Live on SS4 & Alba: Sun 12.45 & 16.05: A couple of doubles, one at 15/2 (BetVictor) are two of our three Scottish Premiership picks this week.
Boosted by their midweek Champions League success, a result that keeps their slim hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive, Celtic return to Premiership action with a visit to Partick Thistle.
Domestically, the Hoops head to Firhill on the back of a draw at Hibs but they will be heavily backed at 2/5 with Betfred to win this one and maintain their advantage at the top of the table.
The hosts, Coral’s 8/1 outsiders, saw off Inverness last time out, which could put a few punters off Neil Lennon’s boys but it’s worth remembering that the Jags are without a home win this term and the visitors look decent value at 31/20 (Coral) to prevail ‘to nil’.
Dundee United are looking to tighten their grip on a top six berth as they host St Mirren but as the Buddies have picked up consecutive victories, Totesport’s 8/11 about a Terrors triumph at Tannadice is a touch risky. That’s not to say punters should pile into the visitors (9/2, Skybet) or even BetVictor’s 14/5 stalemate quote; instead, opting for Hills’ evens for both teams to find the net seems the wisest play.
The 3-0 reverse at Inverness aside, Hibs are in fine form and with confidence high at Easter Road following the draw with Celtic last time out, Pat Fenlon’s troops look huge at 85/40 (BetVictor) to get the better of Aberdeen.
If it’s anything like last season’s encounters, when there were just four goals in the four league meetings, it could be a tight affair, so a case can be made for a home win by one at 7/2 (bet365).
If Hearts are going to wipe out their points deduction soon, victories against the likes of Kilmarnock are crucial but the Jambos will kick-off as Paddy Power’s 21/10 outsiders at Rugby Park having taken just one point from their last six league matches.
Killie ended their long wait for a victory last weekend, beating Ross County, but there’s no guarantee that the corner has been turned so they make for little appeal at 11/8 with Coral, especially as they have the leakiest home defence in the division. Indeed, that statistic suggests both sides will score (10/11, Hills).
St Johnstone and Motherwell are proving hard to separate ahead of their McDiarmid Park battle, Ladbrokes rating both at 13/8 and Stan James marginally opting for Saints by making the Steelmen a 7/4 chance. Inevitably, punters will therefore go for the draw at 12/5 with Betfred. However, I’m tempted to give ‘Well the nod in light of their superior form, albeit it should be a close one in Perthshire.
Recommended Bets:
Celtic to beat Partick ‘to nil’ – 31/20 (Coral)
Both teams to score double at Dundee Utd & Kilmarnock – 14/5 (William Hill)
Double on Hibs & Motherwell – 15/2 (BetVictor)
Compare all Scottish Premiership odds and bet at the best price.
