Ladbrokes Championship: Falkirk won’t roll over against Rangers

Rangers’ lead at the head of the Ladbrokes Premiership already looks like one that is going to be hard to peg back, but all that does is ignite the competition for the three play-off places behind them.

Falkirk were held to a goalless draw against Queen of the South last week, and know that taking something from Rangers and ending their winning run in the league will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.

Find out if we think they can do it, and get the lowdown on the weekend’s four other fixtures here…

Dumbarton v Livingston

Dumbarton are having a terrible time of it of late, scoring just two goals in their last seven games. It is perhaps unsurprising then that they have lost five of their last six in the Ladbrokes Championship.

Livingston haven’t been much better themselves, though probably do have more reasons to be optimistic. They beat fellow strugglers Alloa 3-0 last time, adding to their point picked up at St Mirren, meaning all four of their points have come on the road, and look value to get something here.

Best bet: Livingston Draw No Bet @ 11/10

Queen of the South v Hibernian

Hibernian’s steadfast defence has been the foundation to their solid start to the season thus far. They have conceded just one goal in their last six matches in all competitions.

You would expect them to continue that solid run against Queen of the South who have netted just three goals in their last five, and are far from prolific.

Queens however will not be rollovers, and frustrated Falkirk last week. An away win isn’t a formality but backing them to contain their hosts looks the way to go.

Best bet: Hibs to keep a clean sheet @ 6/4

Raith Rovers v Greenock Morton

It has been a case of Fortress Stark’s Park this term with Raith picking up maximum points on their own turf, without so much as conceding a goal.

Visitors Morton have been enjoying a run of sorts themselves, avoiding defeat in each of their last four on the road in all competitions.

However with the home win offered at odds-against we simply have to go with the form and back Rovers to continue their run. They weren’t disgraced by Celtic in the cup 10 days ago and will be angling for a return to the big time this season.

Best bet: Raith Rovers @ 6/5

Rangers v Falkirk

Rangers certainly are angling for a step up to the Ladbrokes Premiership, winning all eight league games so far this term.

They haven’t been frightened to go for the jugular in their games either, scoring on average 3.5 goals a game.

The odds on over 2.5 strikes in this match look very stingy at 4/9, especially with Peter Houston’s words still ringing in the Falkirk players’ ears after their 7-0 capitulation in the cup a couple of weeks ago.

The Bairns got a 2-2 draw at Ibrox last term, having gone 2-0 up, and although there is bound to be goals in this game, there is always a chance the visitors will get their share as well.

Best bet: Both teams to score @ 10/11

St Mirren v Alloa Athletic

Things are starting to click for St Mirren after a very lethargic start. A victory against Queen of the South started things off before narrow defeats to Falkirk and the in-form Raith Rovers preceded a share of the spoils against Hibs.

If they are to pull away from the drop-zone and push for the play-off places they need to be beating Alloa, and in some style.

The visitors are labouring badly at the foot of the table, and have conceded three or more goals in five of their eight games this season, including three of their four away fixtures. Another defeat looks on the cards.

Best bet: St Mirren -1 @ 6/4

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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