SlipsTips has cast his eye over the latest slate of SPFL fixtures, with selections shared from each of the top-three division's in Scotland on Saturday.
Hearts vs Celtic (Saturday, 12:30)
The standout fixture from this weekend's set of Scottish Premiership matches will take place at Tynecastle on Saturday lunchtime as Hearts play host to Celtic.
Robbie Neilson’s side are in a bit of a slump at the moment having taken just one point from their last three league games, while the Bhoys have overcome a mini-blip to bang in 10 goals across their last two matches.
As such, Celtic are as short as 1/3 with most firms to collect all three points in the capital, but I'm happy to highlight an alternative angle by backing Hearts to receive 30+ Booking Points at 11/10 (SkyBet).
While Hearts have averaged just 1.60 yellow cards per-game this season, Jambos defender Alex Cochrane has called on his teammates to revert to the dark arts in this fixture to fend of Celtic’s free-scoring frontline, a tactic that was deployed in August's reverse fixture, as Hearts racked up three yellows and two reds.
It’s also worth pointing out that Neilson's side have been awarded 30+ Booking Points in both of their recent encounters with fellow big-hitters Rangers and Aberdeen.
What’s more, Ange Postecoglou’s swashbuckling side have drawn 30+ Booking Points from a sizable seven of their 10 opponents in the Scottish Premiership this season so far.
Furthermore, referee Nick Walsh was averaging north of 45 BP per-game last season, and he should be kept busy here given that the pair have thrown up some fiery fixtures over the past few years.
With all things considered, I’m happy to back Hearts to receive 30+ Booking Points at 11/10 (SkyBet) in what promises to be a tasty televised tussle at Tynecastle.
Recommended Bet
- 30+ Hearts Booking Points – 11/10 (SkyBet)
Partick Thistle vs Queen's Park (Saturday, 15:00)
Partick Thistle will set out to maintain their place at the top of the Scottish Championship when they face Queen’s Park at Firhill on Saturday afternoon.
The Jags returned to winning ways with a 2-1 success at Hamilton last Saturday, while the Spiders were pegged back in a 1-1 draw at home to Arbroath.
Despite suffering a 4-1 pasting in the Premier Sports Cup at Aberdeen in midweek, I’m still prepared to get the hosts onside here, with the combination of Over One Partick Thistle goal and Partick Thistle Double Chance making appeal at 4/5 (Bet 365).
Ian McCall has the most potent attack in the division at his disposal, with his free-scoring team hitting 23 strikes across their opening 10 league games, netting multiple times in a hefty eight of those matches.
While Owen Coyle’s Queen’s Park have needed no time to adapt to life in the second tier, their overall form has taken a slight dip in recent weeks, not to mention they have registered just two clean sheets in 11 Championship outings to date.
When you consider that the aforementioned Bet Builder would have paid out in seven of Thistle's 10 league games this season so far, supporting the same formula at Firhill on Saturday is an obvious fancy at 4/5 with Bet 365.
Recommended Bet
- Over 1 Partick Thistle Goal
- Partick Thistle Double Chance
- Bet Builder (4/5, Bet 365)
Falkirk vs Kelty Hearts (Saturday, 15:00)
Falkirk will be looking to continue their fine home form in Scottish League One when they lock horns with Kelty Hearts on Saturday.
The Bairns have been one of the perennial strugglers in the third tier in recent times, but John McGlynn has finaly got them moving in the right direction, with his in-form side currently second in the table following a 3-1 cruise to victory over Alloa in midweek.
As for Kelty Hearts, they took some time to adjust to League One surroundings following last season's promotion, but they will head to the Falkirk Stadium in good spirits having claimed top honours from recent home matches with Queen of the South and Clyde.
However, John Potter’s side have come unstuck in each of their five away games in the league this term, which doesn't bode well given that Falkirk are undefeated in eight outings across all competitions in front of their own supporters this season.
I’ve watched Falkirk at close quarters on several occasions this season, so much so that I was pleasantly surprised to see the Bairns can be backed at 4/5 (Betway) to score two or more goals on Saturday.
John McGlynn’s men have made the net bulge at least twice in four of their five league fixtures at home this season, so they definitely represent a spot of value to repeat the trick against a Kelty Hearts team that have shipped 2+ strikes in each of their five road matches thus far.
Recommended Bet
- Over 1.5 Falkirk Goals – 4/5 (Betway)
Freelance Sports Writer and Betting Analyst with over five years experience. I’ve written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. With a strong passion for the fascinating world of Scottish football, I also regularly feature in Nutmeg, the much-loved Scottish football magazine. Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. Feel free to follow me on X @SlipsTips
