RAITH ROVERS require a footballing miracle to somehow make the Scottish Championship play-offs when they entertain Kilmarnock at home on Friday night on the final day of the season.
Killie wrapped up the title last week with euphoric scenes in Ayrshire after they came from a goal down to Arbroath to score twice in the final 12 minutes to seal a return to the top flight after just a season.
This match is a pressure-free, nothing match for Derek McInnes' side who can take a relaxing trip to Fife looking forward to next season.
Raith theoretically can still reach the play-offs, but it's extremely unlikely after Partick Thistle's win over Dunfermline last week.
The Kirkcaldy side are in fifth place, but are three points worse off than the fourth placed Jags and, crucially, are eight goals worse off in goal difference.
They would need to hammer Killie and hope Ayr United – who need to win to ensure they don't get sucked into the relegation play-offs themselves – batter Thistle.
Stranger things have happened in football of course, but it's a very big ask for Rovers, who have been left ruing a dismal run over December and January of one win in ten.
How the bookies view it
Layers have clearly ignored the fact it's a meaningless game for Killie and make them evens with Betfred to end the season in style. Raith Rovers are 3/1 outsiders at UniBet and the draw is 23/10 with McBookie.com.
Recent head to heads
Raith Rovers have actually won two of their three league meetings so far this season, although Killie won the last game 3-0 at Rugby Park in February which can be seen below.
Players to watch
The prices will be up nearer kick off, but Rovers' Slovenian striker Matej Poplatnik is on a fine run of form with six goals in his last eight games.
For Killie, they could easily rotate things with nothing to play for – Oli Shaw should have scored against Arbroath and has enjoyed a fine season with 15 goals so far.
Anything else catch the eye?
Raith Rovers look far too big for a game they have to win no matter how long the odds are for them to upset the Gods of football.
Killie are about to go on their holidays and it should be a case of getting the game done and going up the road to continue celebrations that have doubtless lasted for the week in Ayrshire.
Regardless, Killie have only won one of their last six away games at Rugby Park and Rovers have won their last two games without conceding.
With Rovers having to go for it and Killie playing in a carefree manner, there surely should be goals in Fife. Try the over 3.5 goals at 13/5 with McBookie.com too.
This Scottish Championship match between Raith Rovers and Kilmarnock will be played on Apr 29, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Raith Rovers vs Kilmarnock prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
