After what was a poor weekend of betting for me last weekend, once again I tackle another round of games in Scottish football in conjunction with our betting partners Ladbrokes.
Last night saw Inverness secure a 3-1 over highland rivals Ross County. Terry Butcher’s side were 5/4 to win the game. Straight away that bet was gubbed as I went for a draw at 11/5.
Scottish Premier League
And so to today’s games.
Hibernian play host to SPL new boys Dundee at Easter Road. Both teams are looking to bounce back from defeats last weekend. Dundee were beaten 3-1 at Dens Park by St.Johnstone, while Hibs travelled north to Pittodrie and promptly returned to Edinburgh on the back of a 2-1 defeat.
Hibs have no fresh injury worries, with Danny Galbraith the only player unavailable, while new signing Tom Taiwo is still trying to gain match fitness.
Meanwhile Dundee could welcome back Davide Grassi from injury, although skipper Stephen O’Donnell and strikers Carl Finnigan and Mark Stewart are all out injured.
Ladbrokes are tipping Hibernian as favourites for the match at odds of 4/6, with a draw coming in at 11/4. Dundee are up against it and Ladbrokes have given odds of 4/1 for a Dundee win to reflect this
Prediction: I cannot see past a Hibernian victory against Dundee. The SFL runners up were not ready for the jump up to the SPL caused by the demise of Rangers and their form and league position denotes this. Hibernian meanwhile, are in a rich vein of form despite the blip against Aberdeen last weekend and will defeat Dundee.
Score: Hibernian 3-0 Dundee
After wins against Hearts [3-1] and Hibernian [2-1] respectively, Kilmarnock play host to Aberdeen at Rugby Park.
Kilmarnock welcome back Borja Perez to the squad after recovering from injury. Paul Heffernan, Jeroen Tesselaar, Cammy Bell and Garry Hay are still out long term. But with Cillian Sheridan bagging himself a hattrick last weekend, Aberdeen will have to collar the former Celtic and St.Johnstone striker otherwise they could be made to pay.
Meanwhile Aberdeen are waiting on Jonny Hayes, who had been struggling with a knock, while Rob Milson could return for Craig Brown’s side. Following surgery, Rory Fallon is ruled out along with Gary Naysmith.
Prediction: Despite the players at their disposal, I see a draw written all over this game, despite the scoring prowess of Killie striker Cillian Sheridan. Ladbrokes are offering the draw at 9/4, while a Killie win has odds of 6/4. Aberdeen meanwhile are at odds of 9/5 to take all three points.
Score: Kilmarnock 2-2 Aberdeen
After both sides were soundly beaten by Celtic [2-0] and Inverness Caledonian Thistle [4-0] respectively, Motherwell welcome a struggling Dundee United side to Fir Park. Stuart McCall’s side will be confident of all three points against a United side that has conceded seven goals to only one goal scored away from home.
Steven Hammell returns to the Motherwell squad following injury. Adam Cummins is out through suspension, while Steven Saunders, Stuart Carswell and Lee Erwin are out through injury.
Dundee United are without Barry Douglas, with the defender away on compassionate grounds. Gregory Vignal is on the subs bench as he continues to regain match fitness. Gary MacKay Steven is still out injured.
Prediction: Dundee United have struggled all season and sitting second from bottom, its not looking good for Peter Houston’s side. Today’s game will be tough for United once more and I expect Motherwell to bounce back, from their defeat last weekend to Celtic, with a victory today. Ladbrokes are offering odds of 11/8 for Motherwell to win, while Dundee United are 2/1 to secure three valuable points. The draw sits at 11/5.
Score: Motherwell 2-1 Dundee United
St.Johnstone, fresh from firing three past Dundee last week, play host to St.Mirren are McDiarmid Park. The Buddies were in a hard fought nine goal thriller last weekend against Ross County, but came out on top eventually. Today’s game will not be a repeat of that, but I do expect goals.
St Johnstone are missing strikers Steven MacLean and Rowan Vine through injury and suspension respectively. The Perth Saints have only 13 fit players ahead of the game, with Callum Davidson and Jamie Adams expected to miss out through injury.
St.Mirren were dealt a blow this week, with the news that creative playmaker Paul McGowan is to undergo surgery on a shoulder injury on Monday.
Prediction: With both sides hit, I am going for a draw. There will be goals but I expect a 1-1 scoreline. Ladbrokes are sticking odds of 11/5 on for the draw, while St.Johnstone are 13/10 for a home victory and 12/10 for an away win.
Score: St.Johnstone 1-1 St.Mirren
Lower League bets
I have one for two lower league games this weekend also. Morton v Partick Thistle in the First Division and Stirling Albion v Rangers in the Third Division.
Morton play host to First Division league leaders Partick Thistle, but I am tipping the Jags to secure all three points at odds of 5/4. Morton are 9/5 for the win, while the draw sits at 5/2.
Second placed Rangers travel to basement side Stirling Albion in the Third Division, as they look to overcome their dismal away form in the lower leagues. With Andy Little still out and Rangers hit by injuries to Dean Shiels and Fran Sandaza it will be hard going for Rangers once more.
Stirling Albion are 12/1 to win the game, while Rangers are 1/7 to win. However, I am going for a draw at 13/2 not a decision that will find me any favour with the Rangers support.
So if you are looking to place a cheeky wee bet on a game today then click on the graphic ad below. But always remember to gamble responsibly.
