IT'S semi-final weekend in the Betfred Cup with Morton v Aberdeen followed by the big one – Rangers v Celtic.
Scots firm McBookie.com go odds on it will be a Dons-Celtic final and offer 5-2 on Aberdeen-Rangers.
Spokesman Paul Petrie said: “The odds suggest straightforward wins for both Aberdeen and Celtic. However, history shows semi-finals are never that easy and perhaps there will be a shock in one of the games.”
I tipped a convincing Celtic win in the first Old Firm meeting last month – and nothing's changed to stop me backing a repeat on Sunday.
Okay, one or two things are different. 1. Joey Barton's been absent for Rangers, 2. Celtic's Champions League hopes are up in smoke, 3. This a cup semi-final and it's at Hampden where Celtic have struggled in recent seasons.
The fact Celtic were well beaten by Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday while their rivals have had their feet up for nine days since beating Inverness had to be taken into account.
But there was no travelling involved and I'm sure Brendan Rodgers will have his men re-energised for the Betfred Cup clash as he eyes his first final in Glasgow.
Mark Warburton have only lost at Aberdeen since their 5-1 thumping at Parkhead but haven't improved enough to worry their neighbours.
They will though point to last season's win on penalties in the Scottish Cup semis but that was when Ronny Deila was in charge.
Celtic are a best 8-11 at Betfred to win in 90 minutes with Rangers 9-2 at Marathonbet and the draw 3-1 with McBookie and Ladbrokes. To qualify for the Final it's Celtic 1-3 and Rangers 9-4.
I don't see another 5-1 but something like 3-1 or 3-2 – if Kolo Toure has another mare – is on the cards so consider Celtic -1 at 13-8 with Ladbrokes or to score 3+ goals at 2-1 with bet365.
Moussa Dembele was a hat-trick hero in the last meeting and is 5-4 at bet365 to hit another. If Leigh Griffiths starts back him at 6-5 with Skybet.
Dembele's exploits in the first Old Firm meeting triggered Betfred's famous Double Delight and Hat-Trick Heaven offer where if a player who scores first adds another the price is doubled and trebled for a hat-trick.
If you back Dembele to score first with Betfred and he hits three you'll be paid out at 9-1. Same with Griffiths.
Kenny Miller hit Rangers' goal at Inverness with a superb volley and is 9-1 to break the deadlock and 7-2 to net at any time. Celtic to win with both teams to score returns 11-4 and Rangers and btts pays 8-1.
The other semi-final on Saturday sees Aberdeen as massive favourites to beat Championship Morton.
Aberdeen are on an impressive run of five wins and should progress but can't underestimate a side who crushed Queen of the South 5-0 away last weekend.
That was a stunning show but the Dons routed Ross County 4-0 and go into the Hampden tie full of confidence and determined not to blow it.
Aberdeen are 1-4 with William Hill to win in 90 with Morton 12-1 with Betfred who go 6-1 the draw.
The odds suggest it will be one-sided but there is every chance the Greenock men will score and I like the Dons and btts at 28-13 at 188BET.
Aberdeen's goals have been shared about this season but Adam Rooney is the man for the big occasion and he is 7-2 at Coral to grab the game's opener.
Betfred have some specials covering both ties and all four teams to score pays 3-1 and three or more goals on the two semi-finals is 7-4.
If you fancy both favourites back Celtic and Aberdeen at 5-4 and if the underdogs excite you go for a Rangers/Morton double at 59-1.
Bets to Consider
Celtic & Btts Loses
Dembele to score Wins
Aberdeen & Btts Loses
Rooney to score first Wins
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.
Celtic look big at 4/1 to win both halves @betfair Paul ?
I’m fairly confident Celtic win but Celtic fans I know are less confident simply because the game’s at Hampden.
It takes a lot to win both halves – I’m happier doing Celtic and btts. Will be a lot closer than the last time.