FALKIRK and Dundee United have both been tearing up their leagues and meet on Friday night in the Challenge Cup quarter final.
The Bairns look like they are finally in pole position to end what will be a miserable five-year stint in Scottish football's third tier, which is a scandal for a club of their size.
Finally, they seem to have got it right although Hamilton Accies are doing their best to hang on to their coattails.
It's the same with United after their woeful campaign last season.
This time, they are pretty much flawless in the Championship after a rocky start in the League Cup. However, they too have stubborn title challengers who refuse to go away with Raith Rovers covering them all the way.
So with both sides having higher priorities, it's a case of who will treat this game the more seriously. Both teams have given this often-overlooked tournament plenty of respect so far and should play strong teams.
Both teams have Scottish Cup ties as their next game with Falkirk having a home tie against Highland League side Formartine United and United off to Dumfries to play struggling League One outfit Queen of the South.
How the bookies view it
Dundee United's league status means they are strong favourites at 11/10 with 888sport. Falkirk can be backed at 11/5 with bet365 and the draw is 11/4 with the same firm.
Recent head to heads
The sides met earlier this season in the League Cup and United edged out Falkirk 1-0 but didn't qualify.
United are unbeaten in six games after an infamous 6-1 thrashing at the Falkirk Stadium in 2018.
Players to watch
Callumn Morrison has been Falkirk's star man this season with seven goals in 11 starts.
With Kai Fotheringham away on Scotland Under 21s duty, keep an eye on Glenn Middleton, who has been in fine form for the Terriors this season.
Prices for goalscorers are likely to be available on the day of the game.
Anything else catch the eye?
Falkirk have scored 31 league goals this season and United 33 so there really should be plenty of goals here in what should be an entertaining clash.
United should be too strong although Falkirk should have a go. Go for a United win and both teams to score at 11/4 with bet365, which looks a generous price.
There's no real pressure here and it would hardly be a disaster if either team are eliminated. So go for over 3.5 goals at 15/8 with Paddy Power.
This Scottish Challenge Cup match between Falkirk and Dundee United will be played on Nov 17, 2023 and kick off at 19:40. Check below for our tipsters best Falkirk vs Dundee United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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