Domestic football is back (Yesss!) and our very own KevMac looks ahead to an unusual Saturday where all 12 Premiership teams are in action in Scotland.
Rangers v Hearts
RANGERS saw off a high-flying capital side at Ibrox before the international break and return to action looking for a repeat when Hearts come calling today.
It looked like Hibs might give the champions a bloody nose when Kevin Nisbet fired the Easter Road men into an early lead but a red card to Ryan Porteous proved pivotal as Gers fought back to beat the 10 men 2-1.
Steven Gerrard’s men dug out a win without being at their best – and it was the same story in the first Old Firm game of the campaign.
Now it’s the Jambos heading to Ibrox and Robbie Neilson’s men will fancy their chances after an unbeaten start in the league.
While Gers have seen off Hibs and Celtic at Ibrox, both those games could have gone either way and Motherwell also claimed a deserved 1-1 draw when they came to the south side of Glasgow.
So plenty of Jambos fans will fancy a flutter on their side at odds of 11/2 with Bet365 today.
But it’s a tough one to call so I’m playing it safe and backing another tight game instead.
A one-goal winning margin for either side pays 6/4 (McBookie) and is worth a shout as it has come up in nine Rangers games so far and four Hearts matches.
This fixture can often be fiery and four of the last five meetings have seen five cards or more in them.
McBookie are offering 5/4 on over 42.5 booking points and I’ll be having a nibble after cashing in on Porteous being carded in the last top-of-the-table battle at Ibrox.
Motherwell v Celtic
Celtic cured their travel sickness at Pittodrie before the international break but failed to convince again in their 2-1 win.
The Hoops now face a trip to Motherwell today and it’s another big test for Ange Postecoglou’s new-look side. Well had gone five unbeaten in the league before losing 2-0 at Tynecastle just before the break.
Graham Alexander has them well drilled and the Steelmen could get some joy against
Postecoglou’s dodgy defence.
Going for goals has been profitable since the Aussie took charge at Parkhead so over 2.5 strikes looks good value at 20/23 with Betfair, especially as Celtic’s last three visits to Fir Park have delivered a total of 16 goals.
The odds increase to 2/1 at McBookie for over 3.5 goals while both teams to score also looks good at 11/10 with Mansionbet.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s return has given the Hoops a boost but he may not start after a gruelling trip with Japan. So in-form winger Jota looks a better shout for a goal at 3/1 (Paddy Power).
Hibernian v Dundee Utd
Hibs host Dundee United in another intriguing game and it could be tighter than the bookies think as they make Jack Ross’ men odds-on favourites.
I’m going to back a one-goal winning margin for either side again at 7/5 with McBookie while betting against BTTS also appeals at 20/21 with BetVictor.
Ross County v St Mirren
I tipped St Mirren for a top-six slot before a ball was kicked so I was glad to see them pick up form before the break.
The Buddies travel to Ross County today and I fancy both teams to score at 20/21 (McBookie).
St Johnstone v Livingston
St Johnstone were also flying before the break, winning three of their last four, and look good value at 10/11 (William Hill) for a home win over struggling Livingston.
Dundee v Aberdeen
A full Premiership card concludes as Aberdeen head to Dens and I can see a few goals with over 2.5 strikes priced 21/17 at SBK.
Super Singles
- One-goal winning margin at Ibrox (6/4, McBookie)
- Over 42.5 booking points at Ibrox (5/4, McBookie)
- Jota to score (3/1, Paddy Power)
- BTTS in County v St Mirren (20/21, McBookie)
In December 2020 we sadly 
