We welcome guest writer Tommy O’Donnell, formerly of a certain bookmaker, who is now trying his arm at defeating his former employers. He previews the League Cup semi-final and Premiership matches before listing a couple of lower league tips. Enjoy your flutter this weekend, just remember to do it responsibly.
This weekend sees the usual splurge of league matches take place across the country alongside the semi finals of the Scottish League Cup, with two very intriguing ties in prospect there.
Previewed below are the main matches and betting recommendations across the card. Here are the 100% prices:
SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP
Morton v Aberdeen
On the face of it, a nice smooth passage for Aberdeen would seem almost guaranteed to another final under the excellent stewardship of Derek McInnes (incidentally, one of the favourites to replace Gordon Strachan in the national hotseat). However, it might not be quite as simple as the odds suggest (Aberdeen are a best priced 1/4). Morton under Jim Duffy have put together some decent results this season, in amongst the odd erratic performance. You can be sure this match will be one that the Morton players have been motivated for ever since the draw was made, add in the match being played at a half empty national stadium and the match could well end up in a bit of a grind for Aberdeen. Favourites? Yes. Certainties? No. There may also be some value in the Under 2.5 Goals market at 13/8. Unfortunately the prices aren’t quite short enough for us to get involved.
Prediction: Morton 0-1 Aberdeen.
Rangers v Celtic
Only a matter of weeks ago Celtic dismantled a Rangers side bereft of confidence and quality. Has much changed since then? Well, no, not really. Rangers have perhaps put together a couple of wins but performances remain below par and Celtic will again be able to exploit these if they can retain their early season form; form that was posted missing from start to finish against Monchengladbach on Wednesday evening. Celtic are favourites at a best priced 4/6. This price is correct and not something to be getting involved with.
Prediction : Rangers 0-2 Celtic.
SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
Inverness CT v Kilmarnock
Only last week we stated that Kilmarnock were overpriced in their match against St Johnstone and we managed to take advantage by suggesting Kilmarnock to score at least one goal at 8/13. This week, Kilmarnock are again overpriced but not quite enough for us to get involved in the betting markets. Inverness could also have performed better last week against Rangers, but we feel they are improving as the season gets into full flow and might be a particularly hard team to get anything from when at home.
Prediction: Inverness 2-1 Kilmarnock.
Partick Thistle v Ross County
A huge match for both sides, both craving a win but Partick needing it more than the away side. Alan Archibald’s side have been criticised for sitting on a narrow lead and being unable to see a match out this season and we think the same thing might play out here. However, like every match in the Premiership this week we won’t be getting involved in betting markets (that is saved for the lower leagues) as the prices are spot on.
Prediction: Partick 1-1 Ross County.
St Johnstone v Dundee
An intriguing match in Perth. Dundee are on a poor run of results, but recent performances against Celtic (very solid) and Hearts (woodwork hit four times) have been a great improvement. They are up against a very underrated side in Saints, but last week’s toothless defeat at home to Kilmarnock hardly inspires confidence. Tommy Wright will have his charges very motivated to make amends for that showing and we think they might just edge it – no value in the betting markets though and a watching brief is advised.
Prediction: St Johnstone 2-1 Dundee.
LOWER LEAGUES
Recommended Bets:
2pts – HIBERNIAN – Dunfermline v Hibernian – 4/5 @ Betfred
1pts – DUNDEE UNITED (-1.25 ASIAN HANDICAP) – Dundee United v Dumbarton – 1/1 @ Bet365
Written by Tommy O’Donnell – for up to the minute betting tips from the worlds of football and snooker, you can follow on @FootballAnd147 on Twitter.