Kilmarnock can take all three points at Aberdeen

Scottish Football / Editor / 31 August 2007 / Leave a Comment

Border Reiver looks at the best bets from this weekend's action north of the border

Last Saturday saw Berwick's worst performance of the season so far. A 4-0 defeat away to Ayr United could easily have been much, much worse. Ayr seemed to ease up after the fourth goal. The turn around in form for Ayr was put down to them keeping the ball down and not going for the long ball like in previous games. If Ayr continue to do this then they should be able to climb the league table. On Tuesday we played at home to Hamilton Accademicals in the second round of the CIS League Cup. This looked an away banker on paper but a change to 3-5-2 and playing two more skilful midfielders produced a much improved performance. We were very unlucky not to take them to extra time and only a defensive lapse let them clinch the tie. Hamilton deserve their position at the top of the first division. They played an almost full strength side and are a quick, incisive team going forward. This weekend we travel again, this time to Peterhead. If we play 3-5-2 like we did for most of last season, we should be able to get a result. These are the games where we have to start picking up points if we are to stay out of the relegation zone.

Kilmarnock at home to Aberdeen.

Kilmarnock are a cracking bet this week. They really are playing above themselves so far this season and should be too good for Aberdeen. Killie started with a goalless away draw at Celtic and last week narrowly lost at home to Rangers. Aberdeen have been relying on 41 year old Craig Brewster for goals and now he has left to manage Inverness Caley Thistle, they may struggle for goals.

Partick Thistle at home to Hamilton.

Having seen Hamilton on Tuesday I am quietly confident they can overcome Partick at Firhill. Partick's two home wins have been against a poor Clyde and bottom side Livingston. Last week Hamiton won at Greenock Morton, never an easy task in my experience, and must be brimming with confidence. They sit top of the table and have only conceded one league goal this season.

Ayr United at home to Alloa Athletic.

If Ayr keep the ball on the deck and play attractive football they should prove to good for Alloa this week. The change from the long ball worked a treat last time, and they had the game sewn up by half time. Stevenson was outstanding and he will cause Alloa's defence big problems this week. Alloa are very inconsistent to say the least. They started off with a great 4-1 away victory at Peterhead but then lost 6-0 at home to Airdrie. Last week they had to come from two goals down to clinch a home draw with Brechin. If they give Ayr a two goal start on Saturday they could easily have another 6-0 defeat on their hands.

This weeks bets. Back Kilmarnock around 2.6, Back Hamilton around 2.7 and back Ayr around 1.95.