Buddies can be the punters’ best friend

Scottish Challenge Cup Final
BBC Alba, 12.30pm Saturday

St Mirren can engineer a repeat of their famous Scottish Cup win of 30 years ago by beating Dundee United at Motherwell in the Challenge Cup Final.

In 1987, a Saints side featuring the likes of Paul Lambert defeated a United team who had reached the Uefa Cup Final that week.

Times have changed with St Mirren battling to avoid the drop to Scottish football’s third tier and United also-rans in the Ladbrokes Championship.

But there’s no doubt the Paisley side are in excellent form and can land the silverware in Lanarkshire.

Jack Ross’s men have posted some decent performances, while United have stumbled from poor result to poor result.

The Arabs led the table on Christmas Eve, but their form has completely collapsed recently as they have slipped to fourth.

With the prospect of a playoff coming up to gain their place back in the top flight, they will be looking forward to this final like a hole in the head.

Saints have midfielder Stevie Mallan in outstanding form and will be backed by a large support from Renfrewshire.

United have been particularly jittery at the back and St Mirren will look to exploit that.

St Mirren won this fixture just ten days ago and the Buddies look geared to claim more success today at Fir Park.

Recommendation
St Mirren
1pt 11-4 Paddy Power

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Dundee United
United will be missing midfielder Scott Fraser, who has broken a foot.

St Mirren
The Buddies will be without Cammy Smith, who is cup-tied.

Key stat
United have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 games.