SCOTTISH football bible Willie Duncan (@Willie_Duncan) shares his favourite fancy from north of the border this weekend.
Ross County v Dundee United | Saturday 15:00
The Scottish Cup fourth round takes centre stage north of the border this weekend, with plenty of ties to catch the eye.
Junior side Bonnyrigg Rose take on holders Hibernian at Tynecastle (oh, for an upset in THAT one), while Albion host Celtic and new-look Hearts – now under the stewardship of Ian Cathro – travel to take on Raith at Stark’s Park.
One match that has seemed to dip under the radar – somehow – is Ross County’s home tie against Dundee United – and I think that there is plenty of potential for a Cup classic when these two teams lock horns in Dingwall.
High drama in the Highlands
County’s home form has been pretty patchy so far this season, but there has been no shortage of high drama in the Highlands in recent times; indeed, each of Ross County’s last four fixtures on home soil has produced at least three goals, while there have been four goals scored in three of those games.
Dundee United may consider a push for the Championship title to be their primary priority for the remainder of the campaign, but there is no doubt that Ray McKinnon’s men will be up for the Cup when they travel north.
This match represents a perfect opportunity for the team from Tayside to show that they are good enough to be playing in the top tier.
Visitors up for the Cup
United may have fallen six points behind Hibs in the race to be crowned as Championship champions, but McKinnon’s side showed spirit in abundance last weekend as they roared back from 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw against Queen of the South at Tannadice.
The visitors have scored just two goals in their last six away matches in all competitions, but these two teams served up a fantastic Scottish Cup tie last season, with Dundee United recording a thrilling 3-2 win in Dingwall to send the Staggies crashing out of the competition.
Ross County have scored in six successive matches on home turf and McIntyre’s men can be trusted to make it a magnificent seven against United, but the visitors are sure to draw some encouragement from the fact that County have conceded in each of their last nine home games.
There is plenty of potential for the goals to flow in an open, entertaining match between these teams and the 17/20 (Marathon) quote for more than two of them to be scored offers up outstanding value for punters.
Best Bets
Ross County v Dundee United – Over 2.5 goals 17/20 (Marathon)
