WAS it a shock or wasn't it? The debate will rage on after 9-2 shots St Johnstone won at Rangers to end Mark Warburton's perfect start to his Ibrox career.
Well done everyone on the Saints and as I said we'd find out a lot about Rangers and where they stand. On that showing the defence isn't ready but at the end of the day that will be dealt and their main aim is to win promotion to the Premiership.
Saints played well – much better than last season when they lost 1-0 – and in Michael O'Halloran they had the man of the match.
There are just three League Cup ties tonight but they feature Scotland's top three teams. And it would be great for the tournament if Aberdeen, Celtic and Hearts battled after Rangers' exit which is a blow for the tournament.
Celtic are a shoe-in at home to Raith with boss Ronny Deila knowing fans are demanding him to deliver not just a title, not just a double but The Treble.
The Hoops are no bigger than 1-7 at Betfred so for value you're going to look at the handicaps. Having demolished Dundee 6-0 at the weekend it should be at least a three-goal win for Celtic again a Championship who have picked up most of their points this season at home.
They lost 5-0 at Rangers and 2-0 at Hibs recently and those results must be a concern for boss Ray McKinnon.
I'd consider Celtic -2 at 5-6 at Paddy Power or -3 at 15-8 but if in doubt check team line-ups as Deila may tinker a little bit with his side.
Raith are 40-1 at Skybet – smaller than Japan were to beat South Africa in the rugby – to cause a seismic shock.
Tie of the night could be Hibs v Aberdeen but there's only one winner if the Dons repeat their display in the capital on Sunday.
Derek McInnes's men blew away Hearts with a first-half super show and look a decent punt at 4-5 with Paddy Power. If Adam Rooney starts he's worth a look at 4-1 with Betfred to score first.
Hibs have got going with four wins in a row, all to nil, after a difficult start but this should be a 10th domestic win in a row for the Pittodrie men.
Hearts on the other hand are trying to avoid a fourth successive loss as they head to Kilmarnock.
Killie have solved their keeper crisis by bringing in Mark Ridgers from St Mirren but it could be nervy one for him against a former side.
There are a few sideshows with Killie boss Gary Locke up against the side that dumped in favour of Robbie Neilson and also Killie have ex-Jambo Kevin McHattie.
It's a tough one to call but best bet could be both teams to score at 4-5 with bet365.
Recommended Bets
Celtic -2
(5-6, Paddy Power)
Aberdeen
(4-5, Paddy Power)
Killie v Hearts btts
(4-5, bet365)
In December 2020 we sadly 
Mr F, how do you feel about the premiership title race? I really like the look of Dons, but don’t see much value considering the points handicap that was being offered at the start of the season for them to win the title, at more or less the same price. Thoughts appreciated
Thanks
JordanLK, talked about that last week. I tipped Aberdeen +23 at the start of the season and now they are 5-1 without a handicap.
I still think Celtic will win it but the +23 is already a winner in my mind.
Just sticking fiver on these the now cos if he is only 16 Killie will concede a few you’d think, Killie are pish even wi their 1st choice keeper amd price likely to drop, only Coralgo evens for the Hearts win with every other odds on
Hearts to score 3+ 3/1 £3
Hearts to score 4+ 9/1 £1.50
Hearts to score 5+ 22/1 50p
—
Stick these on last night in the hope they couldn’t get a keeper through in time but still could be a decent payout…
Alves, Killie signed Mark Ridgers from St Mirren in the afternoon and he will play. Ex-Hearts man too.
Aye seen that on bbc preview but still if he can’t get a game, no even 2nd choice he can’t be that good but will see tomorrow
Alves, Ridgers is OK and being ex-Hearts will want to do well.
Already advised yesterday. As I stated in my post I expected the odds to shorten and they did, literally by half. Coral offering only 10/1 now for first goal instead of 20/1 and 7/2 anytime instead of 7/1. There’s no guarantee he will start but I was happy enough to take the risk knowing the likelihood was that the price would drop. If you fancy Bitton he’s 20/1 first and 5/1 anytime with Bet365. Good luck if you decide to back him.
****GREAT VALUE BET (HEADS UP)****
CELTIC VS RAITH ROVERS (WED)
Celtic 1/16 at home to Raith Rovers should breeze past them with ease. It’s hard to spot value but I think I’ve found a cracker. Nir Bitton should start and after his goal against Ajax, the midfielder is a huge 20/1 with Coral and Bet365 to score first goal. compare this price to Betfred’s 8/1 and William Hill and Ladbrokes 9/1 and I’m sure you’ll agree. Even better value is Bitton to score anytime. He’s a measly 6/4 with William Hill and a massive 7/1 with Coral. I’m not sure the price will hold out as in my opinion Coral have priced this up wrong.
RECOMMENDED BETS
Nir Bitton First Goalscorer @ 20/1
Nir Bitton Anytime Goalscorer @ 7/1 (Coral)
Good luck everyone
Never look a gift horse in the mouth. I said yesterday 9/2 was a far too big a price and that was the value in the match. 7/4 for both teams yesterday was the real odds.
Taking the lead from Chris Guy and backing Bitton FGS & AGS. Got 20/1 & 7/1 from yesterday.
Also on Boyata FGS @ 25/1
After last night all I need is one of thes bets to come in and I might be taking the rest of the week off :D
As i said yesterday i was one of the few not sure how the Rangers game would go so only bet small stakes on them. Saints defended doggedly with 9 or 10 behind the ball for an hour.and Rangers didn’t have the cutting edge to break them down. Central defence is poor, too slow, thats where the game was lost as Rangers dominated most of the game but were a bit naive in their approach. Thats 3 games in a row teams parking the bus have caused Rangers problems that they’ve not really handled to plenty for Warburton to work on.
Sparta Rotterdam, Volendam, Fulham, Swansea and Reims among others caused me big losses last night and i’m going to stop backing johnb’s nags for a while as hes on a long losing streak.
I’m going for all your tips today mr f so here’s hoping!
Mr F and Greg have already highlighted this for goals
Gone for +2.5 gls at Killie now after reading the RFO form guide
Killies last 12 homes saw +2.5 in 11
Hearts last 12 aways saw +2.5 in 10
+3.5 might have a chance here too
+2.5 @ 10/11 with Willies