SS4, ESPN & Alba: Sat 12.15, Sun 12.00 & 16.05: Inverness (11/10, Ladbrokes) Hearts and a trio of stalemates are Peter Sharkey’s SPL picks this week.
Celtic have failed to beat St Johnstone in three league matches this season, although the Saints head west priced as William Hill’s enormous 7/1 underdogs. Indeed, even when handed a one goal start by bet365, St Johnstone are still odds-against (13/8) to register a victory.
Not surprisingly, Stan James install the champions as their 8/15 favourites and BetVictor.com posts an eye-catching 7/2 about the stalemate. This latter price is worth noting, especially as two of the pair’s three league fixtures have finished with honours even.
Dundee and Kilmarnock have also drawn twice this term, with the Dark Blues winning the pair’s third duel 2-1. On current form, Dundee are second in the SPL table, so their 2/1 odds (Stan James) to secure three points appear a little frothy. Bet365 make Killie their 13/8 jollies, but BetVictor’s 12/5, posted about the stalemate, cannot be discounted.
After scoring 12 goals in their first two meetings this season, Inverness and Dundee United served up a goalless draw last time out.
Home advantage accounts for Thistle’s status as Ladbrokes’ 11/10 favourites as they seek to secure third spot; a 2-1 home win is considered an 8/1 shot by Skybet.
Six of the last seven league meetings between St Mirren and Aberdeen have finished on level terms and there’s little to suggest that run is about to come to a crashing halt. Paddy Power make the Dons their 17/10 favourites (St Mirren are 15/8 with bet365), but Ladbrokes’ 10/3 for it to end as a score draw catches the eye.
All three Edinburgh derbies have finished with honours even this season and the likelihood of a fourth is priced at 12/5 (Paddy Power). However, with Hibs bottom of the SPL’s current form table, Stan James’s 13/2 for Hearts to register a 1-0 victory looks decent value. Alternatively, Skybet price the Jambos at 6/5 to claim all three points.
Finally, at Fir Park the team with the lowest number of top flight clean sheets takes on the side with the highest number. It might surprise readers that Ross County (16/5, BetVictor.com) have kept opposing attacks at bay as frequently as Celtic, whereas second-placed Motherwell (evens, Skybet) have managed only five clean sheets this season. William Hill post 11/2 about it finishing 1-1.
Recommended Bets:
Double on Inverness and Hearts – 18/5 (Stan James)
Celtic and St Johnstone to draw – 7/2 (BetVictor)
Double on draws at Motherwell and St Mirren – 21/2 (Betfred)
Compare all SPL odds and bet at the best price.
