Live On Sky Sports 4: Sun 12:30. Celtic and Rangers go into today’s derby with hundred percent records. The Sunday Mail’s OddsFellow aka betrescue’s Chris Hutcheon previews.
At least one of those records won’t be intact when man-in-the-middle William Collum blows the final whistle at Celtic Park this afternoon.
As the two sides have won eight out of eight, it’s fair to say that they’re fairly evenly matched but bookies respect the Hoops’ home advantage and it’s Neil Lennon’s men, boosted by last week’s late winner at Tannadice, that are given the nod in the betting at 27/20 with Betdaq.
Rangers come into the clash on the back of a Champions League draw with Valencia, a result that wasn’t ample reward for an excellent performance; nevertheless Walter Smith’s men will be full of confidence after an encouraging showing and ‘Gers fans will no doubt lap up Paddy Power’s 9/4 chalked against an away win.
However, this is a tough one to call and it’s hard to recommend either team or even Ladbrokes’ 12/5 for the draw when a strong argument can be made for each outcome.
At a push, the visitors aren’t a bad bet in Betfred’s handicaps at 4/6 with a goal start but the best way to bash the bookies is to avoid taking sides altogether and opt for a more neutral approach by going for goals.
The pair have been in decent form so far in terms of scoring, Lennon’s charges notching a dozen times in four home games and the ‘Gers firing ten on the road and with plenty of capable attackers potentially on show, both teams should register (8/11, William Hill) while a total of three or more looks a banker at evens with Stan James.
The brave can go even further by backing the clash at 5/2 () to produce at least four goals and the scoring could start early so 888Sport’s 5/6 for the deadlock to be broken inside the half-hour mark is tempting.
Gary Hooper has three in three for the hosts and will attract a few quid at 11/2 with Coral to open the scoring. Kenny Miller is also well fancied for the first goal at 6s (Totesport) having averaged more than a goal a game for Rangers but the anytime goalscorer market might be the better option, especially as in-form Steven Naismith is a whopping 10/3 with bet365 to add to his tally at some point.
Collum meanwhile, is bound to be a busy man and he’s 2/1 (888Sport) to brandish a red card.
Recommended Bets:
Over 2.5 goals – evens (Stan James)
Steven Naismith to score at any time – 10/3 (bet365)
