Ross County set to put pressure on Championship title rivals

All competitions, 3pm Saturday

Ross County can take advantage of being the only title challenger playing on Saturday in the Ladbrokes Championship by beating Dunfermline in Dingwall.

The Staggies have claimed just one win in their last three league games and they should be doing much better with the squad at Stuart Kettlewell's disposal.

But they should be able to get back on track against the inconsistent Pars.

Dunfermline tend to do their best work on the road, but losing at home to struggling Falkirk proves they are nowhere near ready to mount a playoff challenge.

County have suffered due to injuries, but remain hopeful key trio Iain Vigurs, Billy Mckay and Ross Draper will make it and Keith Watson is set to return.

If the Victoria Park side are serious about keeping tabs with Dundee United and Ayr, this is a must-win game and they should be too strong for Allan Johnston's side.

Airdrie have been reborn under new manager Ian Murray and they can beat injury-ravaged Dumbarton in the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Dumbarton have had a nightmare season and been rocked with a series of injuries. They could also be denied the services of a few on-loan players this weekend as their parent clubs will not want them to be cup-tied.

The Sons also have problems when they travel having lost their last four games away from The Rock.

In contrast, Airdrie have chalked up two excellent wins against Stranraer and East Fife and seem to be a team on the up.

Both sides have endured difficult and disappointing campaigns, but the Diamonds can at least hope for a William Hill Scottish Cup run with a win at the Excelsior.

Among the many intriguing cup ties involving non-league sides, Auchinleck Talbot look overpriced for their trip to Highland League Fraserburgh in the Cup.

The Broch are enjoying a good season and are second in their league. They also accounted themselves well against Rangers last season in the Cup.

But they are facing the Scottish Junior Cup winners who knocked out Highland League winners and leaders Cove Rangers last month - a Cove side who have won all 15 of their league games this season.

The Ayrshire outfit will fancy a decent Cup run and the Bot will look to stun the locals at Bellslea Park.

Recommendations
Ross County
1pt Evs BoyleSports, Coral, Ladbrokes
Airdrie
1pt 10-9 188Bet
Auchinleck Talbot
1pt 11-5 Betway

Bet on these matches at Soccerbase.com

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