Raith Rovers vs Hamilton Academical
Scottish Challenge Cup, KO: 16:15 Mar 26, 2023, The Falkirk Stadium
The SPFL Trust Trophy is up for grabs at the Falkirk Stadium on Sunday afternoon, as Raith Rovers and Hamilton Academical face off in this year's final.
Neither side is exactly pulling up trees in the second tier this term, with Rovers occupying sixth spot, whilst Accies are propping up the table.
Having said that, Ian Murray’s men will roll into the Falkirk Stadium in high spirits after crushing Cove Rangers 6-1 last weekend.
Now Rovers are 90 minutes away from another chance of lifting the trophy in a tournament they have dominated in recent times.
As for Hamilton, their relegation fears heightened last weekend following a 2-0 defeat at home to Ayr United.
Given their league position this match is likely to be a welcome distraction for John Rankin's team, who will be hoping that scooping a piece of silverware can act as a springboard in their fight for survival.
Outright Betting
Raith Rovers, who have won each of the previous three meetings between the pair this season, head into this game as 21/20 (Bet 365) favourites.
Hamilton Academical are without a win in each of their last three matches and that is reflected in the bookmakers' odds, with Lanarkshire outfit 9/4 (BetVictor) outsiders while the 90 minute draw is a unfancied 12/5 (BetVictor).
Betting Angles
Cup finals can often prove to be tight and cagey affairs so I'll steer clear of the outright betting and instead merge Under Four Match Goals and Raith Rovers Double Chance at 4/5 (Bet 365).
As already alluded to Raith Rovers boast a perfect record against Hamilton this season and that could give the Kirkcaldy club a huge psychological edge here, not to mention they have performed much better than their relegation-threatened opponents over the course of this season so far.
While Hamilton have demonstrated marked improvement since the turn of they year, I suspect Rovers' superior attacking quality will see them at least avoid defeat inside 90 minutes.
I'm therefore prepared to go with Raith Rovers in the Double Chance market, but to round off the Bet Builder, I'll also go with Under Four match Goals.
Although Hamilton are rock-bottom of the Championship at present, matches involving John Rankins' charges in recent weeks have tended to be tight affairs, with 10 of their last 11 contests across all competitions featuring three goals or fewer.
With that in mind, as well as the fact that this bet would have paid out in two of the three meetings between the sides this season, I'm more than happy to support the same formula in Falkirk on Sunday at 4/5 (Bet 365).
I'll also head to the player card market and have a small play on Hamilton right-back Reghan Tumilty to pick up a booking at 9/4 (McBookie).
The former Raith man has been cautioned in two of his seven outings since signing for Accies in January and he should have his hands full here given that his direct opponent is likely to be Rovers maverick Dylan Easton.
This Scottish Challenge Cup match between Raith Rovers and Hamilton Academical will be played on Mar 26, 2023 and kick off at 16:15. Check below for our tipsters best Raith Rovers vs Hamilton Academical prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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