CELTIC fans have been in party mode since Hampden last Sunday but the celebrations will go up a gear if they win at Tynecastle tomorrow to seal the Premiership title.
As they revelled in a Scottish Cup semi-final win over bitter rivals Rangers, Hoops fans made it clear exactly where they would like to see the crown placed when the bold Charlie rocks up at
Westminster Abbey this weekend.
But they hope to have their own coronation party in Scotland’s capital as victory over Hearts would wrap up another piece of silverware for Ange
Postecoglou’s relentless side.
Celtic are red-hot favourites to finish the job with McBookie pricing them at just 1/3 for a win. The Jambos are as big as 7/1 while the draw pays 9/2.
Stevie Naismith’s side look a bit overpriced after battering Ross County 6-1 in their last outing to end a run of six defeats in a row.
The Hoops will also be without their two best defenders with Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers both likely to miss the rest of the campaign.
Postecoglou has able deputies in the shape of Yuki Kobayashi and Anthony Ralston and Celts have enough class in attack to get the job done.
But Hearts could cause them a few problems so I fancy both teams to score, although the price is poor at 3/4 with VBet. Over 2.5 goals is just 4/9 (Ladbrokes) but if you add one more strike it boosts the odds to 23/20 (McBookie).
Clashes between these sides are usually pretty fiery so it could pay to back a busy afternoon for whistler Nick Walsh.
The returning Ralston approaches tackles with the kind of relish usually only seen when Scottish holidaymakers approach the bar in the first 20 minutes of an all-inclusive on the Costa Del Sol. He’s 5/1 with Bet365 for a card and that looks great value.
Even if Celtic fail to get the win at Tynecastle they will still be crowned champions if Rangers slip up at home to Aberdeen tomorrow.
The Dons beat Michael Beale’s side at Pittodrie a fortnight ago before Gers saw their season effectively end with that Cup semi-final loss.
They only really have pride to play for while Barry Robson’s resurgent side are chasing an eighth win on the spin to nail down third place.
But McBookie still make Aberdeen 17/2 rank outsiders with Rangers at just 2/7.
I’d imagine Robson will defend deep to try to frustrate Beale’s side and turn the crowd against them. That makes home corners a good option with Rangers -5 in the handicap paying 20/21 (Bet365).
It’s all about the battle at the bottom today with a Tayside derby between St Johnstone and Dundee United the pick of the games.
United have been reborn under Jim Goodwin, with three successive wins leaving them just two points behind ninth-placed Saints.
I’d imagine we’ll see a few goals and BTTS pays evens with William Hill while over 2.5 strikes is a little better at 5/4 with the same firm.
There should be a cracking atmosphere with United selling out their ticket allocation and that could lead to a few meaty tackles.
Over 4.5 cards is just 8/11 with Bet365 so it’s better going for individual players, with Ryan McGowan 7/5 with the same firm for a ninth card this term.
Ross County need a win at home to Livingston to stop being cut adrift.
They face a Lions side who appear to have nothing to play for, although avoiding the wrath of David Martindale is enough to put a spring in the step of even the laziest footballer.
We could see a lot of set-pieces, with over 10.5 corners paying 7/5 at Paddy Power.
Kilmarnock ended their travel sickness with a win in Paisley last time out but now face a tough game at Fir Park. Motherwell have soared under Stuart Kettlewell and appeal at 6/5 (Ladbrokes).
The other game sees Hibs host St Mirren and I’m on Kevin Nisbet to score (6/4, Betfred).
Super singles
Anthony Ralston to be carded (5/1, Bet365). Rangers -5 corner handicap (20/21, Bet365). Both teams to score at McDiarmid Park (Evens, William Hill). Motherwell to win (6/5, Ladbrokes).
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
