Shining a light on one of the SPFL's most intriguing fixtures

League 2 is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions of the Scottish football season.

While it is currently too early in the season for talk of titles, under normal circumstances this weekend's game at Meadowbank would have been a contest between two teams trying to compete to lift the trophy in May.

East Kilbride achieved their long-awaited promotion to the SPFL last season, triumphing against Bonnyrigg Rose in the pyramid playoff over two legs. The Oystercatchers have been one of the heavyweights of non-league football in Scotland for several years, but were made to wait for their shot at the big time.

(Image: Tommy Lee Photography) Falling at the final hurdle against Cowdenbeath in 2017 and Stranraer in 2024, it was third time lucky for Mick Kennedy's men who have now taken their place in the professional game.

Meanwhile, across the M8, Edinburgh City were one of the biggest surprise packages of last season. Relegated into League 2 after a crisis-hit 2023/24 campaign which saw the club suffer severe financial difficulties and a six-point deduction, the Citizens were tipped by many for successive relegations. Instead, Michael McIndoe guided his team to a third place finish, losing out to eventual promotion winners East Fife in the League 1 Playoff Semi Final.

McIndoe publicly stated his ambition to win the title this season for City, but those ambitions went up in smoke only one game into the league season, when a second point deduction of his tenure was imposed due to the club suffering an insolvency event. City have been deducted 15 points, with a further five to be taken away next season.

A quite incredible run of form has seen City go on a seven game unbeaten run since the sanction was placed, picking up 10 points in the league and winning three KDM Evolution Trophy ties to all but secure passage into the knockout stages of the new-look competition.

Meanwhile, East Kilbride have shown they are a force to be reckoned with. Statement victories against Raith Rovers and Queen of the South in the Premier Sports Cup and KDM Evolution Trophy respectively are clear evidence that the Kilby can mix it with teams at a higher level, let alone in the same division.

Had it not been for the deduction, this would be a third vs first place clash with potential ramifications for the title hopes of both clubs. Despite the goalposts being moved, Saturday's match is still set to be a mouth-watering encounter between two of the most entertaining teams in Scottish football.

Here are three players from each side to keep an eye on this weekend...

Robbie Mahon

A summer signing after his departure from Northern Irish Premiership outfit Loughgall FC, 22-year-old Mahon previously enjoyed a prolific loan spell at City during the aforementioned 2023/24 season, netting seven goals before returning to Motherwell in January. Now back at Meadowbank as a permanent player, Mahon has been a revelation, scoring on nine occasions across all competitions including a first senior hat trick against Elgin City. Blessed with electric pace and technical ability, the Irishman is reaping the benefits of being reunited with McIndoe, having scored all but one of his senior goals under the 45-year-old's guidance.

Bradley Barrett

Another new arrival, Barrett arrived from Bonnyrigg Rose but had to wait to make his mark in a City shirt due to a niggling injury sustained at the end of last season. The 24-year-old made his debut for the Citizens off the bench in the 71st minute with his side trailing 1-0. After Jack Duncan's close range equaliser, Barrett announced himself in sensational style by volleying home the winning goal with his first two touches of the ball. Known for his ability to score long range goals, Barrett will look to provide a touch of the spectacular for City against the league leaders.

Logan Myles

(Image: Tommy Lee Photography) A top young prospect to keep an eye on, Myles is enjoying a breakout campaign in senior football. The 17-year-old centre-back turned full-back has made the jump up from City's CAS U19 squad and has turned in several impressive performances, racking up five consecutive League 2 appearances. Strong and athletic, the former Dunfermline Athletic youth is not afraid to compete physically with his senior counterparts, and is one of many academy graduates to make their professional debut this season.

John Robertson

(Image: Tommy Lee Photography) A man who has featured for both clubs, John Robertson will look to haunt his former employers upon returning to EH7. Robertson spent two seasons at Edinburgh City, being part of the team that achieved promotion to League 1 in 2021/22 and netting 25 goals in total. Now plying his trade in South Lanarkshire, the 24-year-old has racked up 10 goals and two assists, and is currently averaging 1.5 goals and assists per game. Known for his skill, speed and goalscoring ability, Robertson thrives on the big occasions and will be desperate to add to his already-impressive goals haul.

Cami Elliott

Another key component in EK's frightening forward line, 26-year-old Elliott got up and running for the season with a four-goal blitz against Forfar Athletic at K-Park. Tenacity, a willingness to run in behind defenders, and lethal marksmanship with both feet are all massive parts of Elliott's game. Kilby's number nine is one of the most in-form attackers in the division and will be high on confidence heading into Saturday's match.

Joao Balde

Adding quality and flair to the East Kilbride midfield, Joao Balde's first full season with the club was a successful one, following the conversion of his loan spell from Arbroath to a permanent agreement in November 2023. The Portuguese scored 11 goals in all competitions last season, and got off the mark in 2025/26 with an overhead kick against Stranraer. Another player renowned for his ability to score outrageous goals, the City defence will have to be at their best to contain the maverick number eight.