Dunfermline vs Arbroath Preview: Betting Tips, Team News, and Key Stats

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 12/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Dunfermline will host Arbroath at East End Park on Tuesday night in the first leg of their playoff clash, marking the second meeting between the two sides in just a few days.

**Dunfermline**

Despite struggling for consistency in recent weeks, Dunfermline, under Neil Lennon, are on the verge of making history. The Pars secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Falkirk at Hampden to reach the Scottish Cup final and clinched a playoff spot with games to spare. However, they ended their regular season with a goalless draw against Arbroath and have managed only one win in their last six matches across all competitions within 90 minutes. Notably, Lennon’s side has kept three clean sheets in their last four outings.

**Dunfermline Team News**

Andrew Tod, who scored 13 Championship goals this season and finished second in the Golden Boot race, will return to the starting lineup to lead the attack. Goalkeeper Aston Oxborough, the hero of their Scottish Cup semifinal, will start between the posts. Charlie Gilmour is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Mozambique international Alfons Amade, while Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, signed from Leeds last year, will feature in central defense.

**Arbroath**

Arbroath secured another third-place finish in Scotland’s second tier but enter the playoffs in a similar slump to their opponents. They concluded their season with consecutive 0-0 draws against Dunfermline and Partick Thistle, failing to find any attacking rhythm. With just one win in their last six Championship matches and only three victories in their last 16 outings—a run dating back to January 13—Arbroath’s form has been poor. They have also failed to win any of their last seven away matches across all competitions (four losses, three draws).

**Arbroath Team News**

Striker Gavin Reilly, who has scored just once in the Championship since mid-season, is expected to start up front. Jacob MacIntyre, on loan from Hibernian, will feature in midfield. Defender Craig Watson, who has impressed since joining from Airdrieonians, will start at the back, while goalkeeper Aidan McAdams returns after being rested over the weekend.

**Key Factors to Consider**

- Dunfermline and Arbroath played out a 0-0 draw in their final regular-season match on Saturday. - Dunfermline have only one win in their last six matches across all competitions within 90 minutes. - Arbroath have won just three of their last 16 matches in all competitions, a slump stretching back to January 13. - Arbroath are winless in their last seven away matches (four losses, three draws). - Dunfermline have kept clean sheets in three of their last four games.

**Conclusion**

With both sides struggling for goals—Dunfermline keeping three clean sheets in four games and Arbroath failing to score in four of their last five away matches—another tight, low-scoring encounter is likely.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 12/11

Bookmaker: Luckster