Peter Sharkey previews the weekend action in Scottish Premier League. Compare odds. | Live Scores
Although they’ve been scoring at a rate of more than two goals per home match, second-placed Inverness prepare for their duel with Celtic on Saturday lunchtime having experienced an indifferent recent run, winning only two of their last half dozen league games. It means that, though they beat Celtic 1-0 at Parkhead in November, Stan James prices them at a massive 5/1 to secure maximum points, whereas Celtic kick off as Coral’s 4/7 favourites.
Bet365 offer the draw at an attractive 7/1, but as the champions have won seven of their last eight SPL fixtures, it’s difficult to see them slipping up this weekend. Accordingly, Ladbrokes’ 17/2 for the Hoops to win 2-0 catches the eye, while for contrarians, Skybet chalk 8/1 about a 1-1 finish.
Following four consecutive league stalemates which sandwiched a League Cup draw, Aberdeen finally ended a run of matches in which they had shared the honours with St Mirren by beating them 4-1 in November. Little wonder that on Saturday, armed with the benefit of home advantage, they’re 11/10 (bet365) to record another victory.
BetVictor.com price the Dons at 15/8 to lead at the end of both halves as William Hill post 10/1 about a 2-0 home win.
Hearts have won both of their duels with Dundee United this term having failed to overhaul them in their previous six encounters. They’re 11/5 (bet365) to secure three points on Saturday, but as they’ve managed only one away win all season, the draw, priced at 12/5 by Skybet, has proved popular. Indeed, Dundee United’s home form (two wins from 12 matches) enhances the stalemate’s appeal – BetVictor.com post 18/5 about a score draw, while Ladbrokes mark a goalless outcome at 10/1.
Kilmarnock and Motherwell have drawn on four of their last six occasions they’ve met and BetVictor’s 6/1 for it to finish 1-1 has proved attractive enough for some punters to take the plunge. However, third-placed ‘Well look the more likely winners – they haven’t played since 20th January, while Killie’s last league win came on Boxing Day. Motherwell look well priced at 11/8 (Paddy Power) to secure victory, although Stan James’s 12/5 for it to end all square cannot be discounted.
Finally, Hibs host St Johnstone at Easter Road on Monday night seeking their first win in five SPL outings. They’ve beaten the Saints twice already this season without conceding and, as the pair have not registered a draw in their last half a dozen duels, Coral’s 2/1 for Hibs to beat a side that crashed out of the Cup at St Mirren last week looks decent value.
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