Live on BBC1 Scot & Sky Sports 2: Sat & Sun 12.15: Peter Sharkey has three Scottish picks this week including an 18/1 upset (Skybet).
Aberdeen could cement the Premiership’s runners-up spot by overhauling Dundee United at Pittodrie on Saturday, although this is far from being a foregone conclusion.
United beat the Dons 3-0 when the sides met in the granite city earlier in the campaign and although Aberdeen would later avenge this unexpected turnaround with a 2-0 win at Tannadice, it’s fair to say that the Terrors will hardly be shaking in their boots as they prepare for Saturday’s contest. Nonetheless, Stan James price United at an enormous 9/2 to overhaul their hosts, while bet365 install the Dons at 8/13 to win.
However, given this fixture’s recent history, taking the 6/1 offered by Winner.com for it to finish one apiece could pay dividends, though less precise punters may prefer Betway’s 10/3 for it to end as a score draw.
The Championship duo of Hibs and Falkirk contest the Scottish Cup’s first semi-final on Saturday, a tie the Edinburgh side kick off as 5/6 favourites (Skybet) to win. This appears a little too skinny, especially as Falkirk have already beaten the Easter Road outfit twice in the league this term and staged a comeback to draw 3-3 when trailing 3-1 earlier in the campaign. Given these results, their 3/1 odds (BetVictor.com) to win inside 90 minutes look far too frothy.
In other markets, Falkirk are 13/2 at Ladbrokes to win without conceding, while Winner.com offer 9/2 against them enjoying a one-goal margin of victory.
On Sunday, Celtic and Inverness meet for the second time in eight days with a cup final berth at stake and very little to choose between the sides. They drew 1-1 at Inverness last Saturday, both goals coming inside the first four minutes. Bet365 chalk 3/1 against the tie’s opening strike arriving inside the first ten minutes this time.
Considering they’ve drawn and lost to Inverness in three league contests this term, Celtic kick off as William Hill’s surprisingly short 4/9 jollies, whereas the Jags open as Paddy Power’s massive 13/2 outsiders and Stan James mark another stalemate at 3/1. On paper, Celtic should win, a conclusion which explains why a 2-0 win for the Hoops is priced at 6/1 by BetVictor.com. However, this is a cup semi final and Skybet’s massive 18/1 for Inverness to upset the applecart and record a 1-0 victory looks too good to miss.
Recommended Bets:
Aberdeen v Dundee Utd score draw – 10/3 (betway)
Falkirk to beat Hibs – 3/1 (BetVictor)
Inverness to beat Celtic 1-0 – 18/1 (Skybet)
Compare all Scottish Premiership odds and bet at the best price.
