Live on Skysports 1 & BBC Scot: Sun 12.30 & 14.30: Peter Sharkey looks at matters in Scotland and fancies a tasty 13/2 treble at Hills.
Dundee United v Ross County is the SPL’s only fixture on Saturday, though it’s one where Ross, boasting back-to-back away league wins, appear a little over-priced at 7/2 (Stan James) to secure three points. The Terrors, without a home league win since August, kick off as bet365’s 5/6 jollies.
Punters may feel that the draw, priced at 11/4 by BetVictor.com, offers greater appeal, although bolder sorts might be tempted by Paddy Power’s 12/1 for Ross to register a 1-0 victory.
Two of the last six encounters between Aberdeen and Hibs have ended all-square, with the other four settled by a single goal. The Dons have beaten Hibs twice already this term and as they benefit from home advantage on Sunday, their 6/5 odds (Skybet) to record another victory looks good value, as does the 3/1 posted by bet365 against them winning by a one goal margin.
Later on Sunday, Dundee host Kilmarnock with the visitors installed as Stan James’s 8/5 favourites. The pair drew 0-0 at Rugby Park in August and the likelihood of another goalless encounter is considered an 11/1 shot by Skybet. BetVictor’s 8/1 for Killie to win 2-1 has attracted support, as has Ladbrokes’ 9/2 for both halves to finish in stalemate.
According to bookies, the outcome of at least one of the weekend’s League Cup semi finals is a foregone conclusion. Celtic have won their last 11 league matches against St Mirren, conceding only one goal in the process; no wonder they’re 1/3 (William Hill) to do so again on Sunday.
Paddy Power chalk even money against the Hoops retaining another clean sheet and when kicking off with a one goal deficit, BetVictor.com offer Celtic at 5/6 to win.
By contrast, Saturday’s tie between Inverness and Hearts promises to be a much closer affair. Five of the pair’s last seven league duels have ended in stalemate, a statistic which adds appeal to Ladbrokes’ 9/4 marked against another draw.
Terry Butcher’s men start as Stan James’s 6/4 favourites, with Hearts priced at 17/10 at bet365. Not surprisingly, Skybet’s 6/1 for it to finish 1-1 has proved popular, but punters anticipating a narrow success for the high-flying Highlanders can get 7/1 (William Hill) against them winning 1-0.
Recommended Bets:
Treble on Aberdeen, Celtic and Inverness – 13/2 (William Hill)
Ross County to beat Dundee United – 7/2 (Stan James)
Compare all Scottish football odds and bet at the best price.
