After a thrilling opening weekend of the Scottish Premier League, Monday sees what could be a crucial match at the bottom of the table with St Mirren travelling to East End Park to face newly promoted Dunfermline Athletic (Pars 13/10 to win).
Dunfermline romped to the first division title last season, finishing 10 points ahead of second-place side Raith and will be looking to consolidate their position in the league after being in the second-tier of Scottish football for the last four seasons. Pars boss Jim McIntyre will know these are the type of games they need to win if they’re to stay in the league and will be looking at their four matches with the Saints as excellent opportunities to gain points.
Their star man this season looks likely to be new signing, striker Andrew Barrowman (11/2 Dunfermline First Goalscorer) who has been brought in to fire the Fife side up the table after netting 10 times for Ross County last season. The former Rangers youngster has had a frustrating career and has struggled to establish himself at any club he’s been at but after a good season with Ross County could finally have found his level within the game. His partnership with former Hearts man Andy Kirk could be crucial if the Pars are to stay in the league and they will be hoping to start their season off with a bang on Monday.
The Saints (21/10 to win) finished 11th last season and were in some people’s eyes lucky to have relegated side Hamilton in the league after losing 21 out of their 38 league fixtures last term. St Mirren will be looking at the visit to Dunfermline as the perfect opportunity to get off to a flying start ahead of what looks as if it could be another difficult season.
Paramount to their cause in terms of staying afloat could be former Burnley striker Steven Thompson (7/1 St Mirren First Goalscorer) who has recently signed from the Championship side. Thompson struggled to make any real impact in Lancashire but has pedigree in the SPL after previously starring for both Dundee and Rangers in the SPL and could prove an inspired signing. On his day, Thompson, who has 16 caps for Scotland has a touch that is second to none and if he finds his form this season, St Mirren will be confident of remaining in the league for another season, and he would love to open his account for the club on Monday night.
The match could produce fireworks and could even set the tone for the season. Saints will be hoping to get off to a good start but home advantage could make a huge difference and the newly promoted side should just shade an extremely close encounter.
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