Live on ESPN & SS4: Sun 12.00 & 15.00: Peter Sharkey fancies Hearts & Motherwell at 9/2 (888Sport) & a draw double in the SPL this week.
All three of this term’s meetings between Dundee United and St Johnstone have finished with honours even, a run which means that five of the pair’s last seven encounters have ended as draws. No wonder BetVictor’s 12/5 odds posted about another stalemate have proved so popular. The Terrors are 6/4 (Stan James) to win while the Saints’ lengthy-looking 9/5 price (bet365) to secure maximum points is explained by the fact that they haven’t beaten United since October 2009.
There has been only one away success in the last dozen league duels involving Hearts and St Mirren, a statistic which adds considerable appeal to BetVictor’s 6/5 for the Edinburgh team to win. St Mirren (11/4, Paddy Power) still need a point to secure their SPL berth, but the Jambos’ 11/4 price (Skybet) to enjoy a one goal margin of victory has received enthusiastic support.
Second-placed Motherwell head to the Highlands in fine fettle. On current form, they’re the most potent side in the land, securing 20 points from their last eight matches. Their record against Inverness this season (P3, W3 F12 A2) explains their status as Ladbrokes’ 8/5 jollies, whereas Thistle are quoted at 2/1 (bet365) and BetVictor’s 10/1 for Motherwell to win 1-0 looks outstanding value.
On current form, both Celtic and Aberdeen have the top flight’s worst away records, the duo accumulating just two points apiece from their last five outings. Celtic (5/6, Stan James) head to Ross (9/2, Paddy Power), mindful that they surrendered a two-goal lead when they sides last met in March and lost 3-2.
Despite their poor away form, the Dons too start as favourites (6/5, BetVictor.com) to overhaul Dundee (13/5, Skybet), but this is no foregone conclusion, especially as Dundee have secured 15 points from their last eight league matches and still have a mathematical chance of remaining in the SPL.
Finally, as each of the last two league meetings between Kilmarnock and Hibs have finished with honours even, bet365’s 23/10 for more of the same looks a decent bet. Stan James post 11/2 about a 1-1 finish.
Recommended Bets:
Double on Hearts and Motherwell – 9/2 (888Sport)
Double on draws at Dundee Utd and Kilmarnock – 21/2 (Betfred)
Compare all SPL odds and bet at the best price.
