MORTON and Dunfermline are bidding to make an impression on the Championship play-off race when they clash at Cappielow Park on Saturday.

However, both are coming off embarrassing cup defeats against League 1 opposition and from a betting perspective the game is an absolute minefield when it comes to analysing the probable winner.

The bookmakers make the Pars marginal favourites at 11/8 (Hills), the ’Ton being 21/10 (Bet365) and a draw 23/10. Waiting for either team to revive may yet be akin to waiting for Godot and if there was ever a game to sit out then this is it. However, one of the three outcomes must happen and it is just as likely to be the biggest priced eventuality as any other.

Prediction: Morton 2 Dunfermline 2.

Both Morton and Dunfermline will be heartened by the slump in form of Ayr United, who hit a new low when they crashed out of the cup to 14/1 shots Auchinleck Talbot. Tomorrow (Friday) night (BT Sport 1, 7.45pm) the Honest Men face third placed Dundee United at Somerset Park. The layers have noticed Ayr’s slide and price the game up as Ayr 6/4, a draw 13/5 (Bet365) and United 7/4 (Hills).

Sky Sports Football is the channel of choice for Sunday’s Premiership games. The lunchtime fixture (1.30pm) features St Mirren versus Hibernian with the visitors odds-on favourites to plunder the three points. Hibs are 5/6, a draw 13/5 and the Buddies 18/5 (Betfair Sportsbook).

Over-performing Livingston will be hoping to put a spoke in Rangers’ title challenge when the two meet in the 4pm match. The Gers are 3/5 (Betway), Livi 11/2 (Bet365) and a stalemate 31/10 (Unibet).

Celtic host Hamilton in a Saturday non-live 3pm clash and are expected to dispatch the Accies without any fuss; the Bhoys are 1/8 (Bet365/Betway), a draw 9/1 (Betfair Sportsbook) and Hamilton 33/1 (Ladbrokes).

The English FA Cup reaches the fourth round stage this weekend and BBC1 are televising three games over the period. Arsenal against Manchester United is their battle of the heavyweights selection tomorrow (Friday, 7.55pm); the Gunners are 8/5 (Betway), a draw 13/5 and United 7/4.

Millwall entertain Everton on Saturday (5.30pm); the Lions are 9/2 (Hills/Betfred), a draw 14/5 and the Toffeemen 7/10.

Chelsea versus Sheffield Wednesday would appear to have routine home win written all over it but the Beeb make it their third game (Sunday, 6pm). The Blues are 2/9, a draw 6/1 and the Owls 29/2 (Unibet).