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There are two TV games in Scotland on Sunday. Celtic travel to Dundee Utd and Rangers visit Hibs where the title could settled. Chris Hutcheon previews
There’s little doubt that the title is heading to Ibrox but Rangers can actually clinch it this afternoon, with three games to spare if they win at Hibs. The hosts are 9/2 with Stan James to spoil the party by sending Walter Smith’s champions-elect home empty-handed but as the Hibees haven’t seen off the ‘Gers in a dozen attempts, an away win gets the nod at 3/4 (Betdaq).
John Hughes’ charges have blown their chances of finishing third by winning just two of their last 12 matches and their form makes them unlikely to halt Rangers’ title charge. However, they showed plenty of steel at Celtic last weekend, before going down 3-2 and they can make the visitors work for the points in this one.
A Rangers triumph by a one-goal margin is the eye-catching flutter then at 13/5 courtesy of Ladbrokes, however, while the ‘Gers three clean sheets in four could tempt punters towards bet365’s for them to nick it 1-0 or Partybets’ 8/5 for Smith’s troops to win without conceding; Hibs’ quality in attack means they should find the net (4/7, 888Sport) and the correct score value is subsequently with Paddy Power’s 7/1 for a 2-1 success for the leaders.
Both of Hibs goals against Rangers this term have come from Anthony Stokes and at 9/4 with William Hill, he’s the man that can strike here for the home side. At the other end meanwhile, the favourite to bag the opening goal at Easter Road is Kris Boyd at 7/2 with Jaxx.com, nevertheless, the man that represents more of a threat for the Light Blues at present is Kenny Miller, who can be backed at a generous 9/2 (Victor Chandler) to put the ‘Gers 1-0 and that opener is 10/11 at Totesport to arrive after the 28th minute mark.
Rangers will win the title without kicking a ball if Celtic fail to defeat Dundee United and as the Terrors are unbeaten in eleven league and cup games since they went down 1-0 to the Hoops at Parkhead; it would be no surprise if Neil Lennon’s handed the SPL crown to their rivals despite heading to Tannadice as 11/10 favourites with Ladbrokes.
Remarkably, Peter Houston’s men have lost fewer games this season than Celtic and they can swerve a defeat in this one as well; an outcome quoted by Victor Chandler at 8/11. Brave punters might chuck a fiver on United to capture all three points at 13/5 (Betfred) but the threat of a stalemate (5/2, Stan James) should be enough to dissuade and the best bet is therefore the 13/8 chalked against the Terrors
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