EVEN the most optimistic of Arbroath fans wouldn’t have thought their team would be sitting top of the Championship heading into the new year.
But as we kick off 2022 that’s where Dick Campbell and his part-timers find themselves after a stunning start to the season.
A victory over Inverness at Gayfield today would strengthen their position as it would send them six points clear of second-placed Caley Thistle.
McBookie make the Red Lichties 7/5 favourites, with ICT at 9/5, but I’m steering clear of backing a winner.
The last three meetings have been settled by a single goal so that suggests it will be another tight game. Under 2.5 goals isn’t great value at a best 7/10 with Boylesports but the odds increase to 19/20 at SportNation if you bet against both teams scoring.
The half-time draw is another decent option and that pays 21/20 (McBookie).
I can see it being a battle and that makes the card markets worth a look.
Arbroath’s Chris Hamilton has collected seven yellows this term but is just evens with McBookie for another card here.
That makes the 7/2 on offer for a Kirk Broadfoot card a better option after two bookings against the Red Lichties this season.
There’s a Fife derby as Raith host Dunfermline and both sides are in desperate need of a win.
Having gone 15 games without defeat, Rovers have now lost two on the spin and they bust my coupon at Ayr last time out.
But they are still just four points off the top and are a best 13/14 with SBK to see off the Pars.
John Hughes’ men have gone four games without a win to slump back down to second bottom.
They have shipped six goals in their last two games so I fancy over 2.5 strikes today at 66/67 (SBK).
Partick are also in the mix for the title and should defeat struggling Morton at Firhill.
The Jags are just 13/20 at Betway to win but combining that with under 2.5 goals increases the odds to 23/10 with McBookie.
Queen of the South have boosted their survival hopes by taking five points from their last three games.
They host inconsistent Hamilton today and I fancy Queens at 8/5 (McBookie).
In League One, I like BTTS as Alloa host Falkirk but that pays just 4/6 at McBookie. So I’m going to combine it with over 2.5 goals in a bet builder that boosts the odds to 112/100.
League Two leaders Kelty Hearts should grab a few goals against Cowdenbeath.
Over 2.5 Kelty strikes pays 6/5 at Unibet and that stands a good chance.
Super singles
- Kirk Broadfoot to be carded (7/2, McBookie)
- Over 2.5 goals at Raith (66/67, SBK)
- Queen of the South to win (8/5, McBookie)
- Over 2.5 Kelty goals (6/5, Unibet)
McBookie bet builder
- Combining BTTS with over 2.5 goals in Alloa v Falkirk pays 112/100