Live on Skysports 1: Sun 13.00: Rangers are overpriced at 3/1 (Blue Square) for an Old Firm derby win against SPL leaders Celtic.
There won’t be many punters that remember a time when Rangers were available at 3/1 to beat Celtic at Ibrox but that’s the unlikely price that Blue Square chalk against Ally McCoist’s troops today as they face their first Old Firm showdown since their troubles reached a nadir.
The Light Blues went into administration just over a month ago and their off-field problems have quickly had an impact on the pitch where they have subsequently lost three out of their last four games but a derby could be just the tonic the ‘Gers need and it might be worth taking advantage of odds that won’t be repeated any time soon.
The case for the hosts is strengthened by the fact that Killie were able to stun the Hoops, Boylesports’ 11/10 favourites this afternoon, in last week’s League Cup final, which in the grand scheme of things, was a far more important fixture.
The failure of Neil Lennon’s charges to chalk off the first leg of a potential treble will have hit the Hoops hard and a potentially galvanised Rangers look decent value at 5/1 (Ladbrokes) to capitalise by securing a one-goal margin of victory over their rivals, even if they do look a little light in attack.
McCoist’s men will be strengthened in defence by the return of Dorin Goian and Carlos Bocanegra but that might not be enough to keep the Bhoys’ front men at bay in a clash that is 8/11 with Skybet to see both teams find the net. However, Rangers’ rearguard returnees will allow Lee McCulloch to take up a more familiar advanced role and that can help the hosts to a 2-1 triumph, a result Partybets price at 12/1.
Moreover, McCulloch isn’t a bad outside flutter at 10/1 with bet365 to break the deadlock or at 10/3 (BetVictor) to notch at any stage. The midfielder has bagged a couple of goals in recent weeks and will be encouraged to get forward given that Ally McCoist isn’t blessed with an abundance of striking options at present.
Recommended Bets:
Rangers to beat Celtic – 3/1 (Blue Square)
Lee McCulloch to score at any time – 10/3 (BetVictor)
Compare all SPL odds and bet at the best price.
