The Daily Record’s Paul Jain previews this weekend’s ALBA Challenge Cup semi-finals and the Third division games.
Queen of the South travel to Peterhead today and should be celebrating a final slot on their long journey home. Kenny Brannigan’s side are one of the best in the First Division while Peterhead languish at the The Highlanders are without key defender Bobby Mann and midfielder Nicky Clark is also out.
Striker Connor Gethins has lost his fitness battle against a thigh injury.
Queens are boosted by the availability of midfielder Paul Burns who can play despite being red-carded last weekend.
But fellow midfielder Steven McKenna is banned after picking up two cautions in the knock-out competition so far.
The midfield duo of Rocco Quinn and Allan Johnston have been passed fit with only striker Sean O’Connor on the sidelines with injury.
Queens overall look much stronger than their rivals so take them at 4-5 with Ladbrokes while Peterhead are 10-3 with William Hill.
Ross County lost at home to Partick Thistle last week but have an immediate chance of revenge when the sides clash at Victoria Park again tomorrow. Maybe County took their struggling opponents too lightly last week but when it comes to knockout events they are tough to beat.
Last season’s Scottish Cup runners-up look decent value at 10-11 with Ladbrokes to get the better of the Jags this time.
Thistle are a biggest 3-1 at William Hill. County could welcome back striker Steven Craig who has been out of action since the end of August with a hamstring injury but fellow hitman Andy Barrowman remains sidelined. Thistle expect to be without experienced ex-Celtic striker Simon Donnelly.
In the Third Division, Montrose and Stranraer also met last week with the Links Park men scoring a shock win at Stair Park. Stranraer are on their travels today and like Ross County I can see them wreaking revenge and sticking to the form book. Take the Blues at 2-1 at bet365.
The other Division Three game sees East Stirling visit Elgin and this could also be an away at 11-8 with bet365.
Compare Scottish Football odds and bet at the best prices
