SPL: DUNFERMLINE v ST MIRREN

THE SPL season is just three days old and already there is talk of a crisis at Ibrox.

That's nonsense, of course, because you can't lose the title on the first weekend but bookies have reacted fairly strongly to the Old Firm's opening results.

McBookie.com, for example, have cut Celtic to 8-15 favourites after their 2-0 win at Hibs.

Rangers are out to 6-4 after being held by a much better team than Hibs in Hearts.

McBookie.com spokesman Paul Petrie said: “Rangers were poor on Saturday while Celtic didn't have to get out of second gear to beat Hibs.

“There is a long way to go but the early signs are not good for Ally McCoist.”

The first round of fixtures is completed on Monday night when promoted Dunfermline take on St Mirren.

Dunfermline are unlikely to be whipping boys but Saints have made some decent additions and could make life difficult if they get up and running qucikly.

The Pars are 11-8 with William Hill to kick off the season with a win while a draw can't be ruled out at 9-4 with Ladbrokes.

However, Chandler's 9-4 on the Buddies catches the eye and it could be experienced new boys Steven Thompson and Gary Teale who give them the edge.

Thompson, in particular, should, give Danny Lennon's men more of a cutting edge up front and is 8-1 with bet365 and Chandler to score first with Teale 16-1 at bet365.

Bookies have asked me to remind punters that Saints also have a Steven Thomson in their line-up. If you want the striker he's the one with a P in his surname and if you bet in shops make sure you write Thompson for the striker or quote a price.

First-scorer favourite is Dunfermline's leading marksman from last season, Andy Kirk. He is 11-2 with the likes of bodog and William Hill.

Boylesports go 4-6 about St Mirren not losing while I can see both teams scoring at 1-1 with Stan James.

Recommendations

St Mirren

(9-4, Chandler)

Both teams to score

(1-1, Stan James)

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