IT'S derby day in the Scottish Premiership and that doesn't make it any easier to predict winners.
There are four proper derbies as we start 2015 with a bang as well as Aberdeen v St Johnstone and Hamilton v Motherwell before the top-flight clubs go again on Sunday.
Much has been said this week about whether Aberdeen are genuine title contenders but I don't believe they are. At the start of the season I tipped them to finish runners-up to Celtic and I believe that's how it will finish.
Ronny Deila's champions have suffered a blip and if Dons overhaul them today it could make it interesting but Celtic are likely to silence the doubters by coming out all guns blazing at Partick Thistle.
The Hoops are no bigger than 2-5 at Stan James to notch the points and while it's not great value that's my call. Crucially the Jags are missing six first-team players so with a squad stretched to the limit it's asking a lot of them to make it three matches without a win for the champs.
John Guidetti has stopped scoring – no goals in five games – but the Jags are his favourite opposition having netted a hat-trick against them in the League Cup at the end of October.
It might be risky but I'm on Guidetti at 31-10 with McBookie to end his drought by hitting the opener.
Aberdeen face a tough test against a St Johnstone side who have won six in a row. The Dons have lost one of their last six and although they look short at a best 8-11 with Ladbrokes I'm backing them to edge this one.
Tannadice will be packed out for the Dundee derby and United are a best 10-11 at bet365 to bag the points.
Dundee's form has faded and last week's defeat at home to St Mirren was a shocker so I'll go with the Tangerines to follow their home success over Celtic with another three points in a fixture they've dominated for a decade.
Nadir Ciftci struck early against Celtic and is 4-1 with Paddy Power and others to bang in the opener again.
Motherwell travel to Hamilton unbeaten in three under new boss Ian Baraclough and that could still be the case after their visit to New Douglas Park.
This is a tough one to call and I'm going for Well draw no bet at 3-1 with bet365.
Ross County have won just one of the last six Highland derbies at home but will be lifted by their 0-0 draw at Celtic. I can see County battling to another point and that pays 5-2 at Ladbrokes.
Both teams have scored in 10 of the last 12 meetings between St Mirren and Killie and a repeat in Paisley returns 37-40 with BetVictor.
The away side have only won one of those matches and boosted by their win at Dundee I can see the Buddies adding another three points at a best 6-4 with the likes of Ladbrokes and Betfred. You can even have Saints draw no bet at 4-5 with Ladbrokes.
Recommended Bets
Guidetti to score first (5.30pm)
(31-10, McBookie)
Dundee Utd (12.15pm)
(10-11, bet365)
Motherwell DNB
(3-1, bet365)
St Mirren DNB
(4-5, Ladbrokes)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Few good odds tomorrow
1 – Motherwell 4/1 on w/h coupon
2 – Burnley 7/2 on w/h coupon
3 – Qpr 7/4 on w/h coupon
100% 1 will come in, Mabey even 2 and you never know all 3.
Happy New year Mr F, Admin, and the rest of the regulars when it comes!
It’s still game, only and excuse then bed for me. Rock no roll new year when you have twin girls, haha!
Posted these earlier today!
Greg Browning
23 hrs, 8 mins ago
No bets tomorrow gents – but here are my thoughts on the SPL New Year’s Day matches!
Aberdeen v Perth St Johnstone KO 3pm
The leagues two form teams meet in what is the match of the day in the SPL! We’re on a great run at the moment DWDWWWWW and the bookies managed to lure punters in by having both ICT and Unites as favorites for our last two games! The run should surely see Sir Tommy Wright win manager of the month but knowing scottish football they’ll Probably give it to McInnes. In fairness though, Aberdeen themselves are in a great run and have propelled themselves to 2nd top! A win on Thursday would see them go top for a few hours as at least! I was on Absedeen to win at ICT by a close margin, and thats what they have done all season , shut the other team out whilst grabbing a goal! They’ve kept 7 clean sheets in there last 9 league games but have players in Pawlett, Rooney and McGinn who are a real threat going forward! With it being new year and the chance to go top a bumber crowd is expected! They usually average around 11,500 but there could be 16,000 on Thursday! This will either work for them or go against them! Matches between the sides at Aberdeen have been tight affairs and I expect the same again! As always all good things must come to end! To go 8 games unbeaten with 6 wins on the spin is a fantastic achievement for St Johnstone but I have a feeling that run will come to end on Thursday, albeit, by the odd goal! Confidence is high in both camps but with Aberdeen being at home, big crowd, their strength in defence and the opportunity to go top, I think they’ll nick this one! :(
Back Aberdeen 4/6
Greg, that will be it for a few years now. Going to meet up the family and have a couple of drinks when I finish at the Record but back tomorrow for a busy day so nothing daft. Have a good one.
Hamilton v Motherwell KO 3pm
The visitors make the short trip over to Hamilton on the back of a draw and 2 wins since new manager Baraclough took the helm! It’s a far cry form wells previous results which ultimately cost McCall his job! Hamiton have had a tremendous season and have surprised everyone! At home they are especially strong having lost just once ( could be the artificial pitch) 17 points seperate these two and I can only assume that’s what the bookies have based this on! 4/6 for me is way to short a price for Hamilton! I’m certain the bookies do this purposely to try and lure punters in in thinking Hamilton are a strong favourite! I disgree and feel their is a value in siding with Motherwell!! Confidance has been restored and they are unbeaten in their last 6 away matches against Hamilton! 17/4 is a massive price but like Boxing Day, I’m taking Motherwell not to lose!
Back Motherwell double chance 5/4
Ikechi Anya 100% confirmed to sign for the hoops.
You’re not wrong Mr F, enjoy your post work drinks!
Greg, heading off now – Happy New Year to everyone when the Bells sound.
Why so many bet on Aberdeen? St Jonhstone won last matches …Any different reasons?
poland bet, Aberdeen are also in good form and with Celtic not playing will go top with a win. Should be close but I can see Aberdeen winning by one.
Dundee United v Dundee FC
I fancy Dundee Utd to take the derby spoils 2-1.
***Nadir Ciftci AT***
Nadir is anything but dear prices at 13/10 to score any time in the derby…
I’ll take that bet on as the onion bag bothering Bubble n Squeek (Turkish but who’s counting) is an absolute wallet stiffening bet today.
Get on Ciftci AT at 2.3 (13/10)
Small punt on FG at 4s