WILLIE Duncan (@Willie_Duncan) is eager to take on a struggling side in his weekend Scottish NAP.
Raith Rovers v Queen Of The South | Saturday 17:15 | BBC Alba
Just a few short weeks ago, things were going exceptionally well for Queen of the South; those who have followed the fortunes of the Doonhamers over a number of years might even have suggested that things were going just a little bit too well for Gavin Skelton’s team – and they’d have been right.
One defeat in 13 matches – a 5-0 thrashing against Rangers in the quarter-finals of the League Cup – meant that the men from Dumfries – somewhat against the odds – were sitting at the top of the Championship table – but the bubble was about to burst in catastrophic fashion.
I’m not even sure that Morton manager Jim Duffy saw his side’s astonishing 5-0 victory at Palmerston Park coming earlier this month and, perhaps, Queen of the South were still feeling the effects of that devastating defeat when they meekly surrendered to a 1-0 loss against Ayr United Somerset Park last weekend.
Is it all just a blip? The statistics would suggest it’s something more sinister, for Queens have now failed to find the net inside 90 minutes in any of their last six fixtures in all competitions and that superb start to the season – which included a 3-1 win against Raith Rovers in Dumfries – feels ever increasingly like a distant memory.
Skelton’s side will be absolutely desperate to stop the rot, but a hugely testing trip to Stark’s Park is next on the itinerary for Queens and I certainly won’t be backing them to get back to winning ways against Gary Locke’s side.
The Fifers have been solid rather than spectacular for most of this campaign, but following a fantastic 4-2 win against Falkirk last weekend, Rovers are within four points of the top of the table – and they’ll fancy their chances of ensuring that the gap does not grow any wider by picking up three precious points this weekend.
Raith have a fine record on home soil; indeed, they have been beaten in just one of their last 12 Championship fixtures in Kirkcaldy and at 15/13 Rovers could provide a healthy return for punters.
No side in the Championship has scored more regularly than Rovers so far this season and, with the visitors looking woefully shot-shy, it is Raith’s firepower that could well hand them a sizeable advantage ahead of Saturday evening’s kick-off in the Championship.
This weekend, punters are advised to put their faith in Raith and snap up the generous 15/13 quote for Gary Locke’s men to pick up three precious points against the Doonhamers.
Best Bets
Raith Rovers v Queen Of The South – Raith Rovers to win (15/13 Marathon Bet)
