chris Kane, David Wotherspoon and Kieran Ngwenya to a squad which has already featured a number of academy prospects in those games.
Comrie said: "I think you've seen a few teams who have brought in good signings and are looking to maybe give it a good go because there is no sort of top team that's come down.
"We had Dundee United last year, and this year, it looks wide open. Anyone who tries to predict a Championship season is brave, so I'm sure it's going to pan out the same.
"A good start is massive and you're always looking to win that first game and get that first win under your belt.
"Hopefully we can do that, start well, and kick on from there."
Team-mate, Michael O'Halloran, added: "Obviously, last year was a bit up and down, wasn't it. Injuries played a part in that.
"It's a young squad as well and I think that year will give them a lot of experience, and they'll be better for it.
"Hopefully we can push on."
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