Our SPL writer previews week seven of Scotland’s top-flight which gets underway on Saturday 23 September.
Another week, another poor result for Rangers who lost further ground on fierce crosstown rivals Celtic following a 2-2 draw with Patrick Thistle.
The biggest game of the coming week will see under pressure Rangers and high-flying Celtic lock horns in the first Old Firm Derby of the season. Elsewhere, Aberdeen will be keen to bounce back following a disappointing draw against struggling Kilmarnock when they travel to Motherwell.
Saturday 23 September
Rangers 26/10 | Draw 26/10 | Celtic 9/10
The men from Parkhead are lightyears ahead of their Saturday opposition. They’re superior in every department and should win this fixture to. I’m actually tempted to tip the (-1) handicap, however, the 9/10 offers enough value. Should Rangers get rolled by four or five – which is not beyond the realm of possibility – we could see a serious shakeup in management at the Ibrox going forward.
Click here for our full preview of this fixture.
St. Johnstone 17/20 | Draw 24/10 | Hamilton 31/10
The Saints went down disappointingly to Dundee at the weekend and will be looking to bounce back against Hamilton as they return home. Steve Robinson’s men were a shambles defensively giving away penalty while a goalkeeping error also gifted Dee a goal. A sharp turnaround will be required when Accies come calling.
Despite scoring his side’s only goal in a 2-1 defeat against Hearts, Rakish Bingham will be kicking himself after a poor first touch saw an early chance escape him. Had that been buried, Hamilton may well have got something out of the game. They now have it all to do against a St. Johnstone side who will look to improve on last week’s rubbish display. Back the Saints to come out on top here at 17/20.
Kilmarnock 13/10 | Draw 9/4 | Dundee 19/10
Kilmarnock were full value for their 1-1 draw with Aberdeen away at Pittodrie. Things looked to be going south as Stevie May gave the Dons an early lead, however, Killie fought back and levelled things via a find Jordan Jones strike. They’ll fancy themselves this weekend against Dundee where a win will see them move off the foot of the table.
Dundee were made to sweat a bit for their 3-2 win over St. Johnstone as three penalties were awarded in the match. Goals from Jay Leitch-Smith and Sofien Moussa saw Dee climb off the foot of the table and clear of the relegation zone. Under 2.5 goals seems to be the way to go here in what is likely to be a cagey affair – get on at 15/20.
Ross County 28/10 | Draw 49/20 | Hibernian 9/10
Ross County were well and truly beaten by Celtic at Parkhead this weekend as they went down 4-0. It’s a result they’ll quickly need to put behind them before the visit of Hibernian who are playing some good football at the minute. Jim McIntyre will be desperate for a win but knows his side have been goal shy this term finding the net just five times while conceding 13, leaving them with the worst goal difference in the division.
Hibernian threw away a golden opportunity to move into third after blowing a two-goal lead against Motherwell to draw 2-2. Anthony Stokes was on target as he grabbed two first-half goals before Louis Moult banged two in after the break to level things up. Hibs will be pushing for a European spot this term but will need to sort out their defensive issues if they are to make a real push. That said, they should be too strong for Ross County, back the away side at 9/10.
Patrick Thistle 23/10 | Draw 9/4 | Hearts 23/20
10-man Patrick Thistle would have been disappointed not come away with all three points against Rangers this past weekend at Firhill Stadium. Despite going down to an early Alfredo Morelos goal before Blair Spittal – via a deflected free-kick – and Chris Erskine put the hosts in front. Graham Dorrans spared Rangers’ blushes with a peach of a strike late on. That wouldn’t have satisfied the travelling fans however, as they Glaswegian giants really should be winning these games.
Hearts were perhaps a touch lucky to leave the Superseal Stadium with all three points this past weekend. Ross Callachan opened the scoring before a very soft penalty decision allowed former Norwich City striker Kyle Lafferty to double the lead from the spot. Rakish Bingham struck back for Hamilton but it wasn’t enough as the visitors held on for the win. Patrick will be buzzing after their draw with Rangers – take them on the win/draw double chance at 13/20.
Sunday 24 September
Motherwell 39/10 | Draw 11/4 | Aberdeen 13/20
Motherwell needed two second half Louis Moult goals as the Steelmen fought back from a 2-0 halftime deficit to claim a share of the Spoils at Easter Road against Hibernian. To be brutally honest, however, Steve Robinson’s men probably should have come away with all three points following a slew of missed chances – they will need to bury whatever they can get against this weekend’s visitors if they are to come away with anything.
Aberdeen will be kicking themselves after dropping more points against struggling opposition as Kilmarnock grabbed a share of the points. Stevie May gave the title hopefuls the lead early on with a well taken stroke on the volley before Jordan Jones’ deflected effort brought the visitors back on terms. Aberdeen – much like Liverpool in England – have struggled to shut out opposition this season and will need to remedy their defensive woes if they want to stay in touch with Celtic. Back both teams to score here at 15/20.
