Sat 15.00: A draw (7/2, BetVictor) as Celtic face Inverness is one of Peter Sharkey’s three picks in the Scottish Premiership this weekend.
A touch of nostalgia returns to Scotland this weekend with every top flight match kicking off at 3pm on Saturday and just like old times, fans heading to Parkhead will be afforded the opportunity to watch the league leaders in action – though it’s not Celtic, but their opponents Inverness who top the Premiership table.
Considering Thistle have accumulated maximum points from three games, it’s a surprise to see them quoted at 15/2 (bet365) to secure another three. Celtic, who won three of the pair’s four duels last term, are offered at 1/2 by Stan James, but BetVictor’s massive 7/2 odds, posted about the stalemate, has attracted considerable support.
Elsewhere, Ladbrokes chalk 7/2 against Celtic emerging victorious following a drawn first period, while Betway post 13/2 about both halves finishing with honours even.
Meanwhile, St Johnstone head to Dundee United for a fixture that has proved extremely tight over the past few seasons. Five of the pair’s last eight contests have ended with honours even. Another stalemate, priced at 12/5 by Betfred, cannot be discounted, although as St Johnstone won the corresponding fixture 1-0 last season, a 1-0 success for the Perthshire side at Tannadice is considered an 8/1 shot by Ladbrokes.
The astonishing fact about matches between Hearts and Aberdeen is not that they drew twice last term, but that only once in their last 13 meetings in all competitions have both sides scored. It’s a peculiar statistic which may persuade punters to back one of the sides to win without conceding: it’s a market in which Skybet offers the Dons at 11/4 and the Jambos at 9/2.
Hibs and Kilmarnock have drawn two of their last three contests and a third is priced at 12/5 (winner.com) when they renew acquaintances on Saturday. Home advantage accounts for Killie’s status as Paddy Power’s 6/4 jollies, whereas the Easter Road outfit are William Hill’s 21/10 underdogs.
Winless and pointless, Ross County welcome St Mirren to Victoria Park for a duel that is difficult to call. Having produced 14 goals in their first two contests last term, their third encounter ended goalless. Ross start as bet365’s 13/8 favourites with the Saints available at 19/10 (Stan James). BetVictor’s even money for the fixture to yield more than 2.5 goals looks decent value, as does the 10/3 (Skybet) for it to end as a score draw.
Recommended Bets:
Celtic and Inverness to draw – 7/2 (BetVictor)
Aberdeen to beat Hearts ‘to nil’ – 11/4 (Skybet)
Ross County and St Mirren to be a score draw – 10/3 (Skybet)
Compare all Scottish Premiership odds and bet at the best price.
