Saturday Football Tips: Hartley’s Heroes Have Got it Cove-red

It's time for Steve Clarke to get Scotland's World Cup chances back on track and what better opportunity than a home match against 175th ranked Moldova at Hampden Park?

The Scots haven't tasted defeat in a home World Cup qualifying match in eight years, when Belgium were the last team to leave the southside of Glasgow with all three points, and they should be too good for the Moldovans who's only two wins in their last 32 away matches have come against San Marino (thanks to @pieandbov for the stats!). That run includes an 8-0 thumping in Denmark earlier in the campaign but let's not get too carried away eh?

The Tartan Army feared the worst on Wednesday when a depleted Scotland side fell two goals behind early on against Denmark but a marked improvement in the second half offered more threat and will carry them in to this match in a more optimistic mood.

Clarke's men are 2/11 (SBK) to claim the win but should do so with something to spare. On the Asian Handicap they can be backed at 1.960 minus two goals of a start. That means you'll get your money back if they only win by two, therefore they need to score three for you to collect. That being the case you're as well to back them to score three or more at 1/1 (SBK).

Finland, Norway and Slovenia look like they could make up a proftable even-money treble against lesser opposition. The Finnish should be relatively proud of their showing at Euro 2020 but need a win to close the gap on France and Ukraine who sit above them in Group D. Those two nations meet in Kiev and that match is in SlipsTips' sights who is homing in a cards bet which is influenced by the Slovenian referee in charge.

Latvia will need to tame Erling Haaland if they're to stop Norway but better defences than their's have tried and failed, while Slovenia, who aren't exactly top tier themselves should still be good enough against perennial strugglers Malta.

League One fixtures in England have been decimated to just three matches but the majority of League Two has survived the international break. Desmond hasn't been put off however and serves up his usual raft of goals bets including a 117/1 Acca.

Bookies have been incredibly slow to price up the Scottish Challenge Cup, with some not even bothering at all! Both Celtic and Rangers B sides have impressed on their debut season in the Lowland League, each having only tasted defeat once in their opening eight and nine matches respectively.

It's the Hoops youngsters that are in action on Saturday against Championship side Morton who currently sit middle of the table. It's a big step up for the Colts team but they could have the backing a sizeable support at the Penny Cars Stadium since the first team isn't in action. They're best priced at 15/4 to win which could give you a run for your money.

Cove Rangers and Partick Thistle are two sides that have started the season well. The Jags' task looks the tougher of the two but if Ian McCall goes with strong line-up then they should see off hosts Stranraer while the same is true of Cove who host League Two's bottom side, Stenhousemuir. The Double pays just over 9/10 at Bet365.

The Highlanders have plenty of goals in them and it would be great to get on some kind of goals bet with them but the bookies aren't playing ball and there doesn't appear to be any decent markets available or inded much in the way of BetBuilder options.

So the best option looks to be to back Paul Hartley's side to be leading at both half-time and full-time at 20/21.

Super Single

• Cove Rangers HT/FT 20/21 Bet365

World Cup Double Your Money Treble

• Finland
• Norway
• Slovenia
• Treble pays just over 1/1 at Bet365

Tipsters Weekends Tips

• Desmond’s Goals Tips: BTTS, Over 2.5 Goals and 117/1 Goals Acca Tips
• SlipsTips Tips: Ukraine vs France
• Football Bet of the day: Home sides should defeat minnows

Upcoming Matches & Tips

• Sat 5.00pm – Ireland v Azerbaijan
• Sat 5.15pm – Yeovil Town v FC Halifax Town
• Sat 7.45pm – Netherlands v Montenegro
• Sat 7.45pm – Slovakia v Croatia
• Sat 7.45pm – Ukraine v France
• Sat 7.45pm – Scotland v Moldova
• Sun 2.00pm – Belarus v Wales
• Sun 7.45pm – Switzerland v Italy
• Sun 7.45pm – Germany v Armenia
• Sun 7.45pm – Spain v Georgia
• Sun 8.00pm – Brazil v Argentina

Saturday's Racing Tips

Rizzel has three selections for us on Saturday at Haydock and Ascot.

• Racing tips: Hopefully Ripp Orf can roll back the years and land a nice prize at Ascot

As always, let us know your tips and predictions for Friday in the comment section below and good luck with all your bets!

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