ST MIRREN upset the odds to hold Celtic on Wednesday night but it would be an even bigger shock if they avoided defeat at Ibrox today.
Jim Goodwin was left with a squad packed with teenagers for that clash with the Hoops after a Covid outbreak sidelined several first-team stars.
But the Buddies parked the bus and Ange Postecoglou’s side couldn’t break them down, bringing up my tips of the half-time draw and under 2.5 goals.
It will be a similar rearguard action against leaders Rangers today but I can’t see them surviving an Ibrox onslaught, especially after those midweek exertions.
The bookies agree, with St Mirren 22/1 at McBookie to beat the champions and even another draw as big as 7/1.
Gers are just 1/8 and even a win to nil, which has trapped in five of Gio van Bronckhorst’s six league games in charge, is only 4/6 at BetVictor.
However, backing Rangers to win both halves does take you into odds-against at 15/13 with SportNation and that looks like the best option.
I’d expect Van Bronckhorst to field his strongest side as it’s the last match before the premature winter break.
I expected Alfredo Morelos to be odds-on for anytime scorer but Coral have him at 11/10 and that looks great value.
St Johnstone v Celtic
Celtic are now six points behind Gers and can’t afford to lose more ground when they visit rock-bottom St Johnstone today.
Saints are in dismal form and head into the game on the back of seven successive defeats. But both their meetings with the Hoops this season have been tight, losing 2-0 in the league then 1-0 in the League Cup semi.
They will defend deep like St Mirren did in midweek so I fancy under 2.5 goals again at 21/17 with SBK.
Nine cards were flashed in the cup semi and this could be another feisty one. Over 42.5 booking points is 7/5 at McBookie while Murray Davidson is 13/5 at Bet365 to be carded.
Dundee Utd v Hibernian
Shaun Maloney got off to a winning start in midweek as Hibs boss and I reckon he could be celebrating again at Tannadice today.
Dundee United have lost their last four without scoring so the Hibees look tempting for the win at 5/4 with William Hill.
Tam Courts had to play the kids at Ibrox and Archie Meekison was one of those who impressed. But youthful enthusiasm also saw him pick up a yellow card and he looks overpriced for another card at 6/1 with Bet365.
Hearts v Ross County
There should be goals when Hearts host in-form Ross County and over 2.5 strikes pays 17/20 with McBookie.
I can see it being close and a one-goal winning margin for either side is priced 6/4 at the same firm.
Motherwell v Livingston
The other Premiership clash on Boxing Day sees Livingston visit Motherwell and it’s a tough one to call.
I’d be surprised if this one was a thriller so I’m betting against BTTS at 20/23 with BetVictor.
Scottish Championship
In the Championship, I’m backing Raith Rovers to get back to winning ways after seeing their long unbeaten run end at Firhill last weekend.
It took a last-gasp goal for the Jags to see off 10-man Rovers so John McGlynn’s men look good value at 13/10 (Bet365) to see off managerless Ayr at Somerset Park.
Scottish League One
I backed Falkirk to get new boss Martin Rennie off to a winning start in League One last weekend so was left gutted when their match at East Fife was abandoned with the Bairns winning 1-0.
They now host Clyde and I’m going for a Falkirk win with over 1.5 goals in a McBookie bet builder that pays evens.
English Premier League
Aston Villa’s clash with off-form Chelsea is the game of the day in England and I fancy both teams to score at evens with SBK.
Super Singles
- Hibs to win (5/4, William Hill)
- Rangers to win both halves (15/13, SportNation)
- Raith Rovers to win (13/10, Bet365)
McBookie Bet Builder
- Falkirk win and over 1.5 goals (evens)
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