THE World Cup has treated us to plenty of shocks so far and Scottish minnows will be hoping that’s an omen ahead of some David v Goliath clashes in the Cup.
The main attraction for the romantics comes at Balmoral Stadium as Cove host minnows Dunipace.
The East of Scotland side are facing a huge step up in class having beaten three non-league opponents to book their third-round slot.
Cove’s form in the Championship has been decent, with last week’s loss to Morton their first defeat in five games.
Jim McIntyre's men should be too strong for Dunipace so I’m on them at -2 in the handicap which pays 13/8 at McBookie.
There’s more chance of a Cup shock in the Highlands as an Inverness side ravaged by injury take on League Two high fliers Stirling Albion.
The Binos have lost just one of their last 10 games while Caley Thistle have gone six matches without a win in the Championship.
Billy Dodds’ men did show spirit as they battled to a 2-2 draw with leaders Ayr last time out but still look a little fragile.
Stirling Albion are 4/1 with Bet365 to knock them out today but backing them at 13/8 in the double chance market looks a better option with the same firm.
Auchinleck Talbot have claimed plenty of scalps in the Scottish Cup so Raith Rovers will need to be careful when they welcome the West of Scotland side to Stark’s Park.
Ian Murray’s men have lost two in a row and conceded five last time out against Queen’s Park.
That suggests Talbot could get some joy and McBookie price Auchinleck +2 in the handicap at a decent 10/11.
Dundee also have a tricky game at home to League One Airdrie with the Diamonds possessing plenty of attacking weapons.
But the Dark Blues are starting to hit their stride under Gary Bowyer and head into this tie on the back of three successive league wins.
I’d expect Bowyer to field a strong team as he looks to build momentum so I’m combining a Dundee win with BTTS, a bet that pays 17/10 at McBookie.
Queen’s Park have been scoring for fun in the Championship so it doesn’t bode well for Peterhead as they host the Spiders.
The rock-bottom League One side have gone 10 games without a win so I fancy Queen’s Park to be winning at half-time and full-time. That bet pays evens with McBookie.
Elsewhere, I’m going for a treble of Elgin, Falkirk and Edinburgh against non-league opponents. That bet pays a best 137/100 with Betfair.
Scottish Cup Tips
- Super singles: Cove -2 handicap (13/8, McBookie). Stirling double chance (13/8, Bet365), Q Park HT-FT (evens, McBookie).
- Tasty treble: Elgin, Falkirk and Edinburgh (137/100 Betfair).
- McBookie bet builder: Combining a Dundee win with both teams to score pays 17/10.
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
