Sat 15.00 & Live on Sky Sports 4, Sun 12.30: Peter Sharkey has four Scottish Premiership picks including a tempting 4/1 shot at BetVictor.
Recent analysis suggests that punters could be missing a trick when placing their weekend bets. Instead of being lured by lengthy odds against a forward notching a hat-trick, for instance, it appears that backers would do better to examine the time at which goals are scored.
Last weekend, for example, there were 17 goals scored in Scotland’s top flight, of which nine, or 56 percent, came in the second half. Rarely does this ratio change, although it’s worth noting that this is an aggregate total. Nevertheless, the 11/10 odds posted by Ladbrokes against the second period being the highest-scoring of the two when St Johnstone travel to Dundee on Saturday looks attractive, as does Paddy Power’s 10/11 for the game’s last goal to arrive after the 72nd minute.
The Saints won the corresponding fixture 3-1 last term and BetVictor’s 4/1 for St Johnstone to enjoy a one-goal margin of victory on Saturday holds obvious appeal.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s recent hiccup ensures they head to Inverness priced as Stan James’s 23/10 underdogs to claim three points, whereas Thistle, who beat the Accies 2-0 earlier in the season, kick off as William Hill’s 6/5 favourites; Skybet post 12/5 about the draw.
It’s no surprise to see Kilmarnock open as bet365’s 10/11 favourites to overhaul Ross County, priced at 4/1 by Skybet. They’ve done it once already this term and in six meetings with Ross have suffered just a single defeat. Not surprisingly, the 4/1 offered by Winner.com for Killie to emerge victorious following a drawn first period has attracted steady support.
St Mirren and Partick have locked horns on two occasions already this season, registering one win apiece. Accordingly, Betway’s 9/2 for each half to finish on level terms holds significant appeal, as does the 4/6 available at BetVictor.com for both teams to find the net. Home advantage accounts for the Saints’ status as Paddy Power’s 11/8 jollies, but Ladbrokes’ 5/2 for it to end with honours even cannot be discounted.
Ominously for the rest, Celtic finally appear to have found their feet following eight wins in their last nine outings prior to Thursday night’s Europa League duel. It’s hardly a shock to see them installed as bet365’s 4/5 favourites to secure three points at Pittodrie on Sunday, while Aberdeen are priced at 4/1 by Stan James.
The champions beat the Dons 2-1 in September and another 2-1 Celtic win is priced at 7/1 by Betway.
Recommended Bets:
St Johnstone to beat Dundee by one – 4/1 (BetVictor)
St Mirren and Partick to draw – 5/2 (Ladbrokes)
Inverness and Kilmarnock double – 16/5 (bet365)
Celtic to beat Aberdeen 2-1 – 7/1 (Betway)
Compare all Scottish Premiership odds and bet at the best price.
