THE PARS' improved league form has stretched to one defeat in seven matches but as other teams around them are also picking up points, they must keep the run going with two tricky matches lying in wait over the Christmas period.

Athletic host Falkirk on Boxing Day (3pm kick-off) but it is the visitors who are favourites with the bookmakers. The Bairns are 7/5 (Ladbrokes/Stan James), a draw 5/2 (Bet365/Paddy Power) and Dunfermline 2/1 (Coral/Hills). This ought to be a hard-fought tussle and on current form, the prices for each team could have been similar, thus the Pars appear to be the better value. That said, the stalemate looms large on the list of possibilities and at 5/2, makes a degree of appeal.

Prediction: Dunfermline 1 Falkirk 1.

Four bookmakers (at the time of writing) have priced up the Raith versus Dunfermline contest on January 2 (3pm). Rovers are 8/13, a draw 3/1 (Bet365/Betvictor) and the Pars 22/5 (Betvictor). Raith’s form has slipped in recent weeks and they have had a run of four draws and one defeat in their last five games. Furthermore, this winless streak might very well become six ahead of this Fife derby as their preceding game is away at Hibernian. Therefore their 8/13 looks like a price worth opposing and the 3/1 that the Pars grab another point earns preference.

Prediction: Raith 1 Dunfermline 1.

The matches come thick and fast in the Premiership, with three games being played in a week. The first set of fixtures take place tomorrow (Friday) night, with one live game being aired on BT Sport 1 (7.45pm) where Motherwell take on Aberdeen. The Dons have been subject to strong support and are now 8/11, the ’Well are 17/4 (Bet365) and it is 14/5 the spoils are shared.

The Old Firm are in action on Christmas Eve and Sky Sports 1 provide the coverage, featuring Celtic’s trip to Hamilton (12.30pm). Despite the fact the Bhoys only edged a 1-0 home win against their opponents 11 days ago, they are 2/9, a draw is 11/2 and the Accies 16/1 (Betfred). Rangers face Inverness at Ibrox (also 12.30pm) and the Gers are 1/2 (Stan James), a draw 7/2 and Caley 13/2.

BT Sport 1’s spotlight on Wednesday night (7.45pm) is focused on Rangers’ visit to St Johnstone. The Gers are 19/20, the draw 13/5 (both prices Betfred) and the Saints are 31/10 (Betvictor).

Celtic are once more perceived to be embarking on a one-sided encounter when they host Ross County, again a 7.45pm kick-off. The Glaswegian league leaders are 1/7, a draw 8/1 (Betfred/Betvictor) and the Staggies a dismissive 20/1 (Betfair Sportsbook).