HEARTS at better than evens at home to anyone outside of the Old Firm is an unusual occurrence these days and they have to be backed to beat Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Steven Naismith's men have had two weeks to kick themselves after their shock loss at Ross County before the international break.
But let's cut them some slack here – it was the first defeat to anyone apart from Rangers since the start of December.
And they have turned Tynecastle into a fortress this season as they proved to Celtic the other week when they defeated the champions, albeit the Hoops had to pay most of the game with ten men.
Killie have enjoyed an excellent season and could easily snatch fourth spot after a fantastic comeback win over St Mirren on their last outing.
But nearly all of their good work is done on that infamous Rugby Park surface. In fact, they have only won twice outside Ayrshire in the league this season.
They showed how vulnerable they could be when they slumped to a limp defeat at struggling Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup and Hearts simply have to be backed at that price.
Game of the day in Scotland is the huge top of the table Championship clash at Tannadice and RAITH ROVERS are worth backing at 13/10 on the double chance market.
This seems to be the league that no one wants to win, but United have wilted under the pressure recently.
They lost at Dunfermline and drew at home to Caley Thistle. Raith have also defeated the Arabs home and away.
United should be cantering this league with the talent and experience at their disposal, but have choked recently.
A draw would suit Rovers, who have a game in hand on United and are only one point behind and they can get at least that on Saturday.
QUEEN'S PARK are begging to be backed at 11/4 to win at Morton.
Injuries appear to have caught up with Dougie Imrie's men who were on a terrific run of form and very nearly took Hearts to extra time in the Scottish Cup.
Including that loss, they are on a run of five defeats in a row and they've only managed to score one goal.
The Spiders have gone under the radar, but they have been playing well under Callum Davidson and have goals in them with the likes of Ruari Paton and Cillian Sheridan up front.
They've lost just once in their last seven games and are worth backing in Greenock.
Recommended Bets
- Hearts 21/10
- Raith Rovers Double Chance 13/10
- Queen's Park 11/4
Freelance Scottish Football journalist for all newspapers. Former Racing Post Scottish Football Correspondent and long-suffering Aberdeen fan.
Don’t disagree with 2 of your picks but I have a feeling for Killie tomorrow whose need is greater than that of their hosts
One selection for me
Partick thistle 5/6