Raith vs Queen of the South Predictions

This week will settle promotion and relegation in the Scottish Championship, with Raith Rovers and Queen of the South preparing for two huge matches in four games. The pair meet in this two-leg playoff for the last spot in the second tier next season. The pair meet for their opening clash on Wednesday, but who will claim a first leg advantage? Raith Rovers are looking to edge out in front, having lost only once in their last nine matches. However, will they be able to extend that in this playoff final?

The hosts were third in League One last season, with their victory over second-placed Forfar pushing them into the final this week. A 2-1 home win followed by a 1-1 draw on the road put them through, so they’ll be hoping for the same this weekend to edge into the Championship. Their bid to claim promotion last term stalled in the semis, but after a strong season they’ve set themselves up for promotion again. That push has been built on a strong home record, so can Raith add to that with a victory this week?

The visitors were able to stay up on goal difference this season, but their work isn’t done yet. While they edged out Falkirk in the fight for survival, they could yet join them in League One. They need to edge out Raith to end a disappointing season by securing their place in the second tier. The visitors will be out to stay in the tie in this first leg, but will they have enough quality to edge this one? Their big concern here will likely be how they respond to a season of poor results – the visitors have lost five of their last seven matches.

Queen of the South have also had major issues in defence – they conceded in 83% of their away trips this season. They have shipped over a goal per game on the road this season, while they face a Raith side who have been magnificent at their own ground so far.  They’ve won 11 of 18 here, hitting 41 goals in total. That great record has seen them score in 97% of their league games, so they should notch here.

The hosts have seen both teams score in 83% of their league games this term, while 13 of their last 14 have seen both teams hit the back of the net. That includes all of their last 10 outings. With four of the last five clashes between these two sides finishing without a clean sheet, we see great value in going with BTTS as our bet for this first leg.