A COUPLE of weeks ago I suggested Dundee United were in danger of missing the play-offs – and today they could slide to sixth in the Championship.
Csaba Laszlo's side looked to have turned the corner with victory at Queen of the South but since have drawn at home to Inverness then lost to Queens at Tannadice in midweek.
The Tangerines remain in third but defeat at home to Dunfermline today will see them slip to sixth if Morton and Queens win.
United have three games in hand but would prefer points in the bag as confidence is low after one win in six.
Laszlo has acted by bringing in former Rangers defender Bilel Mohsni and experienced ex-boss Paul Sturrock and it could be interpreted as hitting the panic button.
The Pars have lost one in six but three of them were 0-0 draws and have lost six in a row at Tannadice.
That's the stat that puts me off backing Allan Johnston's side at a best 5-2 with McBookie while United are 23-20 favourites.
Dunfermline draw no bet is a possibility at 13-8 with Paddy Power and with United's last five seeing both score that could be the call at 13-14 with Unibet.
Ex-Rangers striker Nicky Clark hit a hat-trick in the midweek win at Brechin and to score again is 11-5 at McBookie.
Fourth-place Morton have a “gimme” at home to a Brechin side who have lost all 13 away games. Morton are just 4-11 at William Hill but consider them -1 at evens with Coral against a side that's lost by two or more in four of their last seven and by 4-1 at Cappielow in December.
Queens have a tougher test at home to second-placed Livingston. It's honours even this season with one win, one draw and one defeat each and it could be another stalemate at 12-5 with Marathonbet.
The Championship games will be into the second half when the supposed showpiece Irn-Bru Cup Final between Inverness and Dumbarton kicks off.
Why this match starts at 4.15pm is anyone's guess – surely 5pm or 5.30pm would have been better and allow it full attention.
Inverness are favourites at evens with Marathonbet to win in 90 minutes and 4-9 at McBookie to lift the trophy –and it should be tight in Perth.
Both sides have a win apiece from two meetings this seasonand while Dumbarton go into the Final boosted by back-to-back wins against Brechin their general form has been poor. The Sons are 16-5 at Marathonbet to win and 13-8 with McBookie on the outrights.
ICT look more experienced and ready to handle the occasion and I'm taking them to win with both teams scoring at 3-1 with bet365.
In League One Ayr have stretched their lead over Raith to six points and should have no problem at home to basement boys Queen's Park.
They are just 2-5 at Marathonbet so raise the odds by taking Ayr and over 2.5 match goals at 19-20 with Betway.
Airdrie's last four have seen both score and we could get a fifth when Raith visit. This pays 4-5 at bet365.
Stats also suggest goals at Albion Rovers v Alloa. Rovers' last four and Alloa's previous five have brought up this market and today it pays 4-6 at bet365.
Game of the day in League Two sees form team Clyde tackle leaders Montrose. Danny Lennon's side have lost just two in 10 and are making a late push for the play-offs.
They'll fancy their chances here but best bet could be Clyde to score 2+ at 6-4 with Unibet. Also consider on-fire David Goodwillie to net at 23-20 with McBookie.
Peterhead have won three and drawn one against Annan this season and should add another victory at 9-20 with McBookie as they stay on the heels of Montrose.
Recommended Bets
- Dundee Utd v Dunfermline btts
- Morton -1
- Ayr & over 2.5 goals
- Airdrie v Raith btts
- Clyde to score 2+
- Goodwillie to score
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
What about Stenhousemuir – Elgin City – over 2.5 or home over 1.5 tgs – any thoughts?
Well done with the Scottish games Mr F ??
Cheers, a bit frustrated with the top tips though – one away on every line.