Scottish Football / John Girvan / 18 September 2009 / Leave a comment

John Girvan talks us through this weekend's betting north of the border.

"Rangers should win this match but the defensive situation is a concern. Any big wagers should be held off until the teams are announced as the combination of no Weir and the inclusion of Kyle could make things interesting."

Celtic and Rangers both dropped points last week so it was a bad time to be on the Old Firm multiple. The result at Fir Park was compounded by a lack of goals but the draw at Celtic Park at least cut the losses as Dundee United kicked off with a 1.5 goal advantage. Aberdeen's goalless encounter at Falkirk on Monday paid out at [2.98] for Under 1.5 goals and we are back to where we started last Friday.

Profit/Loss: +7.17pts

We often hear football is a game of two halves and after the mid-week European ties followers of both Rangers and Celtic can now surely testify. Firstly Rangers, back in the Champions League, were looking out of their depth but they turned it around and could have nicked all 3 points in the 1-1 draw in Stuttgart on Wednesday.

The Gers' will be buoyant because of Wednesday but if they are to make amends for last weeks draw at Motherwell they will have to do it with a weakened central defence. Bougherra, the goal hero in Germany, is banned and captain Davie Weir is an injury doubt. The 39 year old should make it but whilst either he, or Bougherra, is missing there are lingering doubts as to how long they can get away with the McCulloch option.

Kilmarnock have injury worries of their own to contemplate as Jim Jeffries is without James Fowler, Mark Burchill, Alan Combe, Allan Russell and Jamie Adams. It's not all bad news though as Kevin Kyle is likely to start in attack having made his comeback in a substitute appearance at Tynecastle during the week. The self confessed 'big lump' was on the verge of a Scotland call up before injury and will cause Rangers problems.

Killie, [8.4] in the Match Odds, can only boast one draw from each of their last six home matches with Rangers ([1.47]) and their current form doesn't suggest they can improve on this in tomorrow's live ESPN match. The opening day win over Hamilton has been followed up with three straight defeats. Yes, Motherwell have started brightly but the home loss to St Mirren was a concern.

Rangers should win this match but the defensive situation is a concern. Any big wagers should be held off until the teams are announced as the combination of no Weir and the inclusion of Kyle could make things interesting.

Should Weir make it then the likes of Rangers -1.0 goals and Rangers/Rangers in the Half-Time/Full-Time Market both appeal. These are priced up at [1.78] and [2.22] respectively and the latter edges it in terms of value. Walter Smiths men will have to buck an early season trend in away matches by taking control in the first half before seeing it through and I expect them to do so.

Celtic will be itching to get at Hearts on Sunday after their second game without a win. Tony Mowbrays side enjoyed a fairly comfortable first 45 in Israel on Thursday and Samaras had sent them in 1-0 up at the break. Hapoel Tel-Aviv came out re-energised however and the combination of heat and sustained pressure seen the hosts snatch victory with two late goals.

In this situation the players will be desperate to make amends and it's unlucky for a Hearts side who have not been handed the easiest of starts to the new campaign.

The Jambos got their first win of the season in mid-week with a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock but its not as bad as it seems because as well as an away trip to newcomers St Johnstone they have also faced both Dundee United at Tannadice and Rangers at Tynecastle. They were unlucky against Rangers and will have no fears about going to Celtic Park having drawn there twice last season.

Celtic, ([1.36]) in the Match Odds will have a little bit of pressure on them. This is partly due to the fact that the match is on Sunday and by then Rangers could be three points in front again and this is bad news for Hearts ([10.5]). The visitors are finding goals hard to come by and just a couple from Celtic could be enough to beat a handicap of -1.5 goals currently trading at [2.1].

Elsewhere Hibs look worth backing at home to St Johnstone. Last weeks defeat at Hamilton means they are another side looking to rectify last weeks wrong-doings and John Hughes is looking for a reaction. Saints lost heavily at Celtic Park but have drawn each of their other three matches whilst Hibs have won two and lost two.

The sides met here in January in the League Cup where the hosts ran out 3-1 winners and with the additions Hibs have made they look well placed for a repeat of this outcome. Hibs are available in the Match Odds at [1.86].

Recommendations

Half Time/Full Time; Rangers/Rangers @ [2.22] (1pt)

Celtic -1.5 @ [2.1] (1pt)

Rangers/Celtic multiple @ [1.93] (2pts)

Hibernian @ [1.86] (1pt)