THE Edinburgh derby is the pick of the Premiership fixtures this weekend and it’s an early acid test of the big Hibs rebuild under new boss Lee Johnson.
A disastrous exit from the League Cup underlined the size of the task facing Johnson at Easter Road but his new-look side ground out a 1-0 win in their league opener away to St Johnstone.
Needing a last-minute winner to see off a side reduced to 10 men didn’t exactly banish the doubts, however, and it will be interesting to see how the Hibees fare against rivals who have strengthened last season’s squad.
The Jambos have gone six unbeaten in the derby, winning four, but the bookies are still playing it cagey for this one as Robbie Neilson’s men also didn’t convince as they beat Ross County 2-1 at home in last weekend’s opener.
McBookie price Hearts at 8/5 for another win and have Hibs at 13/8 with the stalemate paying 12/5.
I’m steering clear of backing a winner and fancy the half-time draw instead at 11/10 with the same firm as that always stands a good chance in a derby.
This fixture can often disappoint when it comes to goalmouth action but you’re usually guaranteed a good scrap so the card market looks the best option for punters tomorrow.
We saw eight yellows and a red in the last derby when the Jambos came out on top in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
Joe Newell was the man sent off that day and I fancy the Hibs midfielder for another card in this one at 2/1 with Bet365.
He will be up against Peter Haring in the engine room and the Austrian is the best option for a Hearts card at 6/4 with the same firm.
Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be looking for a reaction at Ibrox today after their midweek Euro calamity in Belgium.
Kilmarnock are the visitors and they head down the M77 in good spirits after a last-gasp leveller against Dundee United on their return to the top flight. Despite Gers looking dodgy at the back, I’d expect Derek McInnes to set up Killie to frustrate. That could see the Ibrox side rack up corners so I’m on Rangers -4 in that handicap at 9/10 with BetVictor.
Backing most goals to come after the break also appeals and it pays 21/20 at McBookie.
Celtic have a tricky away day in Dingwall against a Ross County who looked a threat in defeat at Tynecastle last weekend.
Staggies winger Owura Edwards impressed with his pace down the left flank in Gorgie so a good long-odds option could be backing Celtic’s Josip Juranovic for a card (6/1, Bet365).
Matt O’Riley has started the season well for the champions and it looks like he will chip in with lots of goals and assists.
The playmaker is 12/5 at Bet365 for a goal in the Highlands and that looks a bit overpriced.
Motherwell ruined one of my super singles last weekend with a win at St Mirren but they rode their luck in that game and would have lost had it not been for keeper Liam Kelly making a series of stunning saves.
They now host a St Johnstone side who got off to a losing start and look desperately short of goals again.
Today’s clash doesn’t have the makings of a thriller so it’s no surprise to see under 2.5 goals a best 4/7 at BoyleSports.
The half-time draw is better at evens with SkyBet and I also fancy over 10.5 corners (11/10, BoyleSports) as that bet landed in two of the three meetings last term.
Aberdeen lost at Celtic Park on flag day but breezed through their League Cup group and look great value at 21/20 with Ladbrokes for a Pittodrie win over St Mirren today.
The final Premiership game takes place tomorrow and it will be interesting to see Dundee United cope after a Thursday night game in the Conference League qualifiers.
Livingston are the visitors to Tannadice and Davie Martindale’s men will fancy their chances of catching United off guard.
I’m on BTTS for this one and it pays the best 1/1 at William Hill.
Scottish Premiership Tips
- Super singles Newell to be carded (2/1, Bet365)
- Rangers -4 corner h’cap (9/10, B’Victor)
- O’Riley to score (12/5, Bet365) Aberdeen win (21/20 L’broke)
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