Statistical Preview: Dunfermline Athletic vs Raith Rovers

This weekend brings the second Fife derby of the season, but the first at East End Park, which will be Dunfermline’s fourth consecutive home fixture. The teams are separated by just one place and five points in the Championship table.

Dunfermline Athletic’s Form Guide

Using the Dunfermline Athletic vs Raith Rovers’ Match Centre on Andy’s Bet Club, we can see that Dunfermline have collected only one point from their last four matches. Their only win in the last five came in emphatic fashion, with a 5-0 victory away at Arbroath.

●  0–0 Draw vs Queen’s Park (H) – Championship

●  0–2 Loss vs Partick Thistle (H) – Championship

●  0–1 Loss vs Ayr United (H) – Championship

●  2–1 Loss vs St. Johnstone (A) – Championship

●  0–5 Win vs Arbroath (A) – Championship

Dunfermline Athletic’s Recent League Matches:

Dunfermline Athletic vs Queen’s Park:

Both teams created limited attacking threat in this match, with neither side generating more than 1.0xG. Dunfermline Athletic’s low output was mainly due to their shot selection, with 75% of their efforts coming from outside the box, giving an average shot distance of 20.2 metres.

They struggled to create chances from set pieces, registering only two shots from those situations. Their main creative route came through crosses, attempting 24, but only eight were accurate.

Defensively, Dunfermline were solid, restricting Queen’s Park to just 0.6xG. They managed 11 clearances and won an impressive 76% of aerial duels, compared to just 18% for their opponents.

Dunfermline Athletic vs Partick Thistle

Against Partick Thistle, Dunfermline found it even harder to create meaningful chances, managing only one shot on target from 10 attempts. They did, however, shoot from closer range than usual, with only four efforts from outside the box.

Off the ball, Dunfermline were relatively passive, making 31 interceptions compared to 40 for Partick Thistle, and recording fewer clearances and ball recoveries. This allowed Partick Thistle to sustain pressure and create numerous shooting opportunities.

In possession, Dunfermline struggled for precision, completing 75% of their passes compared to 84% for Partick Thistle. Their sideways passing accuracy was particularly low at 77%, while their back passes were accurate at 93%, marginally higher than Partick Thistle’s 92%.

Dunfermline Athletic’s One to Watch:

Andy Tod: The 19-year-old has already recorded his highest number of league appearances in a single season. He has either scored or assisted 50% of Dunfermline’s league goals so far.

Beyond his attacking output, he has been effective in possession and defence, completing 83% of his dribbles, averaging 2.6 ball recoveries and 7.9 duels per match.

Final Thoughts:

Raith Rovers have created a significant share of their chances from corners this season, with 34% of them leading to a shot. This could be harder to replicate against Dunfermline, who have restricted opponents to just 24% in this area. A key factor behind this is their aerial strength, winning 51% of aerial duels, compared to 45% for the Rovers.

Possession is likely to be evenly shared, with Dunfermline averaging 50.2% and Raith Rovers 48.4%. However, Dunfermline may be more effective at moving the ball into dangerous areas, completing 63% of passes into the final third compared to 52% for the Rovers’ average opponents, and 66% of forward passes compared to 61%.

In defence, Dunfermline tend to press aggressively in the middle third, averaging 47 recoveries per match. They are also strong in slide tackles, winning 68% of them, compared to 41% for Raith Rovers’ opponents.You can find more high-quality football statistical previews, football betting tips, and the best betting sites over at Andy’s Bet Club. 18+, Please Gamble Responsibly.

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