Ayr United vs Queen of the South
28th December 1500hrs
Football – Scotland – Championship
Pick Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Marathonbet
Odds: 19/20 odds taken 2000 GMT, Friday 27 November)
The second of the games taking place in the Championship this weekend takes place in Greenock as Morton host Arbroath. The visitors have been the surprise packages of the season and can move into the playoff zones with a result here.
Scottish Championship Betting at Marathonbet
Ayr United vs Queen of the South Live Stats & Betting Odds
Ayr United Preview – Will Ayr recovery from heavy defeat last time out to stay ahead in the race of the playoffs?
It’s been a baptism of fire for Mark Kerr having taken over from Ian McCall earlier in the season. Still registered as a player, Kerr’s task is to lead Ayr into the playoffs and challenge for promotion to the Premiership. Ayr currently sit in fourth spot and occupy the final playoff position with a three point lead over Dunfermilne, and a further three clear of Saturday’s opponents. Equally, Ayr can move into third with a win in this game and are only four points behind second. It’s going to be a real war of attrition to secure one of the three playoff spots but plenty in this squad have experience of doing that just last season.
It was a heavy defeat last time out as leaders Dundee United put four past Ayr. It was a continuation of a pretty poor recent run of form for Ayr who have managed only one win in their last five games this month. Kerr’s men have won only two out of six games, a run which includes a 3-1 to Queen of the South back in November. Ayr have taken only seven points from a possible 18 at home coming into this match.
Queen of the South Preview – Will Queens build on last week’s win against Arbroath to close in on the top four?
Last weekend’s 2-0 win at home to Arbroath could prove to be a significant victory for Queen of the South who are looking to keep pace with the top four, particularly the playoff positions. Queens are six points adrift of fourth but have a game in hand and with them playing Ayr they have a big opportunity to end 2019 on a really positive note. Allan Johnston’s men are in relatively good form, too, winning three of their last five games. The only disappointment in that time was defeat to Queens Park and being knocked out the Scottish Cup at the third round stage. That does ensure, however, Queens only have the league to concentrate on now for the remainder of the season.
Considering Queens were in the relegation playoff match last season there’s no doubt it’s a more encouraging situation they find themselves in here. That said, the competitiveness of the Championship is such that they remain just four points outside that same spot. It means that games such as these are important in their efforts to remain challenging at the top end of the table or they run the risk of being involved in another relegation scrap.
Key-Facts – Ayr United vs Queen of the South
- It’s been a struggle for Ayr in December having won just one of their five games so far
- Queen of the South got a much needed win last weekend and can go to within three points of their opponents with another victory here
- This will be the third meeting of these teams this season and it stands at one win apiece
