Raith Rovers vs Ayr United
9 March 1900hrs
Football – Scotland – Championship
Pick Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Paddy Power
Odds: 19/20 odds taken 2000 GMT, Monday 8 March
Second place Raith take on eighth place Ayr on Tuesday but despite the league placings, the visitors can move to within four points of their opponents with a win.
Table of Contents
Raith Rovers Preview – Will Raith cement their place in the top four with an important win in one of their games in hand?
Promoted to the Championship last season, Raith Rovers have surpassed anybody’s expectations to this point as they sit in second place and looking good for a place in the promotion playoffs. It is an incredibly competitive race for the three positions, however, with Dunfermilne and Queen of the South level on points with Raith – a key advantage for Rovers is they have played fewer games (16) than all other teams in the division.
That includes leaders Hearts who have played three more than them. Raith trail the league favourites by 15 points and with their respective resources, it’s very much about securing a playoff spot first of all and then as high a finish in that zone as possible.
Ayr United Preview – Can Ayr continue to climb the table and ease any relegation fears?
Ayr United remain in search of their next permanent manager following Mark Kerr’s departure last month but it was at least a winning start for interim boss David White. Ayr – who began the weekend in the relegation playoff spot – won 2-0 away to Greenock Morton to switch places with that rival. They’re now six points clear off 10th place Alloa and a point above Morton, also with the advantage of games in hand.
Whilst the current position does not look overly positive, Ayr are not out the race for a playoff finish of their own. They may be seven points behind fourth place Queen of the South but have played two games fewer.
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Saturday’s win was only Ayr’s second away victory of the season in the Championship. If they are to climb the table then that will be something they have to improve and taking points off a team currently in the top four would be the perfect boost heading into the close part of the season.
Although they don’t win many on their travels, only Hearts and Raith have a higher average away goals than Ayr in the Championship. That will give them some confidence they can trouble their hosts tomorrow.
Raith Rovers vs Ayr United Betting Advice
With seven points and as many places separating these two it shows how congested the Championship is this season. There is still plenty to play for and games like this are crucial in determining how both these team’s seasons play out. There was nothing to choose between the teams when they met earlier in the season, playing out a goalless draw.
They’ll also be well used to each other come the end of the month with that other fixture upcoming.
Key Facts – Raith Rovers vs Ayr United Betting Tip
- Raith remain in second spot despite having played the fewest number of games in the Championship
- Ayr climbed above Morton out the relegation playoff place when beating that rival on Saturday
- The first meeting between the teams this season ended in a goalless draw
This is a match which screams goals. Raith are the second highest scorers in the league and only Hearts average more home goals per game than them. I’ve noted how high-scoring their games are at Starks Park and also the threat Ayr carry on the road.
Over 2.5 goals is the selection in this match.
Best Betting Odds for Raith Rovers vs Ayr United