AFTER the excitement of the World Cup and the European qualifiers we welcome the Petrofac Training Cup.
It's not quite as palatable as the Ramsden's Cup but the aim is the same as Scotland's lower-league clubs eye a chance of silverware.
Rangers' inclusion in the last couple of years has raised the profile of the tournament and they're now joined by Hibs and Hearts.
One of the three face an early exit on Tuesday, August 5 after Rangers were paired with Hibs so as it stands Hearts look a shout at 3-1 with McBookie to lift the trophy – or 1-2 to reach the Final.
Rangers are 11-10 favourites with Hibs 8-1, Falkirk 10-1, QoS 16-1 and holders Raith 25-1.
Robbie Neilson's side start with what should be a gentle opener at home to Annan and they're no bigger than 2-11 at Coral to win so for value take a chance on the Jambos minus one at 1-2 with sportingbet.
For many sides today's matches form part of their pre-season preparation so bear that in mind when having a bet and don't go too crazy with the selections.
After winning trebles on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I'm happy to put up another – starting with Hearts minus one.
Falkirk are next on my line at a best 1-3 with Coral away to local rivals East Stirling and I'm on Airdrie to win their derby at home to Albion Rovers at a biggest 4-6 with McBookie. Next best for me is Peterhead at Montrose.
Elsewhere it will be interesting to see how Highland League Brora, 19-5 at Paddy Power, fare against Stenhousemuir and while Cowdenbeath look big at 3-4 with boylesports at home to Brechin they have lost strike stars Kane Hemmings to Barnsley and Greg Stewart to Dundee.
For a Super Single I considered holders Raith at Fife rivals Dunfermline but a better bet is both to score. Dunfermline suffered heartache in the play-offs last season when they missed a chance for promotion to the Championship but have rebuilt with the likes of Ayr striker Michael Moffat strengthening the side. Raith have signed Callum Elliot from Hearts and he will partner another ex-Jambo, Christian Nade, up front.
I also looked at Dumbarton at Stranraer but again fancy both teams to score with Sons boss Ian Murray admitting pre-season hasn't been the best so far.
Make it a both to score treble by adding Clyde v Ayr. It's Barry Ferguson's first competitive match against an Ayr side who have lost the likes of Moffat to Dunfermline but signed Peter Murphy, Jon Paul McGovern, Ryan Donnelly and Nicky Devlin.
Training Cup Treble
Hearts -1
Falkirk
Airdrie
(2-1, sportingbet)
Both to score treble
Dunfermline v Raith
Stranraer v Dumbarton
Clyde v Ayr
(27-10, 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.
MrF`s BTTS treble,is available on Ladbrokes online BTTS accy & pays 27/10 rather than 21/10 @ Betway.
Ritchie, cheers – I’ll update and so much better than coupon prices.
Rangers v Hibs has been put back to 5 August due to Co mo wealth Games at Ibrox.
Geebsie, yeah I know – wrote Tuesday thinking it was August 5. Way ahead of myself.
Very close today mate. Late goal for Albion Rovers killed it! Hard trophy to predict so early in the season though
I’ve been following your tips closely for the past few weeks Mr F and finally decided to build up the courage to follow your tips and place some of my own money today. You’ve been doing great of late, so it seems I’ve jinxed you all and I would like to apologise for that.
I read across a few of your pages for today and plumped for the double of Red Bull Salzburg (-2) and Airdrie at approximately 11/5 (BetVictor), and a late goal in the second game did for me.
Onwards and upwards! Just thought I’d let you know you have a new member of your fan club here and I’m looking forward to the start of the league season where I’m sure it will be a bit easier to pick a winner. Thanks
Tommy, you can’t jinx me. Red Bull -2 and Airdrie wasn’t tipped as a double anyway – the double came up and waiting on Red Bull -2 for the single and treble so can still be a good day.
I must have made my own double from the variety of picks that you laid out, rather than following any of the specific double/trebles. You live and learn! My understanding was that you pick all of the selections to be winners though, so combining them in what ever way I wanted shouldn’t matter (if that makes sense)?
Or do you put certain doubles and trebles together in a specific way?
I’ll know for next time to simply follow the doubles you apply together and not to get creative myself. After all, it cost me today!
TommyTucker, you’re right to say all the tips I expect to be winners but they’re combined a certain way for a reason. For example the daily double is always one I’m confident about more so than the treble.