AFTER all the excitment of the Old Firm clash, Celtic and Rangers return to action on Wednesday in the less glamorous surroundings of Ross County and Falkirk respectively.
It’s difficult to see either slipping up as they start their assault on the League Cup trophy.
Neil Lennon will have learned from last year’s Scottish Cup semi-final loss not to treat the Dingwall men lightly while Gers go into the Bairns clash full of confidence after a rip-roaring derby win.
With Celtic being a biggest 2-7 at William Hill and Gers a best 1-3 with the same firm the way to go could be back them on the handicaps.
I tried that on Tuesday with Aberdeen and Dundee United and got one out of two right with the Dons once again finding lower-league teams a tough nut to crack.
That increases the price to 8-11 (Betfred) Celtic and 3-4 (sportingbet) Rangers to win by at least two goals.
For first-scorer and correct score bets I’d wait until team news is firmed up nearer kick-off but for Celtic the man to back could be Anthony Stokes at 4-1 with William Hill.
Ayr beat Inverness at home in the last round and Somerset will be packed for the visit of Hearts but the First Division men went down 4-0 at Partick at the weekend and have lost a bit of form since that great cup night.
United are a best 13-2 at sportingbet but look at the Jambos at 1-2 with Stan James and Skybet while minus one is big at 11-4 with Skybet.
Recommendations
Celtic, Rangers, Hearts all -1