THERE were several shocks in the opening Betfred Cup sparrings and it's clear some clubs are using the group stage as prep for the league season.
For that reason these ties should be played for low stakes and big accumulators are to be avoided.
Rangers are one side who treat every game seriously and I tipped them at just under evens to win at Motherwell on Saturday.
They are sure to notch win No.2 against Annan tonight but finding value isn't easy. Mark Warburton's men are no bigger than 1-10 with Betfred at Ibrox so you have to consider markets such as Gers -2 at 4-5 with Paddy Power or over 3.5 match goals at 5-6 with bet365.
Martyn Waghorn netted the clincher at Fir Park and is 11-4 at Ladbrokes and Betfred to net first.
The other game in Group E sees Stranraer, weekend winners at Annan, at home to East Stirling. Back the Blues at 4-11 with McBookie and consider them minus one at 11-10 with Paddy Power against a side who are now non-league.
Dundee United missed plenty of chances as they were held at Arbroath but should do better at home to Cowdenbeath. Again they are short at 1-3 so look at over 2.5 goals at 8-15 with Coral.
The second Group C clash sees Dunfermline meet Arbroath at home and I'm backing the Pars to win and over 2.5 goals at 4-5 with Paddy Power.
St Mirren were my Super Single at Livingston and I said if there was a shock it could come at Ayr who beat Hamilton.
Tonight's Group G tie sees the Buddies entertain Ayr in what should be one of the better games. Saints should edge this at and I like Saints and both to score at 13-5 with 888sport.
Other sides who should win are Alloa v Cove, Falkirk v Elgin and Morton v Clyde but I'd limit accumulators to three.
Bets to Consider
Rangers -2
St Mirren & btts
Stranraer -1
Stranraer, Alloa, Falkirk
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.
RANGERS VS ANNAN
Rangers won comfortably against Motherwell and the should breeze past Annan in the cup. Rangers are playing at home so will hopefully put on a show for their fans. Could be 4-0, 5-0 or 6-0 easily and I believe I’ve found a cracker in the goalscorer market. Andy Halliday is 11/1 with Paddy Power for first goal with all other firms offering just 5/1. I’ll have a small punt on that but an even larger punt on anytime goalscorer. He’s 11/4 with Paddy Power yet as short as 4/5 with VC.
Recommended Bets:
ANDY HALLIDAY FIRST GOALSCORER @ 11/1
ANDY HALLIDAY ANYTIME GOALSCORER @ 11/4
Both prices with Paddy Power.
Good luck everyone