By Joe Wallace
IT’S the second night of cup action north and south of the border – and another chance for punters to earn some midweek dough.
In Scotland Celtic face Inverness Caley Thistle in the Co-operative Insurance Cup and no Hoops fan will want to be reminded of the problems the Highlanders have given them over the years.
But under Neil Lennon Celtic have been harder to beat, if not spectacular, and should have enough in the tank to ease past Terry Butcher’s men.
I have still to be convinced of Celtic’s new-look defence and although I am sure they will progress in the competition, can see the Hoops’ allowing Butcher’s boys to score.
I reckon 3-1 Celtic, available at 11-1 with Skybet is the call.
For first goalscorer I am going for Anthony Stokes, who netted his first goal for the Hoops in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Kilmarnock.
The former Hibs striker is available at 9-2 with Bet365 while Gary Hooper, if he is fit enough to play, looks good value at 15-4 with Bet365 to fire the opener.
Dundee United make the tricky trip to Dingwall to face Ross County and I reckon they could be the victims of a shock result just like Hearts were last night.
I reckon this one will go to extra time so taking 11-4 with Ladbrokes is the call while 2-1 just for County to qualify with Skybet, William Hill and Ladbrokes looks good value.
Elsewhere north of the border Aberdeen can take care of Raith Rovers at Pittodrie (8-15 with Ladbrokes and William Hill).
And at Rugby Park I can see the clash between Kilmarnock and Hibs going to extra time before Mixu Paatelainen’s troops eventually progress through to the next round.
Take 5-6 with Skybet for Killie to make it through.
South of the border Aston Villa can see off Blackburn (19-20, William Hill), while Wigan should send Preston crashing out (8-11, William Hill).
Manchester City should win at West Brom, even if they ring the changes (5-6) Ladbrokes).
Chelsea should be comfortable winners at home to Newcastle (2-7, Bet 365), while a Manchester United side that will surely feature some fringe players should have enough in the tank to win at Scunthorpe (4-9, totesport and Ladbrokes).
Liverpool to win at home to Northampton is 1-5 with William Hill.
SCOTTISH TREBLE
- ABERDEEN, ROSS COUNTY V DUNDEE UNITED DRAW, KILMARNOCK V HIBS DRAW.
ENGLISH TREBLE
- ASTON VILLA, WIGAN, MANCHESTER CITY
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.
