Queen of the South v Morton: Visitors fancied for victory

The international break may have put paid to the majority of league football across the UK, but the people of Dumfries are in for a treat as Palmerston Park hosts the Ladbrokes Championship’s sole fixture.

It is a case of needing to win if they are to avoid getting detached from the promotion play-off places for both Queen of the South and Greenock Morton.

Queens haven’t tasted victory in eight games, while it is five in the league without a win for The Ton.

It’s more than just the results that will be a worry for the hosts though. James Fowler’s side have bagged just three goals in their last seven matches.

But the man in charge isn’t overly worried.

“We’re trying to find that winning formula. So it’s therefore good to play and potentially we can get that result and the three points we need to build the confidence for going to Ibrox the following week,” he told the Daily Record.

Attempting to install a winning mentality into his players is one thing, but delivering for those backing the home side for victory at Evens is a whole different ball game.

It’s been the lack of chances created that has seen Queens struggle of late. In just two of their last seven games have they had more than two shots on target.

One of those matches was the 2-2 draw with Morton three weeks ago, so they can do it, but they offer very little value in the form that they are in.

Instead it could pay to side with the visitors at 13/5 or even the double chance at 4/5.

Jim Duffy’s side would have won two and drawn one of their last four games were it not for conceding late goals, something that the man in charge will surely be looking to improve on.

Nevertheless, if the home team can improve their chance creation, the 4/1 on Queens striker Derek Lyle netting last and that pattern repeating could be a temptation.

Both sides look set to be a defender or two light. Morton will be without Luca Gasparotto who is on international duty with Canada, while Queens are sweating over the fitness of both Chris Higgins and Andy Dowie.

Omissions at the back could mean that both teams have more luck in front of goal, but with silly mistakes aplenty on the side of the hosts in particular, a nervy affair could be on the cards, with the visitors just tipped to deliver.

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

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