Live on SS1 & BBC1 Scot: Sat 12.45, Sun 12.45 & 15.00: Peter Sharkey looks at the Scottish Cup ties and fancies a couple of 2-0 wins.
Although St Mirren beat Celtic 3-2 in a League Cup tie in late January, the pair’s previous eight meetings were all won by the Hoops – without them conceding a goal. Paddy Power marks Neil Lennon’s men at a generous-looking 13/10 to retain a clean sheet in Saturday’s FA Cup encounter as Stan James offer them at 6/1 to register a 2-0 victory.
Saturday’s other tie is the all-Division One affair that pits Hamilton against Falkirk. Home advantage accounts for Hamilton’s status as Skybet’s marginal 9/5 jollies (Falkirk are 15/8 with Coral) and, as the sides have drawn three of their last five league meetings, BetVictor’s 12/5, posted about the stalemate cannot be discounted. The same applies to bet365’s 3/1 odds for it to end as a score draw.
Dundee United have won each of their SPL duels against Dundee by the same 3-0 margin this season, hence their even money price (William Hill) to secure another victory when the sides meet again on Sunday lunchtime. BetVictor’s 5/2, marked about the draw, catches the eye, although Stan James’s massive 9/1 for United to win 2-0 has proved understandably popular.
Kilmarnock v Hibs promises to be much closer than the Dundee derby. Hibs beat Killie 1-0 in the Cup last term, since when they’ve won two (and drawn one) of the pair’s four subsequent league encounters. Ladbrokes offer them at 2/1 to win on Sunday whereas Paddy Power rate Kilmarnock a 7/5 shot. BetVictor’s 11/2 for it to finish 1-1 has found favour amongst backers, as has bet365’s 13/2 for Kilmarnock to win 1-0.
Recommended Bets:
Celtic to beat St Mirren 2-0 – 6/1 (Stan James)
Dundee Utd to beat Dundee 2-0 – 9/1 (Stan James)
Compare all Scottish Cup odds and bet at the best price.
