Terry Butcher will trip up Celtic in SPL opener
The new SPL season starts on Saturday and here's a statistic supporters can use to silence sceptics - the title race in Scotland is more open, with third favourites Dundee United [55.0], than in La Liga, where Atletico Madrid are [85.0]. And on top of that, we can see the favourites failing to win their first game...
Inverness CT v Celtic (12.15pm, Sky Sports 4)
A summer of upheaval has seen Celtic emerge as [1.8] SPL favourites but our hunch is that Neil Lennon's 100 per cent record as a league manager will be surrendered at their newly promoted opening day opponents. Terry Butcher's men haven't lost a home match since last October, winning each of their last eight, so consider laying the Bhoys at [1.48].
Aberdeen v Hamilton
The Dons' pre-season form has done little to indicate they are over the malaise that made them the worst team in the division over the final 18 games last season. Hamilton won twice at Pittodrie in 2009-10 and finished fantastically, suggesting that they are well worth backing at [3.9].
Hearts v St Johnstone
Jim Jefferies has been talking this summer about the time being right to challenge the Old Firm's supremacy. That target may ultimately prove too ambitious, however with new strikers Kevin Kyle and Stephen Elliott eager to impress, victory against St Johnstone at [2.0] should be achieved.
Rangers v Kilmarnock
The reigning champions are [2.34] to retain in Walter Smith's final season at the club following the departure of Kris Boyd. Three points are to be expected against a side who lost nine of ten away games at top-half teams in 2009-10 and the Gers are [1.72] to lead at half-time and full-time.
St Mirren v Dundee United
Dundee United face a tough task building on a fine campaign in which they finished third and won the Scottish Cup, not least because no side outside the Old Firm have survived two seasons in the top three since 2003-04. The visitors are a [2.26] lay in Danny Lennon's first game as St Mirren boss.
Motherwell v Hibernian (Sunday, 12pm, ESPN)
It's no surprise that this match was chosen for TV coverage after the 6-6 draw between the clubs at Fir Park in May, when Motherwell fought back from 2-6 down. The hosts have had more success in Europa League qualifying - whereas Hibernian still haven't bounced back from a poor end to 2009-10 - leading us to believe they're more prepared here, and a sound bet at [2.46].
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Published: 13 Aug 2010
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