PREMIERSHIP fans are already thinking about massive midweek derbies but for managers and players the focus is on today’s action.
It promises to be a massive week at both ends of the table with Tuesday’s derbies in Edinburgh and Dundee followed by the Old Firm showdown a day later.
Before those tasty treats there’s a full Premiership card today and both Rangers and Celtic can’t afford to take their eye off the ball in a tense title race.
They were made to sweat for victories in midweek and the three points are no gimme today either as Gers head to Dingwall to face Ross County before the Hoops host Dundee United.
Clashes between the Staggies and the champions have been thrillers so far this season, with both games ending in 4-2 wins for the Ibrox side.
Malky Mackay’s men have been good value for BTTS in recent weeks and I cashed in by making that part of my midweek bet builder.
Their 2-1 loss at Tannadice was the seventh league game in a row where both teams had netted so that bet appeals in today’s clash at a best 17/16 with SBK.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men have lacked sparkle in the last couple of games but they are boosted by the return of Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent.
New boy Amad Diallo could also make his debut after arriving on loan from Manchester United and he’s 5/2 with Paddy Power to announce himself with a goal.
On the evidence of previous games between the sides this term, over 2.5 goals looks a good shout at 10/13 with SBK while I also like the 19/10 McBookie are offering on a penalty being awarded.
Celtic impressed for the first hour against Hearts on Wednesday but almost ended up throwing the game away as they ran out of steam. That has been a theme for the Hoops in a lot of matches this term and they now face a United side who managed to claim a 1-1 draw at Parkhead earlier this season.
Both goals came in the first half that day so it could pay to back the first 45 to be the highest-scoring half today at 19/10 with McBookie.
Winger Jota caught the eye at Tynecastle and looks good at 11/10 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
Hearts almost came from 2-0 down to snatch a point against Celtic and now host a Motherwell side who have lacked punch since selling Tony Watt.
Well have drawn blanks inside 90 minutes in their last two games so I’m betting against BTTS here at a best 20/23 with Betfair.
Beni Baningime’s return from injury is a big boost for Robbie Neilson. The midfielder likes a tackle and is 10/3 at Bet365 for a fifth card this term.
Hibs are another team who have struggled since selling their main man, also drawing successive blanks inside 90 minutes since the departure of Martin Boyle.
Shaun Maloney’s side could find it hard to break down a Livingston team who came within 15 minutes of holding Rangers to a stalemate in midweek and have also shut out Celtic twice this season.
That makes under 2.5 goals the shout but the odds are poor at a best 13/20 with Unibet. The
half-time draw looks better at 11/10.
St Johnstone ended their horror run of defeats on Wednesday but drew another blank in a dreary Perth stalemate with fellow strugglers Dundee.
They now head to Pittodrie and I’m combining a Dons win with under 2.5 goals (21/10, McBookie).
Dens Park doesn’t look a happy camp right now and in-form St Mirren look good value at 37/20 (Unibet) for a win at Dundee.
Super Singles
- Over 2.5 goals in Ross County v Rangers (10/13, SBK)
- Jota anytime scorer (11/10, Paddy Power)
- Beni Baningime to be carded (10/3, Bet 365)
Deadly Double
- Under 2.5 goals at Easter Road and Pittodrie (172/100, 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.
