In a potentially pivotal week for Scottish football, it seems fitting that what remains its best-loved, most easily understood competition returns on Saturday lunchtime with Rangers travelling to Dundee United for what promises to be a cracking tie. Rangers kick off priced as Stan James’s 3/1 underdogs to win.
However, punters who suspect that, despite their underdog status, ‘Gers are capable of winning, may fancy Coral’s 5/1 posted in favour of them emerging victorious following a drawn opening period.
Later on Saturday, Kilmarnock host high-flying Inverness with both teams quoted at 8/5 (BetVictor.com) to claim victory. Skybet rate the likelihood of both halves ending in stalemate as a 9/2 shot, while Stan James mark 11/2 about it finishing 1-1.
Elsewhere, Falkirk (1/2, William Hill), should see off Forfar’s challenge and Dunfermline (8/11, Paddy Power) are likely to have too much for Hamilton.
Meanwhile, St Johnstone head to Love Street for their tie against St Mirren.
The sides have met twice in the league this term, St Johnstone securing four points from the two duels, which included a fiery 1-1 draw at St Mirren in December that finished with the Perthshire side reduced to nine men.
Yet despite St Johnstone’s recent hegemony, few bookmakers expect any reward for them on Saturday, BetVictor.com installing the home team as their 6/4 favourites to win. By contrast, St Johnstone kick off as bet365’s 9/5 underdogs, while Stan James offers the draw at an attractive 23/10.
Sunday’s three ties get under way at 12.45 when Raith Rovers welcome Celtic to Stark’s Park; it’s a match the first division side kick off as Ladbrokes’ 12/1 underdogs. That’s hardly surprising as the champions are 1/4 (Skybet) to cruise to victory. As an alternative, punters can get 15/8 (bet365) against Celtic winning when starting with a two goal deficit, while a 3-0 away win is priced at 13/2 by BetVictor.com.
Despite their league troubles, Dundee (6/5, Stan James), should beat Morton, which leaves the stage free for Hibs v Aberdeen.
The pair have met three times in the SPL this term, the Dons winning twice with last week’s encounter finishing goalless. Coral chalk 6/4 about a Hibs victory, while Aberdeen are quoted at 13/8 by Ladbrokes. It’s worth noting that three of the pair’s last seven duels have ended 0-0 – another goalless encounter is considered an 8/1 shot by bet365.
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