ANYONE who endured the League Cup Final on Sunday afternoon will be tuning into Scottish football's latest live offering hoping for some better fare.
They could of course be disappointed as Albion Rovers adopt the Inverness CT “spoilers” role and try to deny Rangers a place in the Scottish cup semi-finals.
Ally McCoist's men were slated after scrambling a 1-1 draw at Ibrox but have bounced back well with victories over Airdrie and Dunfermline.
The first win clinched the League One title and Rangers still have a chance of landing a treble although the odds are stacked against them in the Scottish Cup after being pushed out to fourth favourites and facing a last-four clash with Dundee United albeit at Ibrox.
They are just 1-7 at Coral and Ladbrokes to beat Rovers who are 20-1 at McBookie with the draw paying 9-2.
Rangers have won all of their League One games on the road and haven't conceded a goal away from Ibrox since beating Brechin 4-3 last October which is a remarkable stat.
They will be super confident of winning at New Douglas Park and to do so to nil they are 3-4 at Ladbrokes.
Lee McCulloch hit a hat-trick in the 3-0 midweek success against Airdrie and is 9-2 at Coral to bag the opener but of course the likes of Jon Daly or Nicky Clark could equally provide a goal threat. It's also pointed out Betfred go a standout 7-4 on McCulloch to score.
While Rangers struggled in the original tie I expect them to win this one 2-0 or 3-0 against a side who crashed 4-0 to Queen's Park at the weekend with one eye being on this one.
Rangers -1 pays just 1-3 generally while anyone wanting to risk -2 will get 10-11 at Ladbrokes and Paddy Power
Recommended Bets
Rangers win to nil
(3-4, Ladbrokes)
McCulloch to score first
(9-2, Coral)
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.
GambleAware
I thought that guys name was McCulloch-Pen.
On the Rovers website it calls the team that played against QP the “2nd eleven” and the 4-0 thrashing would certainly pay testament to that. They had 2 trialists starting too so more than one eye on this match it seems they had every available sense focused on it.
You will find no bigger clarion caller than me of the Rangers WTN away from home although the odds are a little less than they have been. I am slightly worried about the cup aspect and the fact that Rovers’ home form has been excellent, including when “home” takes the form of New Douglas Park as Motherwell discovered. Also, there is a lot of pressure on Rangers to win this match and set up their showpiece semi-final so I would advise anyone thinking of going big on Rangers to tread lightly.
That being said they should have enough gall and experience to see the job through tonight, thankful of their reprieve from the first game. Heroic performances like the one from the first game rarely get repeated second time around.
Fitba Tips, it was as you say a very weakened Albion Rovers team but of course that couldn’t be confirmed until line-ups were revealed. I tipped QP in the Record on Saturday and myself and others suggested they’d be a good bet. You have a go at the SFA for rescheduling the game for tonight but that was both clubs’ choice because it was the only night this week Sky could cover it live and of course neither club is in a position to turn down the money. Otherwise it would have been played on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Note: I’ll edit you slating the SFA because in this case the comment is inaccurate as you’ll now accept.
Bet of the day has to be LeecCulloch to score anytime for Rangers at 7/4 with Betfred Considering his recent goalscoring record this price is far too big. Most firms are odds on including Paddy Power who are only offering 8/13.
Fancy big Moshni to score.
Bazza dont care who scores as long as rangers win. If they play with a bit of urgency they should win 2 or 3, moshni likes to attack so good chance he might get 1
Em, Rangers fan here and enduring the glory at Ibrox. Em Jig was up front for first half on Saturday but defence weeks before but with pens and corners chance. But no value after his recent hat trick imo.
Await line up but the boy Gallacher could be a shout, banging in for reserves and we have only little as recognised striker so worth a punt anytime. Canna see odds in the office. We have been chucking Jig and Moshni up top so why not a striker. Scored on Saturday.
Watch the game and probably take corners over 2 goals handicap for evens for beer tokens
Gary, the thing about first scorers is anyone can get one – I’d be surprised though if Gallagher started.
I fancy u2.5 goals think Rovers will sit in good value at 5/2 Hills.You can get Gers to win to nil 5/6 with Skybet.
Bell
Foster moshni mculloch wallace
Gallagher law black hutton
Aird
Daly
Team to play albion rovers
Mr F
Just seen your reply. Fair dues. Reasonable for both clubs I agree. My romantic heart took over and created a cynical mind on the game arranging front.