NORMALLY I'd bite your hand off for a Caramel Wafer but not today.
It's got to be Tunnock's of course and the Lanarkshire firm have taken over as Challenge Cup sponsors from Irn-Bru without making it sweeter from a betting perspective.
Today we have games such as Kelty Hearts v Solihull Moors, Connahs Quay v Cove Rangers, Formartine v Glenavon and Stenhousemuir v TNS.
The introduction of English, Irish and Welsh sides has made this tournament a betting minefield and there are non-league and Colts sides too.
I'd leave it alone but it's international weekend so not much else to bet on. At least keep stakes low.
- PODCAST: Please note there will be no Gambla Podcast this week due to the International Break
In past years we've saw the strength of National League sides and Welsh outfits usually do better than Irish teams so you have to fancy Solihull, Connah's Quay and TNS if they put out their strongest teams.
This is Connah's Quay's third year in the event and after losing to Dumbarton at the first hurdle they went all the way to the Final last season where they lost to Ross County.
They famously knocked Kilmarnock out of this season's Europa League qualifiers – despite losing at home – so will fancy their chances of taking down League Two leaders Cove.
The Aberdeen outfit have been one of my go-to teams this season but I reckon Nomads will be too strong at 10-11 with Betway. All of Cove's games this season have gone over 2.5 goals so try again at 4-5 with Marathonbet.
TNS have lost one in eight against Scottish teams in 90 minutes but last season went down to Queen's Park on penalties. They are 4-6 to win at League Two Stenny.
National League Solihull are possibly the best of the outsiders and face an interesting tie against Barry Ferguson's Lowland League title favourites.
A fifth-tier English side should be stronger than a fifth-tier Scottish one and rightly Solihull are 1-2 favourites at bet365.
Kelty have rattled in 22 goals in three games but are likely to find Solihull much tougher opponents. However, with players such as Nathan Austin in their line-up they could score and over 2.5 match goals looks the best bet here at the same price of 1-2 at bet365.
Elsewhere Dundee United look good at 4-5 with Marathonbet at home to Championship rivals Arbroath. United have started with four league wins and while Robbie Neilson is likely to make changes they should be too strong. I like United and over 1.5 match goals at 11-10 with Marathonbet.
It was last Friday when United hit Dundee for six just after Inverness mauled Morton 5-0.
Those sides reunite in the Highlands and ICT are a best 7-10 with bet365.
Dunfermline are 17-20 with William Hill to avenge a defeat they suffered at Alloa a couple of weeks ago while St Mirren Colts must have a chance at 29-20 at home to League Two strugglers Stirling.
TNS picked up good experience losing 9-0 on aggregate to Ludogorets in the Europa League and last week showed their goal power by hitting 10 past Aberystwyth last weekend. They are 4-6 with BetVictor to win at Ochilview.
Ayr also have Welsh opponents as they trek south to Wrexham. The National League side tempt at 13-10 with boylesports.
If there's a shock it could come at Links Park as Montrose entertain Championship basement boys Partick Thistle. The Jags have lost three in a row and won't relish this trip.
The home men are 13-5 at BetVictor but more likely is over 2.5 goals at 4-5 with Marathonbet.
Recommended Bets
- Connahs Quay & over 2.5 goals
- Solihull & both to score
- Dundee Utd & over 1.5 goals
- Dunfermline
- Wrexham
- Montrose v Partick Th btts
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.
