IT’S Scottish cup weekend in Scotland and the draw has been fairly kind to the big guns with all 12 Premiership sides facing lower league oppostion, with 7 of them enjoying home advantage.
Rangers and Aberdeen are two of those sides who will have no problem progressing as they host League one sides Stranraer and Dumbarton, respectively. Really just a case of how many they win by.
I was far from impressed with the lack of prices from the bookies, William Hill only had prices out on Wednesday which is scandalous given they sponsor the competition and the first game is on Friday night.
You can listen to my thoughts on this weeks Gambla Betting Podcast as we cover
- Scottish Cup Betting preview
- Rangers and Aberdeen goals
- Can Hearts be trusted
- Poor show from the bookies
- EPL relegation 6 pointer
- 2nd half goals at QPR
Rangers vs Stranraer (K0 7.45p Friday)
This really is a David vs Goliath contest and you have to fear for the part time Second Divison side. Ibrox has been a fortress this season and they have dished out no fewer than four 5+ goal hammerings (5-0 5-0 5-0 6-1) this season at home in the league – This could be a cricket score
40,000+ tickets have been sold which is absolutely sensational news for Sranraer who will share half the gate receipts and collect well over £300,000, an amount that will keep them going for years.
Its really damage limitation for the part time side who will try an keep the score respectful but they have a task on their hands. Defoe comes in for Morelos and although Gerrard may make changes, it will still be a very very strong Rangers side.
Can see Rangers hitting at least 5 or 6
Aberdeen vs Dumbarton (3pm Saturday)
Perfect draw this for the Don’s, home tie against League One opposition and they will surely want to avoid a repeat of last years embarrassing 1-1 draw at home to Stenhousmuir.
The big difference between with the FA Cup and Scottish Cup is I don’t need to worry about team news – Aberdeen will field their strongest side and that means Sam Cosgrove should grab a couple here.
That’s no disrespect to Stranraer and Dumbarton, there’s just too much of a gulf. It’s all about them enjoying their day and the riches that come with it in terms of gate receipts
Dundee United vs Hibernain (KO 3pm Sunday)
The tie of the round comes from Tannadice as Premiership bound Dundee United take on Jack Ross’s Hibernian side. It should be a cracking game.
Both sides are a real threat going forward and with the jury still out on this Hibs defence, United will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
Lawrence Shankland has an opportunity to put himself in the shop window as he looks to add to his 24 goals this season and will be United main threat. Bot sides to score here and that should lead us to at least 3 goals
Scottish Cup Tips
- Rangers to score 4+ goals
- Aberdeen to win and score 2+ goals
- 5/4 (Bet365) (NAP)
- Dundee United vs Hibernian over 2.5 goals
- 41/50 (Marathonbet)
Norwich vs Bournemouth (3pm)
This is the true epitome of a 6 pointer – basement side Norwich face end bottom Bournemouth in a match the Canaries can ill afford to lose. Lose and its curtains for them.
They are up against a Bournemouth side who can’t buy a goal and have slide down the league after a promising start. They’ve scored just 2 goals in their last 8 matches which is a shocking return and without a win in 10 the pressure is starting to build up on the south coast side.
The worrying thing for them is they have lost to clubs were you would be expecting them to pick up some points so can’t blame a tough fixture list for no win in 10, that said they have had a lengthy injury list
Norwich have seen plenty of goals at Carrow Road and they’ve managed to score two against Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea – this is their biggest game of the season, losing is not an option against a Bournemouth side who are in a dire positon and can’t score.
Recommended Bet:
- Norwich to Score 2+ goals
- 12/11 (VBET)
QPR vs Leeds (12.45pm)
Stats based selection here from my book of goals and its a side and market I’ve have had some good success with this season. Loftus Road has been a goal haven this season particularly for second half goals
13 of their 17 home games have seen at least two second half goals and with 13 of those games going over 2.5 goals there’s a great chance we’ll see another 2 goals as promotion chasing Leeds roll into town.
Recommended bet:
- Over 1.5 second half goals
- 4/5 (Bet365)
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