IT'S the final round of Betfred Cup matches and only three teams are sure of their last-16 spot.
Motherwell, Livingston and Falkirk have won their groups so that leaves five table-toppers and four second-placed sides to join Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen and St Johnstone in the next stage.
Group B has turned into a thrilling three-horse race after Hearts' shock midweek defeat at League Two Peterhead.
The result has piled pressure on Ian Cathro and he won't relish the visit of a Dunfermline side who need a point to progress.
Cathro says his summer signings need time to gel and they're uneasy favourites at 9-20 with Marathonbet. Pars will have backers at 13-2 with McBookie but best is both teams to score at evens with bwin.
Peterhead still have a chance of qualifying but must win at Elgin and are 4-6 at McBookie to make it five victories in six at Borough Briggs.
Group D is also going down to the wire and while Ross County can clinch first place with a win at Arbroath their nearest rivals Hibs should take a best runners-up spot by beating Alloa away.
Both can win by at least two and that pays 23-10 at Paddy Power.
Another side aiming to go through in second are Partick Thistle who should have no problems against a Stranraer side that's conceded 11 in three games.
The Jags crashed in five in their previous Firhill outing against St Mirren and can hit at least four. That pays 2-1 at Betfred.
Inverness are another outfit in line to qualify in second if they beat Forfar in Group A. They are 5-12 at unibet.
Group G is the tightest with just one point separating Albion Rovers, Hamilton and Queen of the South. Rovers have been the surprise guys and could shock Queens at Palmerston.
They were superb in midweek, beating Accies on penalties after a 4-4 draw, while Queens were held by non-league East Kilbride in their last home outing. Rovers are a best 13-2 with McBookie and worth a look at 5-1 draw no bet.
Hamilton hope to bounce back from that shock and a win over Stenhousemuir may see them top the table. They are no bigger than 1-5 at Marathonbet.
Each round I've put up a moneyback fivefold and for a £20 level stake the bet's £90 in profit. Today try Hibs, Ross County, Inverness, Partick and Motherwell at 5-2 with Marathonbet.
If you prefer back the favourites to win by at least two at 14-1 with Betfred.
*2.5pts Moneyback Fivefold
Hibs, Ross Co
ICT, Partick
Motherwell
(5-2, Marathonbet)
Top Treble
Falkirk
Ayr Utd
Peterhead
(7-2, McBookie)
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.
