Our soccer analyst previews the Scottish Premier League week 15 action which kicks off on Friday 24 November 2017.
There were shock results aplenty last week as both Aberdeen and Rangers went down at home against what would be considered lesser opposition.
For Celtic, however, it was business as usual as a screamer of a free-kick from Leigh Griffiths saw the Bhoys extend their lead atop the standings. With the League Cup semi-finals this weekend, there are only four league matches to look forward to. Let’s get to it!
Friday 24 November
Dundee 9/2 | Draw 3/1 | Rangers 11/20
Could there be a better time for Dundee to welcome Rangers to Dens Park? Probably not. Rangers were stunned at the Ibrox as Hamilton Academical recorded their first away win over Gers in almost 91 years. Dundee’s home draw against fellow strugglers Kilmarnock hardly helps them. It did end a run of five straight defeats, something that’ll give them a glimmer of hope in the face of a tough Friday fixture.
Rangers’ defeat came as a massive shock, especially as the men from Glasgow had recorded convincing back to back wins against Hearts and Patrick Thistle. They now need to refocus and put that defeat behind them. While they probably can’t catch Celtic at the top of the standings, they’ll want to secure a Europa League place at the very least. Rangers should be too strong here against the bottom side and represent decent value at 11/20.
Saturday 25 November
Hamilton 36/10 | Draw 26/10 | Hibernian 7/10
Hamilton will be positively buzzing following their 2-0 win over Rangers at the Ibrox last time out. Second half goals from David Templeton and Darren Lyon saw the home fans streaming out of the stadium 10 minutes before the final whistle. The Accies are now undefeated in their last four league matches and will be confident of getting at least a point against Hibernian.
Hibs were most certainly the form side in the league heading into the last matchday and were widely tipped to cruise past a struggling St. Johnstone. It wasn’t to be, however, as they ambled through their fixture, eventually conceding 91st minute goal to snap their four-game winning streak. Hibs are definitely favourites here, and rightly so. You simply can’t ignore this Hamilton side though following their excellent win against Rangers. Get on the home Win/Draw at even money.
Hearts 17/20 | Draw 24/10 | Ross County 31/10
Hearts had their return to Tynecastle Stadium spoilt by Kilmarnock as an 86th-minute Adam Frizzell goal condemned the hosts to their third straight league defeat. The Jambos have a chance to make amends in front of their fans this weekend as lowly Ross County come calling, a game they simply cannot afford to lose as they now sit in the bottom half of the table.
Ross County put up a good fight against Celtic at the weekend, but it just wasn’t enough. The Bhoys needed a moment of magic from Leigh Griffiths who curled in a beautiful 78th-minute free-kick for the log leaders. The Staggies defended brilliantly throughout the game but were forced to feed off of scraps with just 31% of possession, something that will need to change this weekend. Hearts haven’t been great of late, but they simply must win this game. Expect a big performance from the men in maroon this weekend. 17/20 is a solid price, get on!
Kilmarnock 34/10 | Draw 49/20 | Aberdeen 8/10
We round off the weekend’s action with a clash between Kilmarnock and Aberdeen, with both sides franticly looking for points after poor results last time out. Killie did manage a draw against bottom side Dundee at the weekend, although they would have been disappointed not to come away with more. They’ll do well to escape with a point this weekend.
Aberdeen were another side who suffered a surprise defeat at the weekend, going down 2-0 at home to Motherwell. To be fair, the Steelmen played out of their skins and thoroughly deserved the win. For the Dons, it meant that they lost even more ground on Celtic who are now six points clear atop the standings. They need to bounce back strong here, and like the other big teams in the division, they tend to play better football away from home. Back Aberdeen at 8/10.
Quad Tipped at 9.32/1
Rangers win 11/20
Hamilton win/draw 1/1
Hearts win 17/20
Aberdeen win 8/10
