DUNFERMLINE’S three straight home league wins have hauled them out of the relegation quicksands and into mid-table security and they will be looking to maintain their improvement away at Alloa on Saturday.

The Wasps were expected to struggle and despite starting promisingly, now find themselves second from bottom, only two points above basement boys Partick Thistle. The Pars are 11/10 to collect the points, Alloa 12/5 and a draw 13/5 (Skybet).

The contrasting form of the two teams heading into the contest suggests that this game has come at a good time for Stevie Crawford's men.

Prediction: Alloa 0 Dunfermline 1.

The Tayside derby provides the Friday night coverage tomorrow (BT Sport 2, 7.45pm) and Dundee will be keen to avenge the 6-2 drubbing their neighbours inflicted on them at the end of August; indeed, victory would put them just three points behind the Terrors. The layers marginally favour the visitors: United are 29/20 (Betfred), a draw 5/2 (Hills) and Dundee 9/5.

Europa League commitments have once again pushed the Old Firm games back to Sunday, on this occasion both kick off at 3pm and Rangers' tricky trip to Livingston is the one that Sky Sports have opted to be televised on their football channel. Only a goal splits the Glaswegian rivals in the standings and the Gers are 3/10 (Betway) to maintain the pressure, Livi are 11/1 (Bet365) and a stalemate 9/2. Rangers are 5/6 (Betfred) off a -1 handicap, whereas Livi are 3/1 (Spreadex) and a tie 29/10 (Unibet).

Celtic versus Motherwell is priced up at 2/9 for a Bhoys success, the ’Well are 15/1 (Betfair Sportsbook) and a draw 11/2. The odds are compressed off a Celtic -2 handicap: the Parkhead side are 17/10, Motherwell 13/10 (Betway) and a tie 3/1.

BT Sport 3 will host both Europa League ties involving the Scottish sides tonight (Thursday), starting with Celtic’s trip to Lazio (5.55pm). A point would be considered a success for the Bhoys and that outcome is at 13/4 (Unibet). Lazio are 8/13 and a shock away win 24/5 (Unibet).

Conversely, a victory for Rangers at home to Porto (8pm) is essential for their chances of qualifying out of a tight group but the bookies see a close game looming. The Gers are 37/20 (Unibet), a draw 12/5 and Porto 8/5.