IT'S not been an easy start for Neil Lennon back at Celtic and today he'll be hoping Aberdeen have one eye on their Scottish Cup replay with Rangers.
A draw at Pittodrie last Sunday was the ideal result for Lenny – giving today's rivals a distraction and closest challengers Rangers an extra game.
Lennon's notched hard-fought wins at Hearts and Hibs after taking over from Brendan Rodgers and never mind eight in a row – I fancy him to make it three in a row at Parkhead.
He'll get a warm welcome from fans and Celtic are just 1-3 at McBookie to pick up a vital win. All three meetings this season have finished in one-goal victories for the champions and another pays 13-5 at bet365.
James Forrest was the hero with a sizzling opener against Hibs and is 2-1 at Paddy Power to strike again.
Aberdeen's record in the east end is rotten with 11 defeats in 12 and they are 10-1 at William Hill to cause a shock with the draw 4-1 at McBookie.
Sam Cosgrove has been a find for the Dons this season with 18 goals. He netted a penalty last week and is 5-1 at Unibet to score again.
Hearts are another side facing a cup replay after drawing at Partick Thistle in a game they should have had won by half-time.
They could have one eye on the replay as they head to a rejuvenated Dundee who were unbeaten in three before losing to Hibs in the Cup and Rangers in the league.
Jim McIntyre's side won 2-1 at Tynecastle in January and look massive at 19-5 with Betfred against a side with one in five. At those prices Dee can be backed draw no bet at 14-5 with Paddy Power.
Hearts are worse without Scotland international Steven Naismith and the striker's been ruled out for 10 weeks after being injured at Firhill last Monday.
In the Championship Dunfermline have moved back into the play-off spots after a run of five wins – all to nil.
Alloa shocked QoS last week to climb off the foot but the Pars should extend their winning run and are 5-6 with Betfred.
Dundee United can concentrate on a title challenge after losing their cup clash to Inverness and today could be a good time to play Partick. I'm on United at a pretty decent 38-25 with Marathonbet.
Leaders Ross County should take care of Morton even though they've lost twice to them at Cappielow. County are 8-15 at bet365 and I like County and over 2.5 goals at 7-5 with Ladbrokes.
In League One the form team are Dumbarton who are six unbeaten and last week defeated runaway leaders Arbroath 2-0. The Sons have a slim chance of making the play-offs and can boost their chances with a win at Montrose at 8-5 with William Hill.
Forfar have been of my favourite teams in recent weeks and they're up to second ahead of an Angus derby with Brechin. The Loons have won their last six home games but have been less prolific on the road – still I'm risking them at 13-10 with bet365.
In League Two it's still a three-way title fight between Peterhead, Edinburgh and Clyde. All should win today but Clyde were the only ones not in league action so I'm backing them at Elgin.
However, Clyde were today hit with a 4pts deduction and £1500 team for fielding an ineligible player in two games – a win and a draw – and both of those results have been changed to 3-0 defeats.
That's a hammer blow to their title hopes but they have a chance to appeal what looks a harsh decision if they choose to do so.
Recommended Bets
- Celtic to win by one v Aberdeen (13-5, Betway)
- Dundee draw no bet v Hearts (14-5, Paddy Power)
- Dunfermline at Alloa (5-6, Betfred)
- Dundee United at Partick (32-25, Marathonbet)
- Dumbarton at Montrose (8-5, William Hill)
- Forfar at Brechin (13-10, bet365)
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.
