IT looked like Dundee United had turned a corner under Liam Fox but they’ve now headed down a cul-de-sac called Relegation Dogfight.
The Tannadice side have claimed just one victory in their last five matches and even that came against minnows Stirling University in the Scottish Cup.
Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Kilmarnock was particularly damaging as it sent United to the bottom of the table on goal difference.
And it’s hard to see things improving today as they head to Tynecastle, where Hearts dished out a 4-1 hammering earlier this season.
The Jambos saw their 10-game unbeaten run grind to a halt in midweek as they were outclassed in a 3-0 defeat to Rangers.
But Robbie Neilson’s men should still have too much firepower for United and McBookie make them 4/6 favourites.
Lawrence Shankland has haunted his old club this season, netting in the first minute of that 4-1 victory in Gorgie before scoring a stoppage-time penalty leveller at Tannadice.
He’s 11/10 with McBookie for another goal today and that looks worth a punt. I also fancy Hearts to score in both halves and that pays 8/5 with the same firm.
It ended 4-0 on the card count to United when they last came calling so backing them at -1 in the card handicap also appeals at 2/1 (Bet365).
It’s so tight in the drop zone with just three points separating the bottom four.
Motherwell’s form is even worse than United’s with the Steelmen’s only win in their last 11 coming in the Cup at Arbroath.
They lost 2-0 at home to St Johnstone in midweek and now travel to Pittodrie to face crisis club Aberdeen.
The Dons have also claimed just one victory in their last 11 but came close to snatching a point with 10 men against St Mirren on Wednesday night at Pittodrie.
Two late goals condemned them to a 3-1 loss yet there seemed to be more spirit in the display under caretaker boss Barry Robson.
That makes me think Aberdeen will have enough to see off Well and they are 11/10 at Coral for an overdue win. Ross McCrorie’s red card in midweek will see him miss out today and the Dons are stretched at the back.
With Well keeping just one clean sheet in their last 11 we should see a few goals. BTTS is 7/9 with SBK while over 2.5 strikes is a bit better at 19/20 with BetVictor.
Featured SPFL Fixtures
- Sat 15:00 Heart of Midlothian vs Dundee United
- Sat 15:00 Rangers vs Ross County
Kilmarnock’s home form is keeping their head above water but they’re still without a win on their travels in the Premiership.
They head to the Tony Macaroni this afternoon for El Plastico with Livingston and David Martindale’s men look good value for the win at 6/5 with McBookie.
It should be a tight match and one-goal winning margin appeals at 5/4 (McBookie).
Rangers are hitting their stride under Michael Beale and that emphatic Tynecastle win was probably their best display since the Englishman took charge.
Ross County come to Ibrox today and the Staggies are as big as 22/1 with William Hill for a shock win.
It’s hard to make a case for Malky Mackay’s men as they sit just a point above Well and United at the bottom.
Rangers should have too much class for County’s defence and I fancy them to win both halves (Evens, SkyBet).
Fashion Sakala impressed against Hearts and the winger looks a bit overpriced at 9/5 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer if he starts once more.
Hibs are showing signs of life again, with that stunning 6-0 win over Aberdeen followed by a 1-1 draw on the road in Dingwall.
But they now have one of the toughest away days in the Premiership against a St Mirren side who are unbeaten in 12 in Paisley.
It’s a tough one to call and I’m going for the half-time draw at 21/20 with McBookie.
Leaders Celtic head to Perth tomorrow and needed a last-gasp goal to seal a 2-1 victory on their last trip to McDiarmid Park.
Rangers also had to sweat for a 1-0 at Saints in the Scottish Cup a fortnight ago so it could be a game of patience.
Celtic corners might be the best option and backing the champions at -5 in the handicap pays 7/5 at Unibet.
Super singles
Shankland to score (11/10, McBookie)
Aberdeen win (11/10, Coral)
Gers to win both halves (Evs, SkyBet)
Celtic -5 corner h’cap (7/5, Unibet)
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.
