Scottish Football / John Girvan / 16 October 2009 /

Once again the Old Firm are talking about fleeing the SPL. We've heard it all before, so let's focus on the here and now. First up this weekend Rangers can build on their Old Firm victory by grabbing an early three points in the live ESPN clash at McDiarmid Park, writes John Girvan.

Walter Smith fielded a depleted side against Celtic but two weeks on key players should return. Kyle Lafferty is likely be in the squad again and Madjid Bougherra, who featured for Algeria last weekend, is almost certain to start. Kevin Thomson returned to full training on Monday and so did Kenny Miller who is said to be in good shape after seeing a specialist about a persistent hamstring injury.

To a certain extent St Johnstone have struggled since their return to the top flight but they notched their first SPL win over Hamilton last time out and also won at Hibs on Cup duty in the week leading up to this. Manager Derek McInnes has seen his side average 1.57 goals per game thus far so with Rangers conceding just one goal in their last four SPL ties something has to give.

Rangers kept a clean sheet here in the Scottish Cup last season so you cannot ignore the [2.3] that is available on another watertight display here. The Old Firm tie aside the visitors haven't won their last three so [1.53] in the Match Odds looks decent enough for that to come to an end. Once again there is a stronger squad at Smith's disposal and it might be worth going for the jugular with a punt on Rangers -1.0 in the Asian Handicap at [1.91].

Celtic's lead in championship is down to one point and gaffer Tony Mowbray will be without suspended defender Glenn Loovens when the Bhoys meet Motherwell.

Jim Gannons' men have lost seven of their last eight at Celtic Park but come into this with a little bit of form having recorded three wins and two draws in their last six. This includes both a win at Tannadice and a home draw with Rangers. A home defeat to Hibernian suggests an inconsistency however and with Celtic out to make up for an Old Firm defeat few will bet against a home win at [1.27] in the Match Odds.

Hibs ([1.94] v Kilmarnock) and Dundee United ([1.57] v Hamilton) take the number of times a non-Old Firm side has been odds on for a home fixture into double figures this season. It's an incredible eight out of eight for the home sides thus far, returning 6.18pts profit so far from 1pt level stakes.

Both sides are capable of keeping the run going but Hibs look slightly more vulnerable than The Arabs. Killie might not have won since the season opener v Hamilton but they have managed three consecutive draws recently including a respectable 0-0 at home to Rangers. Accies on the other hand lost at home to St Johnstone last time out and it looks increasingly like that 2-0 home win over Hibs last month was a real flash in the pan.

Billy Reid's men got a shock 1-1 draw in this fixture 11 months ago but United have made a strong start to the season and will be out to avenge the recent 1-0 home defeat to Motherwell. Back Dundee United -1.0 at [2.04] in the Asian Handicap or add them to a multiple.

Recommendations:

Rangers Clean Sheet: "Yes" @ [2.3] (1pt)
Rangers -1.0 @ [1.91] (1pt)
Dundee Utd -1.0 @ [2.04] (1pt)
Celtic/Dundee United/Rangers multiple @ [2.86] (2pts)

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