EVER wondered how bookies are sizing up the weekend card. Here's the thoughts from inside camps at 188BET and BetVictor.
There's a look ahead at Sunday's League Cup Final at Hampden between Hibs and Ross County, a preview of today's Scottish card and thoughts on the remaining three FA Cup quarter-finals.
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The League Cup Final between Hibs and Ross County looks set to be a close affair but the odds defy each team’s league status. Championship side Hibs are favourites at 2.30 (13-10) to the SPL’s County at 2.8 (9-5).
Hibs fans have as much experience as any of feeling so close yet so far and having not won in their last four it could prove another day of heartbreak for them.
Last week we touched on the how inconsistent the Staggies were and so it proved in their home defeat to Dundee United in the Scottish Cup.
You never know what you’re going to get with them but this time they could get it right and a County win by one goal is 4.5 (7-2) with 188BET.
It’s cup weekend south of the border with the FA Cup quarter-finals being played. The most interesting game could be Chelsea’s trip to Everton today.
The Toffees have all the right ingredients but boss Roberto Martinez continually finds ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. This reason plus the fact the FA Cup is now Chelsea’s only hope of silverware in a disappointing season makes the away win look attractive at 2.6 (8-5). A win for the Toffees is 2.45 (29-20).
On Monday Leicester will be looking to at least maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League with what should be a routine win at home to Newcastle who have Rafa Benitez in charge.
Even with the former Liverpool man at the helm the 1.54 (about 8-15) with 188BET for a Leicester victory is well worth taking.
A 2-0 or even 3-0 win should be on the cards at 7.5 (13-2) and 12.0 (11-1) with one of the players of the season Riyad Mahrez likely to be at the forefront. After a quiet few games Mahrez has hit back in style. He leads the way with 15 goals and 11 assists.
If Mahrez scores (a 2.75 chance or 7-4) 188BET will refund all losing first/anytime scorer, correct score, double result and both teams to score bets up to £50.
Weekend Best Bet
Chelsea (2.6)
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CELTIC beat Morton in the Cup in second gear last week and will need to be much better at Partick Thistle for today’s early kick-off. Thistle gave Aberdeen a tough time in midweek and are 8-1 with the draw 4-1.
The Jags have won three of their last six top-flight games but Ronny Deila’s side have hardly been flying at the top and struggled to draws with Hamilton and Dundee. At the prices they must be taken on.
Anyone who believes in the Hoops must do so at 21-10 to win and both teams to score as opposed to the 2-5 to leave Firhill with all three points.
Celtic striker and likely Golden Boot winner Leigh Griffiths should prove a constant threat but looks on the skinny side at both 5-2 to break the deadlock and at 4-6 to net anytime.
The Jags boast a defence that is only bettered by the big three of Hearts, Aberdeen and Celtic and if they were to cause something of an upset they are likely to win by the solitary goal. Partick are 22-1 to beat Celtic 1-0.
Dropped points for Celtic would mean an excellent chance for both Aberdeen and Hearts, 8-1 and 100-1 respectively for the title, to make up ground on the Hoop.
Aberdeen are the most realistic danger and could go top with a defeat of Kilmarnock at Pittodrie. The Dons are 4-11 favourites to better Killie on home soil with the visitors 8-1 and draw 4-1.
Hearts look set for the bronze medal in the Premiership but can edge ever nearer to the Dons with a win at Dundee and look overpriced at 7-5 to turn the Dees over at Dens. The hosts are 2-1 and the draw 12-5.
In the Championship, Alloa have lost 16 of their last 20 games so Raith look attractive at 4-5. Dumbarton look a fair price at 17-4 to shock Falkirk on home soil with the Bairns short at 4-6.
Charlie McCann
In December 2020 we sadly 
