Live on ESPN: Wed 19.45: Hearts are 6/1 to beat Celtic (Ladbrokes) while Rangers are 11/8 to beat Hibs with a 1 goal handicap (888sport).
HEARTS have split opinion with their superb run of 12 SPL games without defeat. Some say it’s a flash in the pan while others reckon they can split the Old Firm as they did in 2006.
I’ll reserve judgment until next Wednesday – by which time we might have the answer.
On that night Jim Jefferies’ men could be sitting proudly top of the table or the worst scenario is they’re trailing leaders Celtic by 13 points.
During that spell the Jambos face the Hoops away tonight, are at home to St Johnstone on Saturday and Rangers away next Wednesday – and remember this weekend the Old Firm are in Co-op Cup action so won’t be picking up league points.
Hearts have been cut to a biggest 9/1 with Paddy Power to lift the title but that’s a big ask and more realistic is William Hill’s 9/2 they split the Old Firm.
Bet365 make Hearts 4/11 to finish third and they are 16/1 to finish fourth or worse.
Jefferies’ side will be on a high at Parkhead after beating Rangers and Celtic have major troubles in defence.
The Jambos are a best 6/1 with William Hill and Ladbrokes but you can keep the draw on side by taking them at 6/4 with Hills plus one.
Celtic are short at 4/7 with Stan James and I fancy the draw at 10/3 at bet365. Anthony Stokes has netted in his last three and is 4/1 with Skybet to score first.
Jambos’ Kevin Kyle could be back from injury and will fancy his chances against a makeshift defence. He is 17/2 at bet365.
Hearts are 25/1 with Hills to win tonight and go on to be champions and 6/1 to win and not take the title. Celtic are evens to win and regain their crown and 5/2 to win and fail.
It looks a much easier task tonight for Rangers who head for a Hibs side really treading water.
The Ibrox men won’t want to slip up in the capital for the second time in five days and should justify the skinny odds of 1/2 with Ladbrokes.
Minus one the Gers are 11/8 with 888sport and it’s 13/5 minus two at sportingbet. Nikica Jelavic almost marked his return with a goal at Tynecastle but was denied by the bar. He should start tonight and is 4/1 with Betfred and bet365 to score first.
Elsewhere, best bets must be Aberdeen at Inverness. Craig Brown suffered his first defeat in charge at Parkhead at the weekend but the 1-0 result showed how much his men have improved.
Inverness have amassed just nine points at home so Dons look great value at 23/10 with Coral.
I was disappointed at St Johnstone failing to score at home to St Mirren and if they’re as poor in front of goal Motherwell could nick a win. Consider them at 15/8 at .
In the final SPL clash St Mirren could notch a point against draw experts Dundee United (23/10, Betfred).
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