ARBROATH have finally found some form as the SPFL Championship enters the final furlong and will be looking to move further clear of the drop zone when they host title-chasing Ayr United.
After coming within a whisker of automatic promotion last term, it has been a disappointing campaign for the Red Lichties with Dick Campbell's side sitting in the bottom two for most of the season.
But they have now gone five games unbeaten and a shock victory at leaders Queen's Park last Friday lifted Arbroath above freefalling Cove Rangers into eighth place.
That win over the Spiders ruined a bet for our man Mark but it fired the title race wide open, giving hope to Dundee and Ayr. On the same night that Queen's crashed to Arbroath, the Honest Men were battering Cove 3-0 to move just five points off the summit.
It was the perfect response to a 3-1 loss at title rivals Dundee and Lee Bullen's side remain bang in the title hunt, especially as the host Queen's Park next month in what could be a pivotal fixture.
Inconsistency has been their biggest problem of late, with three wins and three defeats in their last six outings, but if they can go on a run in their final six fixtures then the campaign could end in glory.
How the bookies view it
Ayr United are the favourites at a best 13/10 with Paddy Power while Arbroath look a little overpriced at 31/14 with VBet. I would be too surprised if this one ended level and that pays 23/10 at BoyleSports.
Recent head to head
There hasn't been much between these sides this season, with two draws at Somerset Park and a 2-0 win for Ayr on their last visit to Gayfield in October. That ended a four-game run without a win at Arbroath's home for the Honest Men.
Players to watch
Sean Jordan Adarkwa has made an impact for Arbroath since his arrival from Maidstone. He scored against Ayr in the 2-2 draw at Somerset Park and is 9/4 at SkyBet to grab another goal here.
It's always a battle at Gayfield and Ayr have the ideal man to lead their line in Dipo Akinyemi. The hitman is having the season of his life and is 6/4 at Bet365 to add to his 23-goal tally.
Anything else catch the eye?
Backing over 2.5 Ayr goals paid off for me against Cove but they should find Arbroath a tougher nut to crack. Campbell's side have only conceded two goals in their last five games so that's why under 2.5 match goals is just 4/5 at Bet365. Betting against BTTS is better at evens with Betfred.
The half-time draw is always a good option in a league as competitive as the Championship and it pays 11/10 with McBookie for this one.
We saw 16 corners when these sides faced off so that market appeals here, with Bet365 pricing over 11 corners at 6/5. Backing over five first-half corners pays the same price with the same firm. With so much at stake for both sides we should see a few cards as well but I've yet to see any prices.
This Scottish Championship match between Arbroath and Ayr United will be played on Mar 31, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Arbroath vs Ayr United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
