Ladbrokes League 1: Stenny capable of an Ayr upset

The chasing pack will know what they need to do (it will probably be win) if they are to keep pace with Ladbrokes League 1 leaders Dunfermline on Saturday.

By the time the rest of the teams take to the field the Pars will have already played out their fixture with Airdrieonians which takes place on Friday.

The remaining quartet of fixtures could have a major bearing in the shake-up come the end of the season.

We’ve looked over all four to give you the best bets in League 1.

Ayr United v Stenhousemuir

After starting the season like they were going to give Dunfermline a run for their money, Ayr have dropped off recently, winning just two of their last seven league fixtures.

The Honest Men face the real danger of falling out of the top two in the coming weeks if they fail to turn results around.

Visitors Stenhousemuir look like road specialists of late winning four of their last six away from home. They’ve netted two or more in five of their last six visits to Somerset Park and look a massive price to continue their away day joys.

Best bet: Stenhousemuir @ 7/2

Cowdenbeath v Forfar Athletic

The wait for a league win on a Saturday stretches to 20 weeks for Forfar Athletic, and after defeat to junior side Linlithgow Rose in midweek they won’t be travelling to Central Park in the best of spirits.

Cowden looked like they were about to start climbing the table when winning four on the spin last month, but having lost their last three need to avoid slipping back into the relegation scrap.

They can do just that with a win against a Loons side that have produced a dire set of results in the last few months.

Best bet: Cowdenbeath @ Evens

Peterhead v Albion Rovers

The Blue Toon look capable of running the league leaders closest and demonstrated that by holding Allan Johnston’s men to a goalless draw last week.

Prior to that they had won their previous four games, scoring 16 goals in the process to climb up to third in the table.

They might have to don their shooting boots again if they are to see off Albion Rovers side that have failed to score just once in their last 10 games.

Best bet: Peterhead to score over 2.5 goals @ 17/10

Stranraer v Brechin City

When you consider that Stranraer have lost nine of their last 12 home fixtures and Brechin have tasted defeat in the same number of fixtures on the road in all competitions, this one looks hard to call.

The betting angle might be to take a look at the goal times.

Seven of Stranraer’s last 10 goals have come in the second half while 12 of City’s last 16 have come after they’ve enjoyed their half-time oranges.

Best bet: Highest scoring half – second @ Evens

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

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