HIBS may have ended a 114-year Scottish Cup curse but there’s a danger they’re now jinxed when it comes to semi-finals.
Since beating Rangers 3-2 in that historic final five years ago, the Easter Road men have been in five cup semis and lost the lot.
The most recent came against St Johnstone in the League Cup earlier this season, with Jack Ross’ men heavy favourites to lift the trophy after early exits from Celtic and Rangers.
And that came just a few weeks after losing in last term’s delayed Scottish Cup semi, with Hibs fancied again in a derby against Championship Hearts.
It looks like the Hibees prefer being underdogs instead of carrying the heavyweight of expectation so they probably won’t be pleased to see the odds for today’s Scottish Cup semi with Dundee United.
With the Old Firm knocked out once more, it’s Ross’ side who are being tipped to lift the trophy, and the bookies can’t see them slipping up against United.
Hibs are just 2/5 with McBookie to reach the final and 4/5 to win inside 90 minutes which doesn’t look great value given their recent record in last-four shoot-outs.
United were also impressive as they gunned down Aberdeen 3-0 at Pittodrie in the quarter-final and have the firepower to hurt the Hibees if nerves strike again.
Former Easter Road loan star Marc McNulty netted twice in that tie against the Dons and Lawrence Shankland is also a huge threat for United.
Micky Mellon’s men are 19/10 to qualify for the final at McBookie and that’s great value for a one-off game, despite United failing to beat Hibs so far this season.
The Tannadice boss has been pretty pragmatic this season so I’d be surprised if we saw a thriller.
BTTS has failed to land in two of the three meetings this term so betting against it could pay off here at 10/11 with Bet365. Under 2.5 also appeals at a best 5/6 with RedZone while the odds are better on the half-time draw at 6/5 with Bet365.
St Johnstone are chasing a dream cup double after shocking Rangers at Ibrox in the last round.
But their hopes of adding to that League Cup triumph have been hit by positive Covid tests ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final with St Mirren.
Four players will have to sit the game out so that could tilt the tie towards the Buddies who are 10/11 at McBookie to qualify and 7/4 to win in 90 minutes.
Both teams have been pretty solid at the back all season so goals could be at a premium in this one too.
A one-goal winning margin for either side pays 6/5 with McBookie while under 2.5 goals is only good for accas at a best 7/11 with RedZone. The half-time draw is evens at Bet365.
St Mirren stopper Conor McCarthy has three yellows from his last seven appearances so could be worth backing for a card at 5/2 with McBookie.
Super Singles
- Half-time draw in Dundee United v Hibs (6/5, Bet365).
- One-goal winning margin in St Mirren v St Johnstone (6/5, McBookie).
- St Mirren’s Conor McCarthy to be carded (5/2, McBookie).
Scottish Match Previews
- Sat 4.00pm – 🏴 Dundee Utd v Hibernian Match Preview & Tips
- Sun 2.15pm – 🏴 St Mirren vs St Johnstone Match Preview & Tips
The post Scottish Tips: Scottish Cup Semi Final Tips appeared first on MrFixitsTips.