Live on Sky Sports 1 & BBC Scot: Sat 12.15, Sun 12.30 & 15.30: We have three picks in Scotland, including a 4/1 double (BetVictor).
Disrupted by a series of meaningless international friendlies, the domestic fixture list offers a return to normality and competitive action this weekend as the season heads towards its serious business end.
Against this compelling backdrop, the sixth-round Scottish Cup ties offer an opportunity from which punters can profit, even though three of the ties appear to be one-sided affairs at best. Bet365 price St Johnstone at 3/4 to beat Raith; Aberdeen are 1/3 to overhaul Dumbarton and Rangers are 1/12 to stave off the challenge of Albion Rovers. Individually, these prices offer little appeal, but placing a tenner on a win treble would, assuming all three favourites won, provide a return at odds of just over 6/4 (bet365).
Sunday’s all-Premiership Scottish Cup contest between Inverness and Dundee United is a different matter. Three of the pair’s last five duels have ended with honours even and Stan James post 5/2 about it finishing level at 90 minutes this time.
Home advantage accounts for Inverness’s status as BetVictor’s 6/4 favourites, whereas United open priced at 9/5 by Skybet.
The likelihood of another stalemate has attracted significant attention to Ladbrokes’ even money for the teams to disappear for their half time cuppa with the scores level. Backers anticipating a similar outcome at 90 minutes can get 6/1 (Winner.com) against it finishing 1-1.
In the Premiership, Motherwell have a chance to close the gap on Aberdeen in the race for second place when they travel to Easter Road on Saturday. Motherwell have beaten Hibs 1-0 on two occasions already this term and their 13/8 price (Betway) is a reflection of the fact that they’ve emerged victorious from each of the duo’s last four encounters.
Despite enjoying home advantage, Hibs kick off as Paddy Power’s marginal 7/4 underdogs, but the 8/1 posted by William Hill against the Steelmen defeating their Edinburgh rivals 1-0 for the third time this season cannot be discounted.
Kilmarnock have won both of their contests with Hearts this season without conceding a goal and their 4/5 price (Stan James) to make it three wins from three has the look of a banker about it. BetVictor.com price Killie at 11/8 to keep another clean sheet as bet365 post 4/1 about them winning by two clear goals.
Recommended Bets:
Treble on St Johnstone, Aberdeen and Rangers – 6/4 (bet365)
Double on Motherwell and Kilmarnock – 4/1 (BetVictor)
Inverness v Dundee Utd draw – 5/2 (Stan James)
Compare all Scottish Cup and Premiership odds and bet at the best price.
