Hearts to boost title bid against Rangers
Critics of Scottish football argue that it's rare to get a genuinely intriguing encounter that isn't an Old Firm derby. This weekend there is one though as Hearts get a chance to prove that they are genuine title contenders against champions Rangers. Here's what we're backing in this week's games...
Hearts v Rangers (12.45pm, live on Sky Sports 4)
When was the last time a non-Old Firm team took 28 points in ten matches? That's the incredible form Hearts find themselves in ahead of the visit of champions Rangers, who have just lost Kenny Miller, scorer of 21 of their 44 SPL goals. Walter Smith's side have been impressive on their travels but this is a huge opportunity for Hearts to close the gap on the top two and odds of [4.0] are too good to ignore. These clashes often have over 2.5 goals, so back that trend to continue too at [1.92].
Celtic v Aberdeen
If Hearts overcome Rangers, they could end the day four or five points behind Celtic with a game in hand, as the leaders are far from certain to beat Aberdeen, who are yet to lose under apparent miracle-worker Craig Brown. Are you brave enough to lay Celtic at [1.28] in a fixture they won 9-0 in November?
Inverness CT v Hamilton
After a very successful 12 months, Inverness are beginning to slump and their winless run currently stands at eight matches. Hamilton are bottom of the table yet have been beaten in just one of their five trips to non-top four clubs, winning at the Caledonian Stadium in August. Lay the hosts at [2.02].
Kilmarnock v Dundee United
Remarkably, Kilmarnock sit a fairly comfortable fourth in the SPL despite suffering defeat in all of their home ties against the three teams directly above them and the three below. Dundee United haven't lost to them in six meetings and, given their decent form, have to be fancied at [3.3].
Motherwell v Hibernian
It's rare that you find two sides enduring such hideously bad sequence simultaneously but Motherwell and Hibernian have managed it, with the Steelmen taking three points from an available 24 and the Hibees two from 21. On account of those records, the only option is the draw at [3.5].
St Johnstone v St Mirren
The hosts' one reverse in their last six games came at Celtic, which isn't bad given that five of those outings were away from home. Their recent run has put them in contention to achieve the top-half finish they narrowly missed out on last season, so back them to maintain the momentum at [1.81].
Disagree with our predictions and punts? Tell us yours below...
Published: 21 Jan 2011
billy (January 21, 2011 6:23 PM) said:
every team in scotland are s****, peanuts for the top goal scorer.