Airdrie United ready to kick off 2026-27 against Ross County
Airdrie United will begin their Scottish Championship campaign on Saturday against Ross County at the Excelsior Stadium. The League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way) shows Airdrie finished ninth with 36 points from 36 games last season, eight wins and twelve draws leaving them twelve points clear of the bottom three.
The Dens Park side have lost their last two games, including a 1-2 home loss to Alloa Athletic on May 9, 2026, and their recent form (last five: LLDDW) leaves manager Jim Duffy with work to do before the new season starts.
How do the sides stack up ahead of the clash?
Ross County finished sixth last term, forty-one points behind champions St Johnstone, and will arrive in Airdrie as clear favourites. The Highlanders conceded forty-nine goals last season while Airdrie scored thirty-five, a goal difference of minus fourteen that points to a tighter defensive set-up than attacking punch.
County’s pre-season has seen them beat Premiership sides in friendlies, while Airdrie have played only closed-doors games. The gap in pre-season form suggests County will start as heavy favourites, but early-season momentum can flip quickly in the Championship.
Which Airdrie players could decide the game?
Duffy has kept most of last season’s squad intact despite the poor run-in. Captain Scott Allardice remains the defensive anchor, while midfielders Liam Brown, Callum Fordyce and Johnny Walker bring energy and creativity.
Up front, striker Kerr Handscombe hit eight goals in all competitions and must raise that tally if Airdrie are to climb the table. The club has made no new signings so far, so the familiar XI must deliver from the first whistle.
Why Saturday’s result matters for both sides
Airdrie kick off with nothing to lose and everything to gain. A win would give them the perfect start and send a message to the rest of the division, while defeat would pile early pressure on Duffy’s men.
Ross County arrive with pre-season wins and pedigree, but Airdrie’s home record at the Excelsior Stadium remains strong. The opening weekend rarely dictates a season, yet Saturday’s outcome could set the tone for the campaign ahead.
