STEVEN GERRARD would have been relieved to see the transfer window close without losing any of his top stars.
Leading scorer Alfredo Morelos and star defender James Tavernier were wanted men but the loss of either would have sent out wrong signals about the club's title challenge.
Morelos has netted 21 goals and his loss would have been massive. Gerrard sent a clear message who was still his No.1 striker when he started new man Jermain Defoe and fogotten man Kyle Lafferty in the cup win at Cowdenbeath.
The Colombian was rested and is likely to be leading the line on his own as St Mirren visit Ibrox today and is 10-3 at bet365 to net first and just 8-11 to net at any time.
Every game is a must-win for Gers having fallen six points behind Celtic and this should be a comfortable win. Back the home -2 at 13-10 with Paddy Power and Gers to win to nil at 3-4 with McBookie.
Both meetings have finished 2-0 this season – with Morelos scoring in both – and a third pays 11-2 at McBookie.
It's part two of Celtic's trilogy against St Johnstone and after beating them 2-0 on Wednesday I'm on the champions to pick up the points in Perth where they were 6-0 victors last October.
Celtic are just 4-11 at McBookie and 13-10 with the Scots firm to beat their opponents to nil for the fourth time this season.
The Hoops have won six out of seven in Perth and six from seven have gone over 2.5 goals so back Celts and overs at 23-20 with boylesports.
Aberdeen remain in title contention and should beat a Hibs side that parted company with Neil Lennon in midweek. Lenny's loss will be felt even though caretaker Eddie May guided the side to victory at St Mirren last week.
The Dons are a tougher test and I fancy the away at 9-5 with betfair. Sam Cosgrove has netted 10 in 10 games and looks big at 4-1 with Boylesports to net and 10-1 to break the deadlock.
Hamilton also parted company with their manager as Martin Canning was replaced by Brian Rice. His first game is at home to a Dundee side nursing wounds after a 3-0 Scottish Cup defeat at Queen of the South.
Boss Jim McIntyre said his men defended like toddlers but Accies don't have Stephen Dobbie and I'm backing a low-scoring draw – under 2.5 goals and draw pays 11-4 with Ladbrokes.
Stephen Dobbie has a remarkable 37 goals for the season and 12 in nine games. His next target is Falkirk and he is 3-1 with Paddy Power to score first as Queens (13-10, McBookie) aim to beat the Bairns for the third time this season.
Falkirk have made some good signings though and best bet here could be both to score at 3-4 with Marathonbet.
Dundee United were the busiest club in the window and after 11 signings it looks as if they’re serious about a title bid.
United, six points off the pace in third, brought in players including Osman Sow, Cammy Smith, Morgaro Gomis, Peter Pawlett, Aidan Nesbitt and Mark Reynolds.
It’s a big investment and while I don’t know how many will start today they should beat Morton at home at 8-11 with Ladbrokes.
In League One Forfar have climbed within three points of Raith ahead of their meeting at Stark’s Park. Fancy both teams to score here at 8-13 with Betway.
Recommended Bets
- Rangers & Morelos to score (10-11, bet365)
- Celtic & over 2.5 match goals (23-20, boylesports)
- Cosgrove (Aberdeen) to score (3-1, bet365)
- Hamilton v Dundee draw & under 2,5 goals (11-4, Ladbrokes)
- Dobbie (QoS) to score first (3-1, Paddy Power)
- Dundee United (8-13, Ladbrokes)
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Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
