CELTIC are smarting from another painful Parkhead European exit and will be desperate to banish the hangover when they get their bid for 10 in a row back underway on Saturday.
Bowing out to Ferencvaros at home in just their second Champions League qualifier has cast a dark cloud over the Hoops but the priority this season was always going to be chasing that historic title.
Neil Lennon’s men are already playing catch-up with Rangers and Hibs setting the pace after two of Celtic’s games had to be postponed due to Boli Bolingoli’s ill-fated jaunt to Spain.
They returned to domestic action last weekend with a win at Tannadice but left it late with sub Albian Ajeti scoring the only goal against Dundee United.
With Odsonne Edouard then missing the Ferencvaros game due to injury, Lennon decided to play without a recognised striker as Ajeti and Patryk Klimala were left on the bench again.
That backfired spectacularly so he’s unlikely to make the same mistake as Edouard misses out once more against Motherwell. I’d expect either Ajeti or Klimala to start and they are 3-4 in the anytime scorer market at McBookie, with both also priced 3-1 to break the deadlock.
The Hoops have been missing a cutting edge in their last two games, netting just twice despite creating heaps of chances.
But the stats suggest the goals will flow against Well, with Celtic netting 11 times against the Steelmen in just three meetings last term.
Backing Lennon’s side to score over 2.5 goals here pays 5-6 at McBookie and that’s a decent option.
With both Hibs and Celtic in action on Sunday, Rangers have the chance to move clear at the top when they face Hamilton on Saturday night.
Steven Gerrard’s men have yet to concede this season and delivered when I tipped them to win to nil at home to struggling Kilmarnock last weekend.
However, their one slip-up this season came on a plastic pitch at Livingston and they face another test on the artificial surface at Accies.
Rangers have conceded on six of their last seven visits to Hamilton so this could be the game when their defence is finally breached.
Doubling a win for Gers with both teams to score pays 2-1 at bet365.
Alfredo Morelos was dropped by Gerrard last weekend due to his poor attitude and I’d be surprised if the Colombian came straight back into the side here.
Kemar Roofe scored on his first start against Killie and should lead the line again, with the former Leeds forward 20-21 at McBookie for anytime scorer.
Aberdeen’s trip to Easter Road is the game of the weekend as the Hibees look to keep their flying start to the season going.
I tipped them to draw at St Johnstone last weekend only for a stoppage-time penalty winner by Stevie Mallan to ruin that bet.
Aberdeen have recovered from their opening loss to Rangers with successive wins over St Johnstone, Livingston and Faroes side Runavik.
But I fancy the Hibees to edge this one at home and they’re 7-5 with Betfair.
The last three meetings of these sides in Leith have all delivered three goals so try backing over 2.5 strikes at 6-5 with bet365.
Livingston will be hoping new signing Anthony Stokes can fire them to a first win of the season at home to Ross County. The Irishman is 6-4 with McBookie to score but I’d expect him to start on the bench so go for County’s Ross Stewart instead at 15-8.
Kilmarnock are also seeking their first victory this term but won’t get it easy against Micky Mellon’s Dundee United.
For this one try betting against both teams to score at 19-20 with BetVictor.
I’d also be surprised if we saw a lot of goals in the battle of the Saints as the Buddies head to Perth, despite Jon Obika being in fine form for St Mirren. Unibet are offering 7-4 on under 1.5 goals here.
Super Singles
- Celtic over 2.5 goals against Motherwell
- (5-6, McBookie)
- Hibs to beat Aberdeen
- (7-5, Betfair)
Anytime Scorer Double
- Roofe (Rangers)
- Stewart (Ross Co)
- (23-5, McBookie)
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