Scottish Football / John Girvan / 06 November 2009 / Leave a comment

John Girvan's column is back in profit and he's keen to kick on so here are his selections for this weekend's Clydesdale Bank Premier action.

"Kris Boyd didn’t feature in Bucharest on Wednesday so you would expect him to start and do what he does best, especially against the weaker sides in the SPL. Back Rangers -1.5 goals in the Asian Handicap at 1.88."

Last week's picks were enough to sneak back into profit. Celtic's 3-0 victory was more than enough to overcome a 1.5 goal handicap at [1.78] and although Falkirk managed a goal at St Johnstone the hosts prevailed, winning 3-1 in the end and the home win paid out at [2.18].

Profit/Loss: +0.97pts

The Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle is the big game in Scotland this weekend and ESPN have recognised this, screening the match live this Saturday lunch time. Csaba Laszlo doesn't have his selection problems to seek with Suso Santana, Marius Zaliukas and Eggert Jonsson all joining an absentee list that already contains Laryea Kingston, Callum Elliot and David Templeton.

The good news for Hearts is that Christian Nade and club captain Michael Stewart should be passed fit. The duo return to a side out of form however with The Jambos achieving just one win and two draws from their last six league ties. It gets poorer on closer inspection as four of these games were against sides that made up last seasons bottom six.

The cup win at Celtic Park papered over cracks that have been exposed regulary this season. On the other hand Hibs have enjoyed a great start to the season and 3 points can put them level with Celtic at the SPL summit. This could prove hugely motivational for John Hughes side who go into the Gorgie Road clash with four wins and two draws from their last six fixtures which included a trip to Ibrox.

Goals are a big problem for Hearts. They have netted just four times in four home games this season whilst their Easter Road rivals have scored seven in as many away ties on their way to second in the table. The [3.35] on a Hibs clean sheet is tempting, as too is Hibs at [2.98] in the Match Odds. The hosts might need at least two if they are going to beat Hibs so the obvious bet therefore is Hibs in the Draw No Bet Market at [1.97].

With Celtic at Falkirk on Sunday, Rangers get the chance to cut the gap and apply some pressure with a home win over St Mirren on Saturday. The Gers have yet to lose a game domestically this season but the current league form of just two wins in the last six will not be good enough to retain the title. Saints sit sixth in the table and having scored in three of their four away games so far, they should be capable of causing one or two problems.

You would expect Rangers to deal with this however. Madjid Bougherra remains on the sidelines but 17 year old Danny Wilson is providing a silver lining with his solid displays beside Davie Weir. Kris Boyd didn't feature in Bucharest on Wednesday so you would expect him to start and do what he does best, especially against the weaker sides in the SPL. Back Rangers -1.5 goals in the Asian Handicap at [1.88].

Sky Sports bring the curtain down on the weekend's action by broadcasting Celtic's visit to the Falkirk Stadium on Sunday. Tony Mowbrays' side earned a respectable but equally invaluable point in Hamburg on Thursday and with qualification now unlikely, there will be a sharper focus on domestic affairs.

The sides met here six weeks ago in the Co-op Insurance Cup and The Bairns were on the receiving end of a 4-0 thrashing. With Eddie Mays' side still seeking their first win and scoring just twice in four home games a Celtic win to nil looks heavily on the cards. With this in mind the Celtic Clean Sheet looks generous at [1.95].

Scott McDonald netted a brace six weeks ago but his current form is of slight concern. Assuming Falkirk do draw another blank, three goals might be too much to ask of Celtic at present, especially after Thursday. Back Under 2.5 goals at [2.22].

Recommendations:

Hibs (Draw No Bet) @ [1.97] (2pts)

Rangers -1.5 goals @ [1.88] (1pt)

Falkirk v Celtic: Under 2.5 goals @ [2.22] (1pt)

Celtic Clean Sheet "Yes" @ [1.93] (1pt)

Tags: David Weir, Glasgow Rangers, Scottish football betting, Scottish football odds, Scottish football tips