THE only online bookmaker listing first-scorer prices on all SPFL games are McBookie .com.
It’s a great service they provide and we’ve teamed up with the Scots firm to look at some of the best bets from the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership.
Here is McBookie.com’s Damian Walker with his week one selections.
He says: “It’s been a while but thank goodness Scottish football is back, albeit just the top tier.
“I’m starting this week’s column with the Ross County v Motherwell game on Monday night.
“Motherwell were a side I was with from the start of last season tipping them in this column at 6-4 for a top-six finish. They weren’t satisfied with that though and over-achieved massively with a third placing.
“Well have done well to hang on to boss Stephen Robinson after he was favourite for a couple of jobs in the close
season, notably the Northern Ireland gig.
“I’d worry about whether he will see the season out with them for antepost bets but in the meantime they are
worth backing to continue their fantastic progress under Robinson.
“And the fixture computer has provided them with a nice chance to get their 2020-21 campaign off to a flyer with
three points away to Ross County.
“Robinson has not hung about with the cheque book and completed all his signings in the shape of Wigan forward Callum Lang on loan including Nathan McGinley, Jordan White, Scott Fox, Ricki Lamie and Jake Hastie.
“And he has the bonus of David Turnbull returning following the knee surgery that scuppered his £3million move
to Celtic.
“Whether Robinson can hang on to some of his existing squad is another matter but as it stands Motherwell are in
a great position to make a quick start and their odds of 23-20 look very decent.
“Well striker Chris Long joined last summer on a free from Blackpool and that looked good business with him
returning seven league goals from 21 starts.
“Long is 11-2 with McBookie to get his and Well’s season off to a great start with the opening goal of the game.
“The season gets underway with a fantastic clash in front of the cameras but behind closed doors between
Aberdeen and Rangers.
“I’m sure both clubs would rather not have had this as their opening game but Rangers might be the better prepared having put in some decent performances in pre-season, notably a 2-0 win over Lyon in the Veolia
Trophy.
“That performance was reminiscent of Rangers’ play in the first half of last season before they fell apart after the
winter break.
“They moved the ball quickly and kept their shape extremely well and Rangers fans will be hoping for more of the
same.
“The summer signing of last season’s loanee Ianis Hagi is a huge boost to their chances this term and he can
open the scoring at 11-2 with McBookie.
“Remember the Dons will be without strikers Sam Cosgrove and Curtis Main and that could play into Rangers' hands with Curtis Main their only fit forward.
“Finally, I expect Killie to struggle a bit this season while Hibs should continue their progress under Jack Ross, so
the odds against at 11-10 for a Hibs win at home to Killie appeals.
“Hibs’ Christian Doidge may not be fit in time for this and Florian Kamberi is in Switzerland waiting for a move out of Easter Road so prolific scorer and new signing Kevin Nisbet may be value to grab the opener at 4-1 with
McBookie.”
Damian's Diamonds
- Long (Motherwell) 11-2
- Hagi (Rangers) 11-2
- Nisbet (Hibs) 4-1