Scottish Football Tips: Gers can close gap on Jambos

IF Rangers were 11 points behind Celtic they'd be written off for the title – but 11 behind Hearts?

That could be the scenario on Sunday if the Jambos win at Ibrox but there's no way Steven Gerrard will rule his side out if that happens.

For me 11 points are a worry but we'll discover how genuine the Jambos' title challenge is over the next five matches as they face Rangers then Aberdeen (h), Dundee (a), Hibs (h) and Celtic (a).

Dundee apart that's a tough run but it's one game at a time for Craig Levein's men and I'm looking forward to seeing how they cope with travelling to Ibrox.

Rangers have won three out of three at home, scoring 11 goals, and while Gerrard won't see this as must-win he might see it as a must-not-lose encounter.

And he will be lifted by his side's 3-1 victory against Rapid Vienna on Thursday – a display he described as the best of his reign.

Hearts, who have won all three on the road, will have backers at 15-4 with bet365 but 4-5 with Betway on the home is enough to tempt me – even if Gers were in Europa League action on Thursday. If you fancy a draw that's 3-1 at Marathonbet.

Kyle Lafferty will be desperate to score against his former side and is 9-2 with bet365 to break the deadlock and 13-10 to net at any time.

Celtic, six points off the top, will hope to close the gap by beating St Johnstone. They won 1-0 in Perth recently in the Betfred Cup and another 1-0 pays 13-2 at McBookie.

Leigh Griffiths missed chances before netting the clincher and is 7-2 at bet365 to strike first.

Today Aberdeen and Hibs should beat St Mirren and Hamilton respectively with the double paying 9-10 at 188BET.

The Dons haven't been at their best but have netted 11 in three against the Buddies including a 4-0 Betfred Cup romp in August. Saints have scored just once in six games so consider Aberdeen at evens with McBookie to win to nil.

Surprise guys Livingston head to Motherwell and while a best 16-5 at sportingbet looks big on the away I'd prefer Livi draw no bet at 2-1 with Unibet.

Dundee got off the mark at Hamilton last week but Killie could end their mini-revival. Steve Clarke's men though are a tad short at 10-11 with Betfred considering the last four meetings at Dens have been draws – three finishing 1-1. Followers of trends may back that scoreline at 6-1 with McBookie.

There were some big scores in the Championship last week with Ross County's 5-1 win at Dundee United ending the reign of Csaba Laszlo.

Leaders Ayr also won 5-1 – at Morton – and look decent value at 29-20 with McBookie against the Tangerines. United might get a lift from their boss leaving but it could be too early to take effect and confidence is low.

Ross County are two points off the top and tempt at 13-10 but haven't won in five at Partick Thistle.

Inverness are just 4-11 at Ladbrokes to beat Morton after 0-0 draws against QoS and Ross County.

Queens haven't won in three but should take care of Alloa at 8-13 with McBookie. Scotland's top scorer Stephen Dobbie is 10-3 with McBookie to net first.

In League One it's second v first as Raith entertain Arbroath. Should see both on target here and a score draw pays 7-2 at McBookie.

Airdrie v Brechin is one for btts fans at 8-13 with William Hill with the Glebe Park men notching four score draws in a row.

I've backed League Two leaders Edinburgh almost every week and bookies have caught up with them. At a best 1-3 it's one for the accas.

Peterhead are better priced at 8-15 with William Hill against an Elgin side they defeated 7-0 at home last season.

Recommended Bets

• Rangers (4-5, Betway)
• Griffiths to score first (7-2, bet365)
• Aberdeen/Hibs double (9-10, Betway)
• Livingston draw no bet (2-1, Unibet)
• Dundee 1, Killie 1 (6-1, McBookie)
• Ayr (29-20, McBookie)
• Dobbie to score first (10-3, McBookie)
• Raith v Arbroath score draw (7-2, McBookie)
• Edinburgh/Peterhead double (4-5, William Hill)

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