PLENTY of people backed against Celtic last weekend simply because they'd wrapped up the Premiership title.
But their games against Aberdeen are never meaningless so it was no surprise he champions played like their lives depended on it – especially matchwinning skipper Scott Brown.
Celtic have two league matches remaining and Ronny Deila has stated he'll rest some of his stars as he starts early preparations for the Champions League qualifiers. Player of the Year Stefan Johansen and fellow midfielder Nir Bitton are two who will be left out and there is an injury doubt over centre-half Virgil van Dijk.
So while I'm not keep to take Celtic at a price no bigger than 2-5 with Betfred I'd like to see the starting line-ups before laying down some hard cash on any bet.
St Johnstone sit just behind Dundee United on goal difference and will claim a Europa League place if they overhaul their Tayside rivals and Inverness win the Scottish Cup Final against Falkirk.
That means Saints have plenty to play for and they've life for Celtic pretty difficult recently, winning at Celtic Park in March.
The Hoops have already visited Perth twice this season, winning 2-1 and 3-0, but Saints have avoided defeat in three of the last six meetings at McDiarmid.
Tommy Wright's side are as big as 9-1 to McBookie and that gives punters options if they believe the game will be close. The draw pays 17-4 at Stan James and Saints are 12-5 at McBookie not to lose.
If Celtic don't go full strength it should be close and the price I like best is Saints +2 at 5-6 with bet365 – that gives us a Saints win, draw or Saints defeat by one.
Three of the past six meetings at McDiarmid Park have seen both score – including a 3-3 draw – and I can see this happening again. It pays a best 7-5 at McBookie and BetVictor and is a possible Super Single although again I'd prefer to see line-ups.
Recommended Bets*
St Johnstone +2
(5-6, bet365)
*Wait for teams if possible
Both teams to score
(7-5, McBookie, BetVictor)
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.
Spot on with your write up Mr F – 10 of the last 14 meetings in Perth have seen just one goal separate the sides!
This game is a bit different to the Aberdeen game in that They would have wanted to reinforce that Aberdeen are miles behind them still! Like you said be interesting to see their starting line-up
We need to get something from the game if we have any hope of finishing 4th! We are firing blanks this season so will need to keep a clean sheet or concede no more than once if we are meet any points!
I’ll be on your saints +2
Greg, pleased to see we’re in agreement. As you say most games have been tight and this will be the first game where Celtic ease off. No Johansen and Bitton who have both been superb so midfield will be weaker for starters. Van Dijk will also be missed if he doesn’t pass a fitness test.
Yep, I like the look of St Johnstone +2. Added to what you’ve said, St Johnstone have the third best defensive record in the league – both in terms of clean sheets and goals conceded – and haven’t conceded more than a one goal in any of their last seven matches.
Cheers!
I am doing that bet right now without seeing any teams Celtic aint that great !