By Joe Wallace
IT’S a return to cup action north and south of the border and while clubs dream of a silver lining, punters are simply looking to line their pockets.
We kick off north of the border and this evening’s Co-operative Insurance Cup ties where Rangers will surely safely continue their defence of the trophy at home to Dunfermline.
Simply going for a Rangers win won’t get you rich so looking at the handicaps represents better value.
Although I don’t see Rangers having many problems against Jim McIntyre’s side I don’t predict a cricket score so going for a Rangers win with a two-goal handicap (11-8, Paddy Power) could well be the shout.
Kenny Miller has started the season in cracking style and if he is selected to start tonight must be in with a shout to net first at 10-3 with William Hill while to score at any time at 4-5 with the same company looks good value.
St Johnstone could find things a bit tougher at home to Queen of the South but after taking care of St Mirren at the weekend should just about scrape past the Doonhamers so take them at 8-13 with the likes of Ladbrokes and Paddy Power.
Craig Brown’s Motherwell make the trip to Glebe Park to face Brechin and even if they rest a few players will surely have enough quality to progress so take them at 8-15 with Skybet, Ladbrokes and William Hill.
Hearts travel to face Falkirk and I reckon they are cracking value at 6-5 with Bet365 to win.
South of the border there could well be a few shocks in the Carling Cup with the bigger sides almost certain to rest some of their key players,
Millwall were thrashed 6-1 at home to Watford at the weekend and Ipswich will be looking to increase their agony when they are on their travels tonight. An away win at 11-5 with Bet365 could well be the call.
Elsewhere Sunderland can take care of West Ham (4-5, Ladbrokes) while Fulham to win at Stoke (9-5, totesport) looks a good price.
In the London derby between Spurs and Arsenal I reckon Arsene Wenger will ring the changes so go for a home win at (13-10, William Hill).
As is always the case with League Cup ties, check for last-minute team news before going crazy with your selections.
Good Luck!
SCOTTISH TREBLE
- MOTHERWELL, HEARTS, ST JOHNSTONE
ENGLISH TREBLE
- IPSWICH, SUNDERLAND, SPURS
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
