DUNFERMLINE are bouncing up and down the table like a yo-yo but the midweek defeat by Inverness has, at least for now, knocked them out of the play-off picture.

On Saturday, runaway leaders Dundee United come to town and this promises to be another difficult assignment. The Terrors are 11/10 (Skybet) to claim three points, the Pars are 14/5 (Betway) and a draw 5/2 (Betfair Sportsbook).

Dundee United’s victory against Caley last week all but sealed the title and they are a mile clear of the field for good reason.

Prediction: Dunfermline 1 Dundee United 2.

The Scottish Cup quarter-finals take place over the weekend and each match is televised live. Inverness are the sole non-Premier League team left in the competition and they make the trip to Edinburgh to face Hibernian tomorrow (Friday) night (BBC Scotland, 7.45pm). The Hi-Bees are 8/13 (Bet365/Boylesports), Caley 5/1 (Skybet) and a draw 3/1. Hibs are 13/8 off a -1 handicap, Thistle 6/4 (Skybet) and a tie 11/4 (Skybet).

Hibernian have been in decent league form that has seen them cement a top-six position and the 13/8 that they win by at least two clear goals is a fair price.

Prediction: Hibernian 3 Inverness CT 1.

Premier Sports get in on the act at Saturday teatime, when they broadcast the Hearts versus Rangers match (5.30pm). Unsurprisingly, the Edinburgh side are the outsiders in this encounter: the Gers are 4/9, the Jambos 13/2 (Skybet) and a draw 18/5 (Skybet). The -1 handicap prices are Rangers 5/4 (Unibet), Hearts 2/1 (Skybet) and a tie 11/4 (Skybet).

Once again, the favourites can win and cover the handicap.

Prediction: Hearts 0 Rangers 2.

BBC Scotland are covering what looks on paper to be the tightest game of the round; St Mirren at home to Aberdeen. The Dons are 6/4 to come away from Paisley with the win, while both the Buddies and the stalemate are available at 21/10.

St Mirren’s home advantage suggests that if there is to be a surprise result it is likely to be here. However, Aberdeen can force a replay.

Prediction: St Mirren 1 Aberdeen 1.

Premier Sports are also televising the other Glaswegian powerhouse, as Celtic face a tricky test at in-form St Johnstone on Sunday (3pm). Saints held Rangers to a draw in their last league game but the bookies sense that the Bhoys will be an insurmountable obstacle. Celtic are 1/3 (Boylesports), St Johnstone 10/1 (Hills) and a draw 19/4 (Bet365). The -1 handicap prices are Celtic 10/11 and, thanks to Skybet, both St Johnstone and the tie are at 11/4.

Although of the four games Celtic’s handicap is the shortest price, their Perth opponents can run them close, thereby thwarting odds on backers in that market.

Prediction: St Johnstone 1 Celtic 2.