THE PARS have reached mid-table security but would like a late dart at the play-offs as the Championship season reaches its climax.  

Victory against Falkirk at East End Park can give them this opportunity but the bookies cannot split the rivals; both teams are available at 8/5 with the draw priced up by Stan James at 11/4.  

The stalemate has been a popular selection by the column this season, simply because it occurs often in this tight division and is often overpriced, as it is here.  

Prediction: Dunfermline 1 Falkirk 1.

The Scottish Cup semi-finals take place at Hampden Park over the weekend. Celtic are the 4/9 favourites to win the trophy, Aberdeen are 9/2 (Betfair Sportsbook), Rangers 6/1 and Hibs 12/1 (Betvictor/Boylesports).

BBC Scotland will televise the Aberdeen versus Hibernian contest on Saturday (12.15pm kick-off). The Dons are even money to dispatch the Hi-Bees in 90 minutes, the draw 13/5 (Skybet) and Hibs 3/1 (Boylesports).  

Aberdeen are 4/9 to qualify for the final, Hibernian 13/8. The game should not be a walkover for Aberdeen but the even money price they do the job inside 90 minutes is tempting.  

Prediction: Aberdeen 1 Hibernian 0.

The Old Firm clash is to be screened on Sky Sports 1 (Sunday, 12pm). Celtic are 4/9, a draw 18/5 (Skybet/Betvictor) and Rangers 15/2 (Betvictor).  

Celtic are 1/5 to advance to the final, Rangers 4/1. Celtic are 23/20 (Coral) off a -1 handicap, Rangers +1 is 15/8 and a tie 14/5 (Betway).  

The Bhoys have wobbled slightly as of late but still have not lost a game and they should not be complacent in this clash. A narrow win is the verdict.  

Prediction: Celtic 2 Rangers 1.  

The World Snooker Championship continues at Sheffield and at the time of writing, there are three Scottish players still in contention for title glory. John Higgins is perceived to have the best chance of lifting the trophy as he is a best price of 12/1 (Bet365/Stan James), whereas Stephen Maguire is 66/1 (Coral) and Graeme Dott 150/1 (Ladbrokes/Bet365).  

The each way terms are ½ odds 1,2. Mark Selby heads the outright market at 7/2, Judd Trump is 4/1, Ronnie O’Sullivan 5/1 (Skybet), Ding Junhui 10/1 and Neil Robertson 14/1.