THE draw for the third round of the Scottish Cup threw up some intriguing ties but the pick of the bunch was definitely this Fife derby between Dunfermline and Raith Rovers.
There's little love lost between these Championship sides and they will be sick of the sight of each other come the end of the season after also being paired together in the League Cup group stage.
The Pars edged that tie on penalties after a 1-1 draw but Rovers have got their revenge since then with a couple of 1-0 victories in the Championship keeping them hard on the heels of leaders Dundee United. Our man Mark tipped them to win the last derby at Stark's Park and Ian Murray's side didn't let him down as they stayed in the hunt for the title.
A few people fancied Dunfermline as dark horses after watching James McPake's side storm to the League One title last term but they've been struggling of late, with just one victory in their last six games.
The East End Park side are still just two points off a promotion play-off slot but they're also just two points clear of the relegation play-off place, summing up how crazily competitive the Championship is.
McPake will be wondering how his side failed to beat Inverness last time out as they hit the woodwork an amazing seven times in that 1-1 draw. He will be hoping their luck turns for this derby and toppling Raith will be a tall order with Murray's side in such superb form.
Rovers have lost just once in the league all season and could hardly be in better shape heading into this cup tie, with six wins and two draws in their last eight games.
How the bookies view it
This is a tricky one to call as Dunfermline have home advantage and it's reflected in the odds. The Pars are a best 13/8 with VBet while Raith Rovers are 12/7 with the same firm. The draw will be a popular option and that pays 11/4 with Bet365.
Recent head to head
Raith Rovers have held the upper hand so far this season, with those two 1-0 victories in the league. But Dunfermline had been on a five-game unbeaten run in the derby before that, albeit four of those matches were draws.
Players to watch
Lewis McCann scored a cracking derby goal in that League Cup tie at the start of the season and heads into this game on a high after netting the leveller against Inverness last week. He's 11/4 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer and that looks a little overpriced.
Jack Hamilton scored a double for Raith Rovers last week in their Challenge Cup victory over Hamilton and that made it three goals in his last two outings. The striker is 100/30 at SkyBet for another strike in the derby and that also looks quite generous.
Anything else catch the eye?
All three derbies this season have been close games and this should be no exception. Backing the half-time draw is always a good option in a match like this and it pays 11/10 at Bet365. We've seen just one goal in each of the last two meetings so it's no great surprise to see under 2.5 goals just 4/5 with the same firm.
This could be a fiesty one with a packed East End Park whipping up a great atmosphere for the BBC Scotland cameras but I've yet to see any markets for cards. I also fancy a few corners but again the bookies have nothing to offer us in that market, summing up their dismissive attitude to Scotland's major cup competitions.
The only intriguing price I can see away from the goals market is the 9/5 on offer at Paddy Power for a penalty to be awarded. That could be a good shout with the ref maybe getting caught up in the derby atmosphere.
This Scottish Cup match between Dunfermline Athletic and Raith Rovers will be played on Nov 24, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Dunfermline Athletic vs Raith Rovers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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