It’s hard to have a bad Ayr day when you’re rocking a shaved head and the bookies are banking on Philippe Clement avoiding a Scottish Cup shock at Ibrox.
The Honest Men are as big as 45/1 with Coral to burst the Belgian’s bubble as Celtic legend Scott Brown bids to mastermind one of the biggest surprises in Scottish football history.
Brown’s presence in the opposite dugout has added plenty of spice to tonight’s last-16 tie but he won’t be the only target for the boo boys.
Former Hoops winger Aiden McGeady is also in the Ayr squad while ref Willie Collum is taking charge of a Rangers game for the first time since a storm erupted over his performance as the VAR in the last Old Firm game.
That 2-1 Parkhead defeat remains Clement’s only loss since taking over from Michael Beale in October and Gers fans are starting to think the Treble might be on.
A 2-1 midweek win over Aberdeen kept the heat on stuttering Celtic in the title race and Rangers grabbed an early goal through Rabbi Matondo.
They will look to make another flying start against the Championship side so backing a goal inside 10 minutes could pay off at 12/5 (Bet365).
Clement’s side have also racked up 27 corners in their last two home games so that’s another market to look at.
Backing over five first-half flag kicks pays 20/21 with Bet365 while over 11.5 match corners is 13/10 at Unibet.
Premiership duo St Johnstone and Ross County came a cropper in the last round but neither result was a huge surprise as they were up against Championship sides in good form.
Partick Thistle battered the Staggies to get revenge for their play-off defeat and will now fancy their chances at home to a Livingston side propping up the Premiership.
I backed Raith Rovers to knock the Lions out at the Tony Macaroni in the fourth round only for David Martindale’s side to edge a 2-1 win.
But that’s Livi’s only victory in 18 games and they suffered another blow to morale in midweek after a late goal condemned them to defeat at Kilmarnock.
McBookie make Thistle 9/5 outsiders today and that price looks generous with the Jags unbeaten in five and having home advantage.
If you want to play it a bit safer, backing Kris Doolan’s side to win either half pays even with William Hill.
There’s also potential for a shock when Hibs head north to take on Caley Thistle.
Nick Montgomery’s side have only claimed one victory in their last eight games – even a fortuitous 1-0 win at Forfar.
They were unlucky against Celtic in midweek but losing to a late penalty was another boot in the delicates and the last thing you need after such a blow is to look up and see Duncan Ferguson preparing for a square-go.
Big Dunc’s Inverness have won two of their last three so it could cause Hibs a few problems and going for goals looks the best option here.
BTTS is just 8/13 at McBookie but combining that with over 2.5 goals boosts the odds to 21/20 with Bet365.
League Two Bonnyrigg will be out to ruin Neil Warnock’s Pittodrie bow as Aberdeen boss.
The Dons haven’t been scoring a lot of goals so I’m going to combine an Aberdeen win with under 3.5 strikes at 6/5 (SkyBet).
Kilmarnock host Cove Rangers in the other tie today and Derek McInnes’ side should be too strong. Backing Killie corners paid off for me in midweek and over 7.5 flag kicks for them today pays evens with Bet365.
Holders Celtic have a tricky tie at St Mirren tomorrow and have looked ropey in their last two matches. Injuries are hitting hard in defence so I’m on BTTS at 11/10 with QuinnBet.
Airdrie host Hearts tomorrow after scalping St Johnstone and will have a go. That bodes well for goals and combining BTTS with over 2.5 strikes pays 6/5 at Bet365.
Super singles
- Over five first half corners at Ibrox (20/21, Bet365)
- Partick to win a half (evens, William Hill)
- Dons win and under 3.5 goals (6/5, SkyBet)
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.
