It’s the fourth round of the Scottish Cup this weekend and there are some potential banana skins facing several of the Premiership teams.
We take a look at three possible fourth round surprises, as the teams north of the border try to take a step closer to a place in a Hampden Park final.
In-Form Kilmarnock Eye Home Success
It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise of all time, but Championship Kilmarnock look to be in a strong position to knockout Premiership Dundee United.
Killie, who were relegated from the top-flight last season, are currently third in the second tier and go into this clash unbeaten in their last four matches.
In contrast, United are sat in mid-table but head into this fourth-round tie having lost their last six matches and having failed to score in their last two away games.
Oliver Shaw could be the key to the hopes of the home team, with the former Hibs and Ross County striker having already bagged 10 goals this season – including a penalty in their last match at Partick.
Kilmarnock are 33/20 to win Saturday’s clash in 90 minutes, with the visitors available at 31/20 and the draw can be backed at 9/4.
Kelty Can Push Premiership Saints
One of the more fascinating fourth-round matches sees League Two leaders Kelty Hearts play host to St Johnstone, currently bottom of the Premiership.
Kelty only won promotion to the league last season but the former Lowland League outfit are top of the table and have already knocked out League One Montrose in this year’s Cup run.
The hosts are managed by former Hibs and Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson and certainly have the firepower to cause Saints some problems on Saturday.
Kelty have bagged 43 goals in 19 league games, averaging 2.2 goals per match, and their top scorer Nathan Austin has 14 to his name.
The Hearts are 5/1 to claim a victory in Saturday’s fourth-round encounter, with St Johnstone – who have lost nine on the bounce – 5/12 and the draw available at 17/5.
Ayr Look to Adeloye to Claim Cup Shock
It’s Championship against Premiership in another 3pm kick off on Saturday, as Ayr United and St Mirren meet at Somerset Park.
The hosts are currently seventh in the Championship and have lost just one of their last five league games on home soil.
Meanwhile, St Mirren head to Ayrshire having won just one of their last 12 matches – although that win came at Dundee United last weekend.
The home side can be backed at a tempting 9/5 to claim the victory in 90 minutes, with the Buddies available at 29/20 and the draw can be backed at 9/4.
If Ayr are to have any chance of beating their top-flight opponents, striker Tomi Adeloye is going to have to have a good day.
The former Barnet and Hartlepool striker has seven goals for the Honest Men this season and Ayr are 23/20 to score the first goal of the match.
*All odds correct at time of writing.
