CELTIC meet Aberdeen for the third time in 10 days tonight – and the result could be the same as the first two meetings.
It was 1-0 at Parkhead but a much more convincing 4-1 at Hampden last Saturday in the Co-op Cup semi-finals. But even that was an improvement on the 9-0 battering they suffered at Parkhead earlier in the season when Mark McGhee was in charge.
With Kris Commons making an impressive debut the Hoops tore into the Dons and were 4-0 inside 34 minutes.
Pittodrie was once a stadium to fear, until McGhee took over, but Celtic have their tails up and should return home with three points. They are a best 1-2 with William Hill.
Their only concern is in defence with centre-halves Thomas Rogne and Daniel Majstorovic both out. They will be replaced by makeshift duo Charlie Mulgrew and Mark Wilson.
But to be fair to the Dons they usually net in this fixture. There have been goals galore in the Pittodrie meetings recently and more than 2.5 pays 3-4 at Ladbrokes and more than 3.5 is 2-1 at Hills.
Aberdeen have actually netted in their last home meetings with the Hoops and both teams to score pays 10-11 at William Hill.
Anthony Stokes is the hottest striker in the SPL right now and has hit eight in his last five games against the Dons. He is a best 4-1 with Ladbrokes to score first and 1-1 to net anytime.
Scott Vernon bagged Aberdeen's consolation on Saturday and is 10-1 with bet365 and Skybet to bag the opener. The Dons are a biggest 7-1 at Chandler to win with the draw 7-2 at the same firm.
You can even have Aberdeen at 8-13 plus two with Stan James but on the evidence of Hampden they'd need two goals in each half.
Celtic and Rangers kept their treble hopes alive by reaching the Co-op Cup Final at the weekend and William Hill offer 4-1 on either of them – who meet in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup on Sunday – claiming the domestic treble. For Celtic it's 7-1 and Rangers 10-1.
The other SPL game sees St Johnstone entertain Hamilton and this could be a draw. Hamilton have picked up since signing Mickael Antoine-Curier and he has netted in back-to-back draws against Inverness and Killie.
Antoine-Curier is 9-1 at bet365 to score first and decent value at 10-3 to net at any time with the draw paying 12-5 with Paddy Power.
Saints were in good form until Saturday's defeat at Hearts and although they are the 10-11 favourites with Hills.
Queen of the South were idle on Saturday but can make up for lost time by beating Ross County in the First Division. They are 10-11 at bet365.
Airdrie can take care of struggling Dumbarton in the Second Division while leaders Livingston should beat Brechin if they can shore up their defence.
They beat East Fife 4-3 on Saturday but left it late with a last-gasp winner. Livi are a best 1-1 at Stan James.
Scots treble
- Celtic
- QoS
- Livingston
Super Single
- Antoine-Curier to score (10-3, bet365)
Bonkers Bet
- Aberdeen 2, Celtic 3 (28-1, Chandler)
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