Pars should put all their fears to bed

Saturday 3pm

Dunfermline can push on from a fine display last week at Hibs to defeat Dumbarton and end any relegation worries in the Ladbrokes Championship.

The Fifers were superb at Easter Road last week against the leaders and should have won – instead they had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

It’s been the story of Dunfermline’s season. They occasionally offer glimpses of promise, but have been too inconsistent to push for a playoff place.

Instead, they are still not clear of the relegation zone, but a win over Dumbarton, who are level on points with the Pars, should really end that problem.

Dunfermline have Paul McMullan and Kallum Higginbotham in fine form and both netted last week.

Stevie Aitken’s Dumbarton are nobody’s fools and continue to punch above their weight, but they are now looking over their shoulders as bottom-placed St Mirren have improved and Dunfermline can get the points at their East End Park home.

Livingston have had an unexpected mid-winter break after a batch of postponed games and they will be desperate to get back to action this afternoon at Hampden against Queen’s Park.

The Ladbrokes League One leaders haven’t played since the middle of last month when they cruised to a 4-0 win at Airdrie.

David Hopkin’s men are top of the league for a reason – his side is crammed full of attacking options and goals are rarely a problem for the West Lothian side.

In contrast, the Glasgow amateurs are going through a sticky patch. They have lost their last two games, including a midweek defeat at Brechin and have problems defensively.

Livvy have yet to beat Queen’s this season and will be desperate to change that.

The wide-open spaces of the National Stadium should suit a fresh Livingston side and they are likely to have too much for their hosts today.

Albion are worth taking a chance on today in Methil when they face an injury-hit East Fife side.

Fife had been on a terrific league run where they were unbeaten in the league since November, but a growing injury list has caught up with them.

They struggled to find 11 fit players in their midweek thumping at Alloa and that 3-0 defeat was coming.

Tony Wallace, Kyle Wilkie and Nicki Paterson are all out for the season and the steady, if unspectacular Coatbridge side will fancy an upset at an inflated price.

Recommendations
Dunfermline
3pts 3-4 bet365
Livingston
2pts 4-5 general
Albion
1pt 4-1 Hills

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