SCOTLAND’S World Cup qualifying struggles can be put on the backburner for a month and league action resumes this weekend when Dunfermline travel to fierce rivals Falkirk.

The Bairns have had the better start to the league campaign, having amassed 14 points to the Pars' seven but that is reflected in the bookmakers' quotes: Falkirk are 4/5 (Stan James), a draw 14/5 and Dunfermline 4/1 (Unibet). Nothing stands out as value there but of the teams' combined 16 games, nine have failed to total more than two goals. Thus taking the 5/4 (Ladbrokes/Stan James) that there are under two-and-a-half goals offers a reasonable wager.

Prediction: Falkirk 1 Dunfermline 0.

The live action starts tomorrow (Friday) night with an intriguing match-up. Inverness host Rangers (BT Sport 1, 7.45pm) and even though the better form lies with Caley (nine points in their last five games whereas their Glaswegian counterparts have only accrued five), the Gers are still favoured comfortably to emerge with the three points. Thistle are 16/5 (Paddy Power), a draw 5/2 and Rangers 21/20 (Betvictor).

Celtic entertain Motherwell in a traditional Saturday 3pm game and are an exceptionally short price to claim the spoils. The Bhoys are 1/7 (Skybet), a draw 9/1 and the Well 21/1 (both prices Betvictor).

Elsewhere, BBC Alba are televising the League One clash between mid-table Airdrieonians and bottom-of-the-table Peterhead (Saturday, 5.15pm). The Diamonds are expected to hold all the aces being no better than even money (Betvictor/Ladbrokes) to trump the Blue Toon. The Aberdeenshire visitors are 5/2 (Paddy Power) while it is 14/5 (Stan James) that the points are split.

The Champions League continues next week and Celtic will have been encouraged after securing a draw with Manchester City in their last match. The Bhoys best chance of obtaining a victory in the group is in their next contest, a home game with Borussia Monchengladbach (Wednesday 7.45pm, BT Sport ESPN). However, the bookies slightly edge towards the German raiders: Celtic are 9/4 (Unibet), a draw 11/4 (Betway) and the Foals 5/4 (Bet365/Hills).

Rugby’s European Champions Cup commences this Friday and Scottish representatives Glasgow kick-off with a home game against Leicester in Pool One. The match will be screened on BT Sport 1 (7.45pm) and Bet365 have deemed Glasgow favourites at 4/7, Leicester are 6/4 and a draw 20/1. The handicap line is at Glasgow -4 with both teams at 10/11 and the tie 22/1.