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
In December 2020 we sadly 
