FOOTBALL BETTING: Live On BBC Scotland: Sun: 12:05
Rangers host Dundee United with a place in the Active Nation Scottish Cup semi-finals at stake this lunchtime. Chris Hutcheon previews the game.
In two matches against Rangers this season, Dundee United have conceded a massive ten goals and scored just the once and as they head to Ibrox in the FA Cup today, bookies are expecting the Terrors to take another beating at the hands of the ‘Gers, who have suffered just one domestic defeat all season.
Walter Smith’s side are Stan James’ 4/11 favourites to book their place in the semi final and United are 9/1 at Victor Chandler to cause an upset and 7/2 (888Sport) to force a replay, but while the odds point to a comfortable home win, Pat Fenlon’s men can make life a little more difficult for their hosts than the odds suggest.
Backing the visitors at 8/11, aided by a two-goal start, in Paddy Power’s handicap betting is where the shrewd cash will go then, as it’s hard to oppose Rangers but equally difficult to get excited about the price for a home win.
Despite the fact that Smith’s charges fired seven past Fenlon’s troops at the back end of 2009; goals could be at a premium today. Indeed, since that clash only four of the ‘Gers’ 15 matches have racked up more than 2.5 goals and it’s worth going under that tally in this one, at huge odds of 5/4 (Betdaq), especially as United have been keeping things tight of late.
A quid at 12/1 with Betfred on the deadlock remaining unbroken therefore isn’t as unrealistic as it seems, although insuring that bet with Ladbrokes’ 13/2 for the ‘Gers to bag the only goal seems wise, especially as Kris Boyd, at 10/3 (William Hill) to notch first, is due a goal.
With a tight encounter on the cards meanwhile, Totesport’s 10/11 for the opener to arrive after the 27th minute catches the eye and a strong case can also be made for bet365’s 11/4 for the clash to be goalless at the interval.
