Celtic lost their grip on the Scottish League Cup last term and start their quest to regain the trophy with a trip to Dundee United tonight.
The Hoops hit top form last Sunday as they thrashed Kilmarnock 5-1 at Rugby Park so they will head to Tayside with their tails up.
But they lost on both their visits to Tannadice last season so the Parkhead giants know it won't be easy in this last-16 tie.
Dundee United vs Celtic top betting tips
Despite those 2-1 and 2-0 defeats at Tannadice last term, Celtic are 3/10 hot favourites to reach the quarter-finals, with a win inside 90 minutes only a little bigger at 11/20.
If the Premiership champions hit the levels we saw last Sunday then those odds seem fair enough, especially with Dundee United losing 4-0 to Hearts in their last outing.
I don't think Jim Goodwin's side will fold like Kilmarnock did but the Hoops still look pretty formidable with their revamped attack.
Kasper Hogh scored a hat-trick at Rugby Park but fellow new boy Camilo Duran also impressed and rattled a shot off the woodwork.
The Colombian scored a few in pre-season so I fancy him for a first competitive goal tonight at 21/20 with Bet365.
All three meetings last season saw 13 corners or more so that makes over 11 flag kicks a decent option tonight at 6/5 with the same firm.
Aberdeen vs Dundee
Aberdeen will be out for revenge in today's League Cup clash with Dundee after losing 2-0 at Dens in the SPFL Premiership last weekend.
Having started the season with five successive wins, it was a surprise to see the Dons put in such a poor performance in that loss to the Dark Blues.
Dundee were superb but Bet365 still make them 5/4 outsiders to come out on top today and I'm inclined to agree.
Aberdeen should be a different beast at home and manager Stephen Robinson lifted this trophy as manager of St Mirren last term.
He also led Motherwell to a couple of cup finals so I fancy the Dons to win this one inside 90 minutes at evens with Bet365.
The Reds will be a threat from set-pieces, with stoppers Lewis Mayo and Dan Happe already scoring in Pittodrie wins this term.
Towering Englishman Happe is 11/1 for anytime scorer today and that could be worth a speculative punt.
Bolton Wanderers vs Preston North End
Bolton Wanderers are back in the EFL Championship and kick off their campaign with a tasty clash at home to Preston North End.
Wanderers have spent the last five seasons in League One but they're back on the up after winning the play-off final.
Home form will be key to avoiding a battle against the drop and Bolton are 6/5 favourites with Bet365 to bank three points on day one.
But Preston North End are unbeaten in the last meetings and could be a tough nut to crack.
This has the makings of a tight game and the half-time draw appeals at 6/5 with Bet365. We could also see a few cards and backing either Preston's Andrew Hughes or Josh Sheehan of Bolton to go into the book pays 13/10 with the same firm.
Super singles
- Camilo Duran anytime scorer 21/20 Bet365
- Aberdeen win in 90 minutes Evens Bet365
- Andrew Hughes or Josh Sheehan to be carded 13/10 Bet365
Long shot
- Dan Happe anytime scorer 11/1 Bet365
Upcoming match previews and betting tips
- Sat 14:00 Chelsea vs Real Sociedad
- Sat 15:45 Manchester United vs AC Milan
- Sat 17:30 Sheffield Utd vs Birmingham City
- Sat 17:45 Dundee United vs Celtic
- MrFixIt’s Big Acca: Choose your own risk up to 10 game, 105/1 Saturday acca
Racing tips
The weekend racing gets underway and Rizzel's here with a double dose of tips.
- Saturday’s Racing Tips – Scoville Ready to Turn Up the Heat at Newbury
- Saturday’s Lucky 15 Tips – Selections from Deauville, Ripon & Newbury
As always, leave your own tips and comments below.
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