Celtic to bounce back as top three triumph
A lot of the SPL talk of late has focussed on the uninspiring plans for the future, however this season is shaping up to be a rather exciting one with the title well up for grabs, Hearts refusing to let the Old Firm get away and plenty still to play for. Here's how we see the latest set of fixtures going...
Hibernian v Celtic (12pm, ESPN)
Colin Calderwood's first few months at Hibs have been odd, the joy of a 3-0 triumph over Rangers at Ibrox diminished by two derby defeats and just two wins in 12, the latest setback being a 0-0 draw at home to third-tier Ayr in the cup. As they haven't scored in three clashes with Celtic at Easter Road, a wager on the hit-and-miss leaders keeping a clean sheet appeals at [2.36]. They are [1.49] to win.
Aberdeen v St Mirren
As he did at Motherwell last season, veteran boss Craig Brown has come in at Aberdeen and waved his magic wand with spectacular results, guiding a team that had lost seven on the spin to three wins and a draw. St Mirren have fared well on their travels recently but the Dons have to be backed at [1.89].
Dundee United v Hearts
Hearts were in absurd form prior to their Scottish Cup loss to St Johnstone, taking 27 points from 29 in the league and conceding two in those nine matches to unnerve the Old Firm. They have won an impressive six in a row on the road and are [2.64] to make it seven against last year's third-placed side.
Kilmarnock v St Johnstone
Even bigger improvers than Hearts in 2010-11 are Kilmarnock, almost relegated last term yet now fourth. In a campaign where there has been more away success than at home in the SPL, they have lost more than they've won at Rugby Park though, so look for St Johnstone to halt their progress at [4.2].
Motherwell v Inverness CT
The Steelmen are yet to score in the league for new manager Stuart McCall but their 4-0 cup victory at Dundee has the potential to act as a springboard to the end of their seven-game winless streak, especially as Inverness are on their own six-match slump. The hosts can be backed at [2.22].
Rangers v Hamilton
The Gers bounced back from their Old Firm derby defeat with an impressive 3-0 dismantling of in-form Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup and are justifiably short [1.2] favourites to extend their SPL winning run against the bottom club to 20 games. Consider under 2.5 goals at the hefty price of [2.58].
Disagree with our predictions and punts? Tell us yours below...
Published: 14 Jan 2011
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