IT looks like the Old Firm games will be pivotal once more in the Premiership title race with Celtic and Rangers dropping precious few points against the rest.
The Hoops have kicked off the defence of their crown with five successive wins, smashing home 25 goals while conceding just once.
That’s why the bookies make them odds-on favourites for a derby win today, with Ange Postecoglou’s men 10/11 at McBookie who price Gers at 14/5 and the draw at 11/4.
But the Ibrox side would also be heading to Parkhead with a perfect Premiership record had they not shipped a stoppage-time leveller at Easter Road after two red cards.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men have netted 14 times in just five league games which bodes well for a lunchtime treat today.
The Dutchman and Postecoglou both set out to attack so it’s no great surprise to see BTTS a best 8/11 at SBK while over 2.5 strikes is 3/4 at BetVictor.
Those prices aren’t great but there’s more value in the anytime scorer market.
Kyogo Furuhashi hasn’t started a derby playing as a central striker but should be unleashed today after netting six times in his last four matches for the Hoops. The Japanese is 7/4 for anytime scorer (SkyBet) and you rarely see him at such a big price.
Malik Tillman has probably been Rangers’ best player this term and his height makes him an aerial threat.
The American midfielder is 5/1 at Paddy Power for a derby goal and that looks to be a bit overpriced.
Nick Walsh is the man in the middle and he flashed three yellows and a red in his only other Old Firm game.
Callum McGregor was the man sent packing that day and he’s a tempting 10/3 with William Hill for another card today. John Lundstram is the midfield enforcer for Gers and he’s also a good price at 2/1 with the same firm to end up in the book.
Hibs boss Lee Johnson needs to start delivering some victories and his side host Kilmarnock this afternoon.
Derek McInnes’ men beat the maroon half of Edinburgh in the League Cup in midweek so they will fancy their chances in Leith.
Dodgy defending continues to be the biggest problem for Johnson so I like BTTS for this one at 42/41 with SBK.
Martin Boyle should be up to full speed now for Hibs and he’s 2/1 for anytime scorer which looks pretty decent value.
Dundee United ruined one of my midweek bets by beating Livingston in the cup just days after sacking manager Jack Ross.
But they still conceded in that 2-1 win so I fancy some goals when United head to Fir Park today.
Kevin van Veen will be flying after his midweek hat-trick against Inverness. I backed the Motherwell striker to score in that game so I’m sticking with him here at 15/8 with Paddy Power.
Injury-hit Hearts might have one eye on their Euro group opener when they make the short trip to Livingston.
I’m steering clear of backing a winner and will instead go for aggro, with over 4.5 cards priced 31/20 at Unibet.
Aberdeen are building some momentum under Jim Goodwin, although they needed extra time to beat Annan 4-1 in midweek.
The Dons are 21/20 for a win at Ross County with McBookie but I fancy the half-time draw instead at the same price.
There’s a clash of the Saints in Perth and a one-goal winning margin looks the best option at 5/4 with McBookie.
Super Singles Bets
- Lundstram card (2/1, William Hill)
- BTTS at Hibs (42/41, SBK)
- Van Veen to score (15/8, Paddy Power)
- Half-time draw at County (21/20, McBookie)
In December 2020 we sadly 
