KevMac briefs us on this weekends fixtures in Scotland where the card is reduced due to the Betfred Cup semi-final matches.
St Johnstone v Hibernian
HIBS head back to Hampden today looking to banish the demons of their derby defeat by Hearts in the Scottish Cup semis on Halloween.
With the Old Firm already out of the League Cup, the Hibees are favourites at evens with McBookie to go on and lift the silverware.
Their semi-final with St Johnstone is far from a gimme, despite the Perth side winning just one of their last 10 games inside 90 minutes.
Saints have now gone four matches unbeaten, following up three successive draws with a win over St Mirren, but I fancy Hibs to use the pain of that last semi-final loss to get over the line.
Jack Ross’ side have recovered from a slump in form and head into the semi on the back of a draw at Celtic Park and a win at home to Kilmarnock.
They also have a decent record against St Johnstone, going unbeaten in the last five meetings.
Hibs are 6/5 at McBookie to win in normal time but it may be safer to back them to qualify at 7/10 as this one could go to extra time or penalties.
This fixture has thrown up plenty of goals in recent seasons, with four of the last five seeing over 2.5 goals.
A repeat here pays 11/8 at BetVictor but semi-finals can often be cagey so this may be more like the league clash in Perth earlier this season which Hibs won 1-0.
Under 2.5 goals pays just 8/13 at McBookie but the odds increase to 9/5 for under 1.5 strikes while betting against both teams to score pays 17/20.
Hibs hitman Kevin Nisbet will be out to make amends for his costly penalty miss against Hearts at Hampden and is 6/4 with Paddy Power to score.
McBookie are also offering bets on players having a shot on target and the odds that stand out are Martin Boyle (5/6) and David Wotherspoon (8/11).
Livingston v St Mirren
In-form Livingston take on St Mirren in the other semi-final tomorrow and it’s another tough one to call.
The Buddies knocked out Rangers in the last round but now face a Livi side who are unbeaten in 10 since David Martindale took over.
Even after resting seven players in midweek, Livingston still found a way to draw 2-2 with Celtic so it’s easy to see why they are just 8/15 with McBookie to qualify for the final and 10/11 to win inside 90 minutes.
But the Buddies have won both league meetings so far this season so plenty of punters will fancy them at 7/5 to qualify and 3/1 to win.
I’m going to back the stalemate though as these sides are evenly matched and I wouldn’t be surprised if the second semi also went the distance. A draw at 90 minutes pays 5/2 at McBookie and Skybet are offering 9/2 on either side winning in a penalty shoot-out.
Rangers v Ross County
Rangers can take another step towards the Premiership title today when they face Ross County at Ibrox.
The Staggies have picked up since John Hughes arrived as boss but Gers are still a class above and have come out on top in their last eight meetings.
County haven’t even managed a goal against Rangers in their last five meetings and another win to nil for Steven Gerrard’s men pays 4/6 at McBookie.
That’s not great value and it’s the same backing Gerrard’s strikers in the anytime scorer market with them all odds-on.
But skipper James Tavernier is 6/4 for a goal with Paddy Power and that’s decent given he takes the penalties and has netted twice against County already this season.
Aberdeen v Motherwell
Aberdeen host Motherwell in the other Premiership game today looking to bounce back from a 4-1 mauling by County in Dingwall last weekend.
Well have won on their last two trips to Pittodrie and are unbeaten under new boss Graham Alexander with two draws.
But I’m steering clear of backing a winner and instead will bet against both teams to score at 5/6 (McBookie) as it has come up in the last four meetings.
Hearts v Raith Rovers
RAITH were one of the early Championship pace setters but head to Tynecastle today out of shape and out of form.
Rovers haven’t played in 2021 but had won just once in five before New Year. It ended 3-1 to Hearts when these sides met in the League Cup in October.
Goals are almost guaranteed with the Jambos so I’m backing a home win with over 2.5 goals at 5/6 (McBookie). I also fancy Hearts to win both halves (8/5).
Dunfermline v Ayr United
Dunfermline have been racking up too many draws but should win at home against out-of sorts Ayr United, which is priced 4/5 at McBookie.
Queen of the South v Morton
Queen of the South are unbeaten in four and I fancy them at 13/10 to beat Morton.
Inverness v Alloa
Inverness host Alloa looking to avenge a 2-1 loss at the Indodrill in December and are 4/7 to claim a victory.
Super Singles
- Martin Boyle shot on target 5/6 (McBookie)
- Livi v St Mirren draw 90 mins 5/2 (McBookie)
- Hearts to win both halves 8/5 (McBookie)
Deadly Doubles
- Tavernier and Nisbet to score 5/1 (Paddy Power)
- Queen of the South and Dunfermline to win 314/100 (McBookie)
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.
Conor shields for Queen of South
7 goals in last 5 games
2/1 anytime scorer with 365
1 point staked
Shields looks a good player, talk of bigger clubs sniffing round him. Shame the Pars let me down for that double. Should have followed the stats and backed them for another draw