Earlier this week, Falkirk saw an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end as they lost out away at Dunfermline. The result was particularly damaging as it allowed the leaders to move eight points clear at the top of the third-tier standings, but John McGlynn will want to forget about league matters ahead of what is a massive game for the club.
En route to the quarter-finals, it cannot be disputed that the Bairns have had some luck with the draw, playing Wick Academy, Alloa Athletic and Darvel. However, each victory has come away from their home ground and 13 goals have been netted in the process, the strikes being shared around the team with Gary Oliver top-scoring with three.
On the league front, Falkirk have posted five consecutive wins on familiar territory, and they will be backing themselves to upset their higher-league opponents. From Ayr’s perspective, they have endured a marginally tougher route to the last eight, although they too have avoided playing a top-flight team.
Pollok, Cove Rangers and Elgin City have been dispatched, the latter by a 4-1 scoreline after extra time after Ayr had equalised in the final minutes of normal time. Lee Bullen’s side have been inconsistent in the league, however, with just three victories coming from their last 10 encounters in the second tier.
Although they still hold third place in the standings, there is now an eight-point gap to leaders Queen’s Park.
Match Details:
- Match: Falkirk vs Ayr
- Date: 14 March 2023
- Time: 1:15 am
- Venue: Falkirk Community Stadium
Falkirk vs Ayr Prediction
We feel that Ayr United and Falkirk may well end up cancelling each other out here.
A draw looks like a realistic possibility, but we’ll see what happens. We’re therefore tipping a very even match with a 1-1 score draw when the referee blows the full-time whistle.
Falkirk vs Ayr Head-To-Head
Looking at their past head-to-head clashes going back to 15/09/2018 tells us that Falkirk have won 2 of these games and Ayr United 4, with the tally of draws being 0.
15 goals were yielded between them during those clashes, with 6 for The Bairns and 9 for The Honest Men. This gives an average number of goals per game equal to 2.5.
Falkirk vs Ayr Live Stream Time
This match will start from 1:15 am
Falkirk vs Ayr Date
This match will take place on 14 March 2023
Falkirk vs Ayr Team News
Despite suffering defeat at Dunfermline, McGlynn will likely stick with the majority of the team which started that game.
Maksym Kucheryavyi and Craig McGuffie will both feel that they are in contention for appearances, although Liam Henderson may take the spot of the former in the Falkirk XI.
Josh Mullin will be assessed by Ayr after he missed the last game due to a nasty cut on his foot.
Chris Maguire is on hand to deputise if required, but Daire O’Connor is available after serving a suspension in the league.
Falkirk vs Ayr Lineups
Falkirk:
Kinnear; Rowe, Donaldson, Mackie, McCann; Henderson, McGinn; Morisson, Nesbitt, Kennedy; Oliver
Ayr United:
Albinson; McAllister, Kirk, McGinty, Reading; Dempsey, Dempsey, McAlear, O’Connor; McKenzie, Akinyemi
Falkirk vs Ayr Odds
We say: Falkirk 2-1 Ayr United
Despite the difference in divisions, this feels like a 50-50 tie when you consider the nerves and tensions which will be on show. Although Ayr arguably have the superior quality, we are backing Falkirk to use home advantage in their favour and secure a narrow victory.
Falkirk vs Ayr Stats
- Falkirk 62.98%
- Ayr United 15.98%
- Draw 21.04%
Falkirk vs Ayr Tips
- Falkirk to score first
- Over 2.5 goals
- Both teams to score.
Falkirk vs Ayr Betting Trends
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats, suggests the most likely outcome of this match is a Falkirk win with a probability of 62.99%. A draw has a probability of 21% and a win for Ayr United has a probability of 15.98%.
The most likely scoreline for a Falkirk win is 1-0 with a probability of 11.38%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome are 2-0 (11.24%) and 2-1 (9.88%). The likeliest drawn scoreline is 1-1 (10%), while for an Ayr United win it is 0-1 (5.06%).
Falkirk vs Ayr Where To Watch Live Scottish Cup Today Match
You can watch the game live on Viaplay Sports 1, formerly Premier Sports.