THE PARS' shock home defeat to Ayr last week leaves Allan Johnston's men a mere five points off the bottom and they face a tough trip to Morton in their bid to bounce back.

The Ton have lost only five matches all season and once in their last 13 since a defeat at East End Park back in December.

The bookies, however, indicate the Pars have a fair chance to claim a positive result: Morton are 7/5 (Betvictor/Stan James), a draw 5/2 (Bet365) and Dunfermline a general 21/10.

Even if you discount Dunfermline’s defeat last week as a below-par effort, Morton, who could well be Hibernian’s final challengers for the title at the season’s climax are an astonishing price on all known form.

Sadly, they are a straightforward selection.

Prediction: Morton 2 Dunfermline 0.

The Championship fixtures are curtailed this weekend because Dundee United and St Mirren are competing in the IRN-BRU Cup final at Motherwell’s Fir Park on Saturday lunchtime (BBC Alba, 12.30pm).

The 90-minute prices are Dundee United 10/11, a draw 13/5 and St Mirren 3/1 (Betvictor). The Terrors are 4/9 to lift the trophy, the Buddies 13/8.

The prices are based on current league positions and perceived stature of the two sides but current form paints a different story. Dundee United have lost four of their last five league matches, including a 3-2 defeat to St Mirren on March 15 and this final might have come at the wrong time for them. In any event, the upset looks well worth chancing.

Prediction: Dundee United 0 St Mirren 1.

The remainder of the footballing weekend is dominated by World Cup qualifying fixtures. Scotland are faced with a home game with Slovenia where the three points are a must (Sky Sports 1, Sunday 7.45pm). The Scots are 7/5, a draw 11/5 (Betway) and Slovenia 23/10. A game not to get too heavily involved in but Scotland have not shown enough in recent games to warrant support.

Prediction: Scotland 1 Slovenia 1.

There are two other matches involving the Home Nations, including a feisty-looking clash between the Republic of Ireland and Wales (Sky Sports 1, Friday 7.45pm). Eire are 6/4 (Hills), a draw 21/10 and the Welsh 23/10.

England take on Lithuania at Wembley on Sunday evening (ITV1, 5pm) and the bookies do not foresee any problems for the hosts. England are 1/8, a draw 8/1 and Lithuania 40/1 with Betfair Sportsbook.