I HATE betting on friendlies and the Betfred Cup group games are almost just as bad.
Most teams are honing fitness and trying out new players and results have been less than punter friendly.
Three things we've learned though – 1, Berwick won't be challenging to return to the league after being relegated last season; 2, St Mirren need a massive injection of new blood after a terrible run and 3, Dundee United are as inconsistent as ever.
Out of eight groups four winners have been decided – Ross County in Group B, Hibs in Group C after last night's win at Elgin, Motherwell in Group E and Partick Thistle in Group F.
There will also be four best second-placed teams but too many permutations to go through them all.
East Fife v Hearts in Group A is a decider after the Jambos got out of jail against Stenny in midweek with two late Craig Halkett goals.
The Fifers won at Dundee United and while the Jambos should get the job done a best price of 4-11 at William Hill is maybe a bit skinny.
In Group B Forfar v St Johnstone will decide second spot and an improving Saints side should win at 4-7 with Ladbrokes even though they've suffered a setback with the news Stevie May won't be returning.
Game of the weekend could be Dundee v Inverness on Sunday with one goal separating the top two in Group D.
That means a draw will do for ICT and I'm backing them not to lose at 5-6 with Paddy Power.
Morton entertain Queen of the South for the right to finish second in Group E and best bet here could be both to score at 4-7 with bet365.
Premiership Hamilton are evens at Ladbrokes to take second spot in Group F with victory at local rivals Airdrie.
Ayr are 2-5 at Marathonbet to be runners-up in Group G by beating Stranraer at home.
That's assuming Livi beat Berwick at home – and Livi -4 pays no bigger than 8-15.
And finally in a tight Group H Dunfermline will qualify as winners if they beat East Kilbride at home and are generally 1-3.
I've posted two trebles on the top tips page.
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.
