THERE are some mouthwatering clashes today and home and on the continent but its the 2 matches in Scotland that take my eye with an Edinburgh derby to kick us off followed by a real grudge match at Ibrox as Rangers host Aberdeen.
I'm expecting both tussles to be fiery and there is certainly no love between the sides involved which outside the Old firm match are the two biggest fixtures in the Scottish calendar. I'm sure Mr F would disagree, the Bankies have some good derby fixtures.
Hibernian vs Hearts (KO 12pm)
A Scottish cup final rally masks what a poor season it's been for Hearts and defeat today would certainly add pressure on Hearts Manger Craig Levein.
They travel to play the leagues form side and under Paul Heckingbottom are in great shape.
Its a derby and there are three players who tick the boxed for me in terms of bookings:
Stevie Mallan is Hibs most booked player and will be in the thick of the action up against Hearts most two booked players this season in Djoum and Haring who have 18 bookings between them.
Recommended Bets
- Stevie Mallan to be booked
- 15/8 (bet365)
- Arnaud Djoum to be booked
- 2/1 (Bet365)
Rangers vs Aberdeen (KO 3pm)
Don't need to say too much about this game – no love lost between these two and the hatred between them seems to be intensifying, not aided by Steven Gerrard yet again coming out with a ridiculous statement the Dons try harder against them than they do when they play Celtic.
There are two players who are standouts for a booked and two I've had a fair bit of success with in the cards market.
Step forward Lewis Ferguson and Graeme Shinnie – the Aberdeen pair really can't help themselves but be booked against Rangers. Shame Shinnie is out injured for this but Ferguson should deliver
Young Ferguson has been booked 11 times this season and has seen a card in 4 of the 6 matches he's played against Rangers.
Rangers are in great form at the moment and although Aberdeen have a good record against them I’m taking the home men to win.
Recommended Bets
- Lewis Ferguson to be booked
- 5/4 (Bet365) (NAP)
- Rangers to win and over 1.5 goals
- 20/23 (Ladbrokes)
Harring out injureds
Shinnie injured until the end of the season is he not?
Aye Shinnies definitely out. Might be back for the Hibs game though.
As a Hibs fan McGregor likes a booking in these games
Cheers gents – was at a 60th last night and head was a bit fuzzy this morning
NAP now Lewis Ferguson