DUNFERMLINE’S hopes of making an impact in the league this campaign are receding by the game and Saturday’s home game with Greenock Morton is one they simply must win to keep within hailing distance of the top four.

The bookmakers are somewhat bullish about the Pars’ chances, rating them as 20/23 shots (Boylesports); the Ton are 7/2 (Bet365/Betvictor) and a draw 11/4 (Bet365).

Allan Johnston’s men have won just one matcnh out of their last six and Morton are five points better off than Dunfermline in the standings.

There is no obvious reason why the Pars should be such heavy favourites.

Therefore the tip must be an alternative other than a home win.

Prediction: Dunfermline 1 Greenock Morton 1.

At the top end of the table, third placed Dundee United entertain surprise pace-setters Ayr United on Friday night (BBC Alba, 7:45pm).

The Terrors can join the Honest Men on 30 points in the standings should they land their odds of 23/20 (Betfred); a draw being 27/10 (188bet) and Ayr 12/5 (Bet365).

The League Cup final takes centre stage on Sunday as Celtic meet Aberdeen at Hampden Park (BT Sport 1, 3pm).

The Bhoys are 1/4 (Hills) to pick up the first silverware of the season while the Dons are 10/3; whilst the 90 minute prices are Celtic 4/9, a draw 10/3 and Aberdeen 7/1 (Hills).

Anyone who fancies an easier victory for the Glaswegian powerhouses can back them at 13/10 (Paddy Power) on a -1 handicap; Aberdeen +1 is 9/5 (Bet365) and a tie 5/2.

The 2.5 goals market (90 minutes only) is set at under 6/7 (188bet) and over evens (Hills/Bet365).

Hearts versus Rangers in a key Premier League contest at Tynecastle immediately precedes the League Cup final (BT Sport 1 Sunday, 12pm).

The odds for which are as follows: Hearts 10/3 (Bet365), a draw 11/4 (Skybet/Hills) and Rangers 8/9 (Unibet).

Both Celtic and Rangers are in a tough battle to qualify from their respective Europa League groups.

The Bhoys and RB Leipzig are in a straight fight for the second spot in Group B and the Scottish champions must dispatch rock bottom Rosenborg in Norway (BT Sport, Thursday, 5:55pm) if they are to seize the initiative.

Celtic are 8/13; a draw 13/4 (Unibet) and Rosenborg 17/4 (Bet365/Skybet).

The four protagonists in Group G are separated by two points going into the fifth round of fixtures.

Rangers face Villarreal at Ibrox (BT Sport; 8pm) but it is the Spanish side the layers favour.

Villarreal are 11/10, a draw 27/10 and Rangers 13/5 (Unibet).