Celtic V Dunfermline
Celtic
Injuries - Lustig
Available - Forster, Matthews, Kelvin Wilson, Rogne, Izaguirre, Mulgrew, Forrest, Wanyama, Ki, Brown, Ledley, Hooper, Commons, Stokes, Zaluska, Majstorovic, Samaras, Brozek
Probable XI - Forster, Matthews, Rogne, K. Wilson, Izaguirre, Commons, Ki, Ledley, Wanyama, Samaras, Hooper (4-4-2)
Dunfermline
Injuries - Phinn, Kerr, Turner, Bell, Barrowman, Gallagher
Doubtful - McMillan
Available Squad - Smith, McMillan, Rutkiewicz, Keddie, Boyle, Mason, Cardle, Hardie, Burns, Kirk, Graham Buchanan, Goodfellow, Thomson, Byrne, Dowie, McCann, Hutton
Probable XI - Smith, McCann, Rutkiewicz, Keddie, Boyle, Cardle, Hardie, Mason, Hutton, Graham, Kirk (4-5-1)
Prediction : Celtic 3-0 Dunfermline
Celtic are destroying teams at the moment, they can't be touched. Feel sorry for Dunfermline but really would be shock of the season if they are to get anything from this game. Land-slide at Parkhead, another party for their fans who are just loving life at the moment, for obvious reasons!
Suggest a Celtic clean sheet @ 1.73
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Motherwell V Hibs
Motherwell
Injuries - McHugh, Saunders, Hollis
Suspended - Lasley
Available Squad - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchinson, Clancy, Hammell, Law, Jennings, Murphy, Humphrey, Ojamaa, Higdon, Craigan, Daley, Forbes, Carswell, Page, Lawless, Bradley
Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Craigan, Clancy, Hammell, Law, Jennings Daley, Murphy, Higdon, Ojamaa (4-4-2)
Hibs
Injuries - Booth, Galbraith, Murray
Available Squad - Stack, Francomb, Hanlon, McPake, Stephens, Booth, Sproule, Wotherspoon, Stevenson, Scott, Osbourne, Doyle, Claros, Kujabi, O'Donovan, Doherty, O'Connor, Griffiths, Soares, Brown
Probable XI - Brown, Francomb, Hanlon, McPake, Stephens, Claros, Soares, Osbourne, Sproule, Doherty, O'Connor (4-4-2)
Prediction : Motherwell 2-0 Hibs
Would not surprise me if Hibs have a keeper change for this match as Stack was appalling on the weekend, certainly being responsible for 2 of the 5 goals he conceded. Hibs are in serious transition at the moment which on the face of it is absolutely ridiculous situation to be in as they are in a straight fight with Dunfermline for premier survival. The new manager is still finding out how bad most of his players are and his new additions have not hit the ground running anyway. Any improvement that Hibs were showing were brought back down to earth with a thud at the weekend there.
Motherwell hammered Hearts if I'm honest at the weekend and really showed who is 3rd best (if not 2nd best) in the league. Just can see them not getting goals in every match they play and with the very weak Hibs defence I can see them at least getting a couple if not a rout. Snap up the HOME WIN @ 1.75 (William Hill)
Tuesday 21 February 2012
SPL 21st Feb Team News & Thoughts
Dundee Utd v Kilmarnock
Dundee Utd
Injuries - Swanson, Severin, Mentel
Doubtful - Kenneth
Available Squad - Pernis, Dillon, Gunning, Neilson, Kenneth, Watson, Dixon, Douglas, Armstrong, S Robertson, Ryan, Flood, Mackay-Steven, Rankin, Russell, Lacny, Daly, Dow, Banks
Probable XI - Pernis, Neilson, Dillon, Gunning, Dixon, Mackay-Steven, Armstrong, Robertson, Rankin, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)
Kilmarnock
Injuries - none
Doubtful - Toshney
Available Squad - Bell, Nelson, Hay, Fowler, Sissoko, Gordon, Toshney, Shiels, Racchi, Johnson, Dayton, Kelly, Heffernan, Letheren, Kennedy, Kroca, McKeown, Silva, van Tornhout
Probable XI - Toshney, Nelson, Sissoko, Gordon, Fowler, Kelly, Johnson, Hay, Shiels, Heffernan (4-4-1-1)
Prediction : Dundee Utd 2-0 Kilmarnock
These are two teams that have had very similar seasons so far, sitting in 6th and 7th place a point apart. They have both recently embarrassed Rangers at Ibrox too so Kilmarnock can not even hold that as an advantage. Amazingly Dundee Utd are unbeaten in their last 10 league matches against Kilmarnock (7W 3D). When I look at the opta stats for this one thing sticks out, that Kilmarnock are the 2nd worse in the league behind Hearts for scoring away goals with only 9 in 13 matches. So one thing is for sure I'm not expecting them to contribute much to a high scoring game. Rather I reckon this could be a tight affair and if I had to side with anybody it would clearly be Dundee Utd given the fixtures history. I'll have a pop at the match staying under 2.5 goals as 7 out of those last 10 have been unders.
Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.83 (Bwin)
Dundee Utd
Injuries - Swanson, Severin, Mentel
Doubtful - Kenneth
Available Squad - Pernis, Dillon, Gunning, Neilson, Kenneth, Watson, Dixon, Douglas, Armstrong, S Robertson, Ryan, Flood, Mackay-Steven, Rankin, Russell, Lacny, Daly, Dow, Banks
Probable XI - Pernis, Neilson, Dillon, Gunning, Dixon, Mackay-Steven, Armstrong, Robertson, Rankin, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)
Kilmarnock
Injuries - none
Doubtful - Toshney
Available Squad - Bell, Nelson, Hay, Fowler, Sissoko, Gordon, Toshney, Shiels, Racchi, Johnson, Dayton, Kelly, Heffernan, Letheren, Kennedy, Kroca, McKeown, Silva, van Tornhout
Probable XI - Toshney, Nelson, Sissoko, Gordon, Fowler, Kelly, Johnson, Hay, Shiels, Heffernan (4-4-1-1)
Prediction : Dundee Utd 2-0 Kilmarnock
These are two teams that have had very similar seasons so far, sitting in 6th and 7th place a point apart. They have both recently embarrassed Rangers at Ibrox too so Kilmarnock can not even hold that as an advantage. Amazingly Dundee Utd are unbeaten in their last 10 league matches against Kilmarnock (7W 3D). When I look at the opta stats for this one thing sticks out, that Kilmarnock are the 2nd worse in the league behind Hearts for scoring away goals with only 9 in 13 matches. So one thing is for sure I'm not expecting them to contribute much to a high scoring game. Rather I reckon this could be a tight affair and if I had to side with anybody it would clearly be Dundee Utd given the fixtures history. I'll have a pop at the match staying under 2.5 goals as 7 out of those last 10 have been unders.
Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.83 (Bwin)
Friday 17 February 2012
SPL Team News & thoughts 18th Feb
Dundee Utd v St Mirren
Dundee Utd
Injuries - Severin, Mentel
Doubtful - Kenneth, Swanson
Available Squad - Pernis, Dillon, Gunning, Neilson, Kenneth, Watson, Dixon, Douglas, Armstrong, S Robertson, Ryan, Flood, Mackay-Steven, Rankin, Russell, Lacny, Daly, Dow, Banks
Probable XI - Pernis, Neilson, Dillon, Dixon, Gunning, Armstrong, Roberston, Rankin, Mackay-Steven, Russell, Daly (4-4-2)
St Mirren
Injuries - McLean, Murray, McGregor
Suspended - Thompson
Available Squad - Samson, Van Zanten, McAusland, Mair, Tesselaar, Barron, Mooy, Carey, Teale, McGowan, Imrie, Smith, Thomson, Hasselbaink, Reilly, Naismith
Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, McAusland, Mair, Tesselaar, Teale, Goodwin, McGown Carey, Hasselbaink, Imrie (4-4-2)
Prediction : Dundee Utd 2-0 St Mirren
Dundee Utd followed up their cup win at Ibrox with a 5-1 thumping of St Johnstone last week which I must admit surprised me how easily they won that match by. They are certainly gee'd up and on a high, but this is sometimes where they then let you down. However, with home advantage and the fact that St Mirren had a taxing cup tie midweek and will now miss main striker Thompson through suspension I am happy to take a HOME WIN @ 1.8 (Betfred)
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Dunfermline v Inverness CT
Dunfermline
Injuries - Turner, Kerr, Barrowman, Gallagher
Available Squad - Smith, McMillan, Rutkiewicz, Keddie, Boyle, Mason, Cardle, Hardie, Burns, Kirk, Graham Buchanan, Goodfellow, Thomson, Phinn, Byrne, Dowie, McCann
Probable XI - Smith, McMillan, Rutkiewicz, Keddie, Boyle, Burns, Hardie, Cardle, Graham, Buchanan, Kirk (4-4-2)
Inverness CT
Injuries - Tade, Doran , Golobart, Hogg, A.Shinnie
Suspended - Williams
Available Squad - Esson, Piermayr, Tokely, Gillet, Proctor, Meekings, Hayes, Tansey, Foran, G Shinnie, Ross, Morrison, Sutherland, Winnall, Gnakpa, McKay, Tudur Jones, Tuffey
Probable XI - Esson, Piermayer, Tokely, Gillet, Proctor, Ross, Tansey, Foran, Hayes, Sutherland, Gnakpa (4-5-1)
Prediction : Dunfermline 1-1 Inverness
These two teams have served up 6 draws in the last 7 times they have met. So with Dunfermline being hopeless it is really difficult to see them break their duck of no home wins this term. One of Dunfermline's main issues now is their goalkeeper, Gallagher is out injured and now also out is Turner the cover keeper they brought in, so Smith will be in goals and he is noticably poor to say the least.
A safe bet would seem to be Inverness DNB @ 1.62 (Boylesports) and for the more daring a Inverness AWAY WIN @ 2.2 (Coral)
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Motherwell v Hearts
Motherwell
Injuries - Saunders, Hollis
Available Squad - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchinson, Clancy, Hammell, Law, Jennings, Lasley, Murphy, Humphrey, Ojamaa, Higdon, Bradley, Craigan, McHugh, Daley, Forbes, Carswell
Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchison, Clancy, Hammell, Law, Jennings, Lasley, Murphy, Higdon, Ojamaa (4-4-2)
Hearts
Injuries - Kyle,
Suspended - Hamill
Available Squad - MacDonald, Barr, Grainger, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Mrowiec, Robinson, Skacel, Novikovas, Elliott, Obua, Santana, Smith, Glen, Taouil, Driver, Ridgers, Holt
Probable XI - Mcdonald, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Templeton, Black, Mrowiec, Robinson, Skacel, Elliot (4-4-1-1)
Prediction : Motherwell 1-1 Hearts
Really important game here, as Motherwell could go 9pts clear in 3rd place with a win. As always Hearts terrible away record really is letting them down big time. Motherwell are probably the 2nd best form side in the league but strangely dont have the best record at home. Hearts will have to cope with the attacking presence of Higdon , Murphy and super kid Ojamaa but the Jambos do have a decent defence. NO BET for me but I see it ending in a draw.
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Rangers v Kilmarnock
Rangers
Injuries - Ness, Naismith, Whittaker, Lafferty
Available Squad - McGregor, Papac, Kerkar, Bocanegra, Wallace, Goian, Bartley, Broadfoot, Davis, McCulloch, Aluko, Edu, Healy, Celik, Wylde, Alexander, McKay, Hemmings, Cousin
Probable XI - McGregor, Broadfoot, Bocanegra, Goian, Papac, Aluko, Davies, Edu, Wallace, McCulloch, Healy (4-4-2)
Kilmarnock
Injuries - none
Suspended - van Tornhout
Available Squad - Bell, Nelson, Sissoko, Toshney, Hay, Kelly, Fowler, Heffernan, Gordon, Shiels, Letheren, Silva, Dayton, Kroca, Johnson, Racchi, McKeown
Probable XI - Bell, Nelson, Sissoko, Toshney, Hay, Kelly, Fowler, Racchi, Dayton, Shiels, Heffernan (4-5-1)
Prediction : Rangers 3-0 Kilmarnock
Looks like this game will go ahead with the administrators confirming the police will be paid for policing the fixture. Don't think we need to go into what is happening off the field as everybody will have no doubt read about it unless they have had their head in the sand the last week......If Kilmarnock think they will get any advantage with everything that is going on at Ibrox I reckon they should forget it. Rangers are very dominant in this fixture and I reckon this is set to continue. Killie haven't won at Ibrox for 5 years and I think they may take a hidding here. They haven't won a league game since 2nd Jan and with their penis of a manager are now my new "Most Hated Team in the league".
Expect the Rangers fans to give loads of "We are the people" shouts and really get behind their team (may be not the people running it though....) as there is not much else they can do at this point.
I'm taking Rangers to win and win well. For big hitters a HOME WIN @ 1.4 (William Hill) is Bet of the Year! I'll play the Ranger -1.5 @ 2.1 (bet365) it's a gift...........
PS - After the Killie boss Kenny Shiels insulting part-timers Ayr Utd in the cup last month accussing them of negative tatics it will be interesting to see what formation he goes for away against an old firm team, negative defensive me thinks......meow!
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Dundee Utd
Injuries - Severin, Mentel
Doubtful - Kenneth, Swanson
Available Squad - Pernis, Dillon, Gunning, Neilson, Kenneth, Watson, Dixon, Douglas, Armstrong, S Robertson, Ryan, Flood, Mackay-Steven, Rankin, Russell, Lacny, Daly, Dow, Banks
Probable XI - Pernis, Neilson, Dillon, Dixon, Gunning, Armstrong, Roberston, Rankin, Mackay-Steven, Russell, Daly (4-4-2)
St Mirren
Injuries - McLean, Murray, McGregor
Suspended - Thompson
Available Squad - Samson, Van Zanten, McAusland, Mair, Tesselaar, Barron, Mooy, Carey, Teale, McGowan, Imrie, Smith, Thomson, Hasselbaink, Reilly, Naismith
Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, McAusland, Mair, Tesselaar, Teale, Goodwin, McGown Carey, Hasselbaink, Imrie (4-4-2)
Prediction : Dundee Utd 2-0 St Mirren
Dundee Utd followed up their cup win at Ibrox with a 5-1 thumping of St Johnstone last week which I must admit surprised me how easily they won that match by. They are certainly gee'd up and on a high, but this is sometimes where they then let you down. However, with home advantage and the fact that St Mirren had a taxing cup tie midweek and will now miss main striker Thompson through suspension I am happy to take a HOME WIN @ 1.8 (Betfred)
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Dunfermline v Inverness CT
Dunfermline
Injuries - Turner, Kerr, Barrowman, Gallagher
Available Squad - Smith, McMillan, Rutkiewicz, Keddie, Boyle, Mason, Cardle, Hardie, Burns, Kirk, Graham Buchanan, Goodfellow, Thomson, Phinn, Byrne, Dowie, McCann
Probable XI - Smith, McMillan, Rutkiewicz, Keddie, Boyle, Burns, Hardie, Cardle, Graham, Buchanan, Kirk (4-4-2)
Inverness CT
Injuries - Tade, Doran , Golobart, Hogg, A.Shinnie
Suspended - Williams
Available Squad - Esson, Piermayr, Tokely, Gillet, Proctor, Meekings, Hayes, Tansey, Foran, G Shinnie, Ross, Morrison, Sutherland, Winnall, Gnakpa, McKay, Tudur Jones, Tuffey
Probable XI - Esson, Piermayer, Tokely, Gillet, Proctor, Ross, Tansey, Foran, Hayes, Sutherland, Gnakpa (4-5-1)
Prediction : Dunfermline 1-1 Inverness
These two teams have served up 6 draws in the last 7 times they have met. So with Dunfermline being hopeless it is really difficult to see them break their duck of no home wins this term. One of Dunfermline's main issues now is their goalkeeper, Gallagher is out injured and now also out is Turner the cover keeper they brought in, so Smith will be in goals and he is noticably poor to say the least.
A safe bet would seem to be Inverness DNB @ 1.62 (Boylesports) and for the more daring a Inverness AWAY WIN @ 2.2 (Coral)
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Motherwell v Hearts
Motherwell
Injuries - Saunders, Hollis
Available Squad - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchinson, Clancy, Hammell, Law, Jennings, Lasley, Murphy, Humphrey, Ojamaa, Higdon, Bradley, Craigan, McHugh, Daley, Forbes, Carswell
Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchison, Clancy, Hammell, Law, Jennings, Lasley, Murphy, Higdon, Ojamaa (4-4-2)
Hearts
Injuries - Kyle,
Suspended - Hamill
Available Squad - MacDonald, Barr, Grainger, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Mrowiec, Robinson, Skacel, Novikovas, Elliott, Obua, Santana, Smith, Glen, Taouil, Driver, Ridgers, Holt
Probable XI - Mcdonald, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Templeton, Black, Mrowiec, Robinson, Skacel, Elliot (4-4-1-1)
Prediction : Motherwell 1-1 Hearts
Really important game here, as Motherwell could go 9pts clear in 3rd place with a win. As always Hearts terrible away record really is letting them down big time. Motherwell are probably the 2nd best form side in the league but strangely dont have the best record at home. Hearts will have to cope with the attacking presence of Higdon , Murphy and super kid Ojamaa but the Jambos do have a decent defence. NO BET for me but I see it ending in a draw.
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Rangers v Kilmarnock
Rangers
Injuries - Ness, Naismith, Whittaker, Lafferty
Available Squad - McGregor, Papac, Kerkar, Bocanegra, Wallace, Goian, Bartley, Broadfoot, Davis, McCulloch, Aluko, Edu, Healy, Celik, Wylde, Alexander, McKay, Hemmings, Cousin
Probable XI - McGregor, Broadfoot, Bocanegra, Goian, Papac, Aluko, Davies, Edu, Wallace, McCulloch, Healy (4-4-2)
Kilmarnock
Injuries - none
Suspended - van Tornhout
Available Squad - Bell, Nelson, Sissoko, Toshney, Hay, Kelly, Fowler, Heffernan, Gordon, Shiels, Letheren, Silva, Dayton, Kroca, Johnson, Racchi, McKeown
Probable XI - Bell, Nelson, Sissoko, Toshney, Hay, Kelly, Fowler, Racchi, Dayton, Shiels, Heffernan (4-5-1)
Prediction : Rangers 3-0 Kilmarnock
Looks like this game will go ahead with the administrators confirming the police will be paid for policing the fixture. Don't think we need to go into what is happening off the field as everybody will have no doubt read about it unless they have had their head in the sand the last week......If Kilmarnock think they will get any advantage with everything that is going on at Ibrox I reckon they should forget it. Rangers are very dominant in this fixture and I reckon this is set to continue. Killie haven't won at Ibrox for 5 years and I think they may take a hidding here. They haven't won a league game since 2nd Jan and with their penis of a manager are now my new "Most Hated Team in the league".
Expect the Rangers fans to give loads of "We are the people" shouts and really get behind their team (may be not the people running it though....) as there is not much else they can do at this point.
I'm taking Rangers to win and win well. For big hitters a HOME WIN @ 1.4 (William Hill) is Bet of the Year! I'll play the Ranger -1.5 @ 2.1 (bet365) it's a gift...........
PS - After the Killie boss Kenny Shiels insulting part-timers Ayr Utd in the cup last month accussing them of negative tatics it will be interesting to see what formation he goes for away against an old firm team, negative defensive me thinks......meow!
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Saturday 11 February 2012
Ruggery Buggery week 2
Boys,
I'm slowly starting to get into this egg chucking lark.....
Anyway, me mate Billy Bunter again gives me his thoughts on the weekend games :
I'm slowly starting to get into this egg chucking lark.....
Anyway, me mate Billy Bunter again gives me his thoughts on the weekend games :
Italy v England
Was not impressed with England last week. In my opinion Scotland were the better team and practically gave England the victory with poor passing and one error by Parks. The only plus point from England was their defensive play. Italy never had a chance of victory last week but they did perform quite well in patches. They managed to keep the French within 20 points which I did not expect. They are at home for this game so they should manage to keep England close. I believe England will sneak it in a low scoring game.
Will take England by 1-12 points @ 6/4 (bet365)
France v Ireland
France performed within their means last week and scored a couple of tries due to some poor tackling by the Italians. Was impressed by their new centre Fofana who scored a try and looked dangerous with ball in hand. Ireland were poor last week and should have tied up the game when Wales were down to 14 men. They must surely perform a bit better this week. Historically this game has been high scoring with about a 50 point average for the last 5 games.
Will take over 40.5 points @ 5/6 (paddypower)
Sneaky punt on Fofana anytime scorer @ 3/1 (skybet)
Wales v Scotland
Once again can Scotland score a try. Sunday is the day I think this can happen. When Laidlaw came on last week the backline of Scotland had a bit more urgency about them. He nearly scored a try and certainly won't kick as much as Parks. Also, if Scotland can pass a bit better and keep their heads when the tryline is within sight then surely a try or two is in the offing (not thinking with my head). Wales performed very well last week away from home and especially with all their injuries. They are at home against a Scottish team that has limited success away from home and have lost the last 4 games in Cardiff. With that stat I cannot see Wales losing but I can see it being closer than most think.
Will take Scotland +12.5 @ 10/11 (bet365)
Small bet on over 43 points @ 21/20 (bet365)
SPL - 11th Feb Team News & Thoughts
Dunfermline v Rangers (12 noon KO)
Dunfermline
Injuries - Gallacher, Phinn, Bell
Ineligible - Hutton (cant play against parent club)
Available Squad - Turner, Rutkiewicz, Boyle, McCann, McMillan, Dowie, Keddie, Hardie, Mason, Kerr, Cardle, Willis, Graham, Kirk, Buchanan, Byrne, Smith, Thomson, McDougall, Burns
Probable XI - Turner, McMillan, Rutkiewicz, Keddie, Boyle, Graham, Cardle, Hardie, Burns, Kirk, Buchanan (4-4-2)
Rangers
Injuries - Naismith, Lafferty, Whittaker, Ness
Available squad - McGregor, Papac, Wylde, Bocanegra, Wallace, Goian, Bartley, Davis, Aluko, Edu, Celik, Kerkar, Healy, Little, Alexander, McCulloch, Broadfoot, Hemmings
Probable XI - McGregor, Bartley, Bocanegra, Goian, Papac, Aluko, Davis, McCulloch, Wallace, Wylde, Healy (4-5-1)
Prediction : Dunfermline 0-1 Rangers
I think a lot of people were shocked last week with just how poor Rangers were in their cup exit to Dundee Utd, what it did do though was highlight just how thin their squad is. They have just 17 players and a sub goalie. Was seriously not impressed with their new hopefuls Kerkar and Celik - they are not the answer! I think they are very lucky they are playing Dunfermline this week and not a better team as they are there for the taking. Rangers simply now have nothing upfront with only Healy so i expect them to concentrate in defence and keep a clean sheet here. Rangers have only lost one of their 30 SPL meetings with Dunfermline (W24, D5) Only Rangers to score @ 1.95 (bet365)
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Celtic v Inverness CT
Celtic
Injuries - none
Doubtful Rogne
Available Squad - Forster, Cha, Matthews, Rogne, Majstorovic, Kelvin Wilson, Rogne, Izaguirre, Mulgrew, Brown, Ki, Ibrahim, Ledley, Wanyama, Forrest, Commons, Stokes, Hooper, Samaras, Zaluska, Brozek, McGeouch
Probable XI - Forster, Wilson, Majstorovic, Mulgrew, Matthews, Forrest, Brown, Ledley, Wanyama, Stokes, Hooper (4-4-2)
Inverness CT
Injuries - Williams, McKay, Tudur-Jones, Doran, Golobart, Hogg, A. Shinnie
Available squad - Esson, Piermayr, Tokely, Gillet, Proctor, Meekings, Hayes, Tansey, Foran, Tade, G Shinnie, Ross, Morrison, Sutherland, Winnall, Gnakpa, Tuffey, Williams
Probable XI - Esson, Piermayr, Tokeley, Gillet, Proctor, Meekings, Hayes, Tansey, Foran, Tade, Ross (4-4-2)
Prediction : Celtic 4-0 Inverness
Celtic are an unstoppable machine at the moment and it is very difficult to see them being touched right now. Happy to take the CELTIC -2 handicap @ 2.2 (bet365)
Poor Inverness are just going to get a bit of the same here after last weeks easy cup win for Celtic in the highlands I expect Celtic to better the 2-0 score line at home.
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Hibs v Aberdeen
Hibs
Injuries - Soares, Galbraith, Murray
Suspended - Griffiths, Hanlon, McPake
Available Squad - Stack, Francomb, Towell, Stephens, Booth, Sproule, Wotherspoon, Stevenson, Scott, Osbourne, Welsh, Doyle, Claros, Kujabi, O'Donovan, Doherty, O'Connor, Brown
Probable XI - Stack, Doherty, Francomb, Stephens, Kujabi, Wotherspoon, Claros, Osbourne, Sproule, O'Connor, Doyle (4-4-2)
Aberdeen
Injuries - Anderson, Milsom, Osbourne, Folly, Rae, Pawlett, Paton, Uchechi
Available squad - Brown, Considine, McArdle, Reynolds, Robertson, Clark, Arnason, Jack, Fyvie, Vernon, Megginson, Chalali, Fallon, Langfield, Magennis, Mackie, Hughes, Mawene
Probable XI - Brown, McArdle, Reynolds, Considine, Jack, Clark, Arnason, Hughes, Fyvie, Fallon, Vernon (4-4-2)
Prediction : Hibs 1-1 Aberdeen
Really hard to predict what the Hibs team will be at the moment with so many new faces being brought in by the new manager. They are struggling a bit for players at the back with a shortage due to suspensions and injuries. Aberdeen are also missing a bunch of players through injury so its a NO BET for me!
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Kilmarnock v Hearts
Kilmarnock
Injuries - Pascali
Available Squad - Bell, Nelson, Hay, Fowler, Gordon, Racchi, Shiels, Dayton, Silva, Kelly, Johnson, Heffernan, Letheren, Kroca, Van Tornhout, Toshney, Fisher, Kennedy.
Probable XI - Bell, Fowler, Kroca, Nelson, Gordon, Dayton, Kelly, Racchi, Hay, Shiels, Heffernen (4-4-1-1)
Hearts
Injuries - Kyle, Kello (wont be selected after arguing with Mad Vlad)
Available squad - MacDonald, Barr, Hamill, Grainger, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Mrowiec, Black, Robinson, Skacel, Novikovas, Elliott, Obua, Santana, Mullen, Smith, Glen, Taouil, Driver, Ridgers, Holt, Templeton
Probable XI - MacDonald, Hamill, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Driver, Black, Mrowiec, Skacel, Robinson, Elliott (4-4-1-1)
Prediction : Kilmarnock 0-0 Hearts
Could be a bit of bite in this match after the idiot Kilmarnock manager has again been mouthing off silly comments. Same old problem for Hearts though is their terrible away record. Best bet apart from laying Hearts is probably on under 2.5 goals @ 1.7 (StanJames)
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St Johnstone v Dundee Utd
St Johnstone
Injuries - none
Doubtful - M. Davidson
Available Squad - Enckelman, C Davidson, McCracken, MacKay, Anderson, Morris, Croft, Craig, Sheridan, M Davidson, Sandaza, Haber, Compton, Gray, Stewart, Millar, Moffat, Mannus
Probable XI - Esson, Mackay, Anderson, McCracken, C. Davidson, Robertson, Morris, M. Davidson, Craig, Sandaza, Sheridan (4-4-2)
Dundee Utd
Injuries - Swanson, Severin, Mentel
Available squad - Pernis, Dillon, Gunning, Neilson, Kenneth, Watson, Dixon, Douglas, Armstrong, S Robertson, Ryan, Flood, Mackay-Steven, Rankin, Russell, Lacny, Daly, Dow, Banks
Probable XI - Pernis, Neilson, Kenneth, Gunning, Dixon, Armstrong, Rankin, Robertson, Mackay-Steven, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)
Prediction : St Johnstone 1-2 Dundee Utd
Dundee Utd were really very good last week in their cup win against Rangers at Ibrox. Rangers were appalling but lets not take anything away from Utd. They are very solid at the back and play on the counter attack very affectively. I got a look at their new loanee from Sparta Prague, Milos Lacny, and he looks like a big lively striker that will cause defences lots of trouble. I think though Utd will have the same starting lineup but I expect to see the Slovak at some point. St Johnstone were very poor in the 1st half against Hearts in the cup but then came out in the 2nd half and dominated the game even managing to find a late equalizer despite being down to 10 men (very annoying!)
I think Both Teams to Score @ 1.8 (skybet) looks a great bet here. Motherwell have scored in their last 9 games and St Johnstone have scored in their last 7.
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St Mirren v Motherwell
St Mirren
Injuries - Murray, McLean, McGregor
Available Squad - Samson, Van Zanten, McAusland, Mair, Tesselaar, Barron, Mooy, Carey, Teale, McGowan, Imrie, Thompson, Smith, Thomson, Hasselbaink, Reilly, Naismith
Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Tesselaar, Goodwin, Mooy, Carey, Teale, Imrie, Thompson (4-4-2)
Motherwell
Injuries - Saunders, Hollis
Available squad - Randolph, Clancy, Hammell, Hutchinson, Jennings, Daley, Law, Lasley, Hateley, Murphy, Humphrey, Ojamaa, Forbes, McHugh, Page, Lawless, Carswell, Bradley, Craigan
Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Clancy, Craigan, Hammell, Law, Jennings, Lasley, Murphy, Ojamaa, Higdon (4-4-2)
Prediction : St Mirren 0-2 Motherwell
I really think this is a great opportunity to back Motherwell who are really going well against a St Mirren team that are starting to struggle in my opinion. I'm a big fan of the football that Motherwell play and they have great balance in their team coupled with a mix of experience and youth. In fact it is no real surprise to me that they are rightly in 3rd place. All the talk is of their new little super star loan signing, who I mentioned a couple of weeks back, Ojamaa. He has managed to bagged 5 goals since his arrival and has had as many assists also. Sashing little player!
Just to keep things a bit safer I'm going for Motherwell DNB @ 2.0 (William Hill) - I am stunned this price is available!
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Dunfermline
Injuries - Gallacher, Phinn, Bell
Ineligible - Hutton (cant play against parent club)
Available Squad - Turner, Rutkiewicz, Boyle, McCann, McMillan, Dowie, Keddie, Hardie, Mason, Kerr, Cardle, Willis, Graham, Kirk, Buchanan, Byrne, Smith, Thomson, McDougall, Burns
Probable XI - Turner, McMillan, Rutkiewicz, Keddie, Boyle, Graham, Cardle, Hardie, Burns, Kirk, Buchanan (4-4-2)
Rangers
Injuries - Naismith, Lafferty, Whittaker, Ness
Available squad - McGregor, Papac, Wylde, Bocanegra, Wallace, Goian, Bartley, Davis, Aluko, Edu, Celik, Kerkar, Healy, Little, Alexander, McCulloch, Broadfoot, Hemmings
Probable XI - McGregor, Bartley, Bocanegra, Goian, Papac, Aluko, Davis, McCulloch, Wallace, Wylde, Healy (4-5-1)
Prediction : Dunfermline 0-1 Rangers
I think a lot of people were shocked last week with just how poor Rangers were in their cup exit to Dundee Utd, what it did do though was highlight just how thin their squad is. They have just 17 players and a sub goalie. Was seriously not impressed with their new hopefuls Kerkar and Celik - they are not the answer! I think they are very lucky they are playing Dunfermline this week and not a better team as they are there for the taking. Rangers simply now have nothing upfront with only Healy so i expect them to concentrate in defence and keep a clean sheet here. Rangers have only lost one of their 30 SPL meetings with Dunfermline (W24, D5) Only Rangers to score @ 1.95 (bet365)
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Celtic v Inverness CT
Celtic
Injuries - none
Doubtful Rogne
Available Squad - Forster, Cha, Matthews, Rogne, Majstorovic, Kelvin Wilson, Rogne, Izaguirre, Mulgrew, Brown, Ki, Ibrahim, Ledley, Wanyama, Forrest, Commons, Stokes, Hooper, Samaras, Zaluska, Brozek, McGeouch
Probable XI - Forster, Wilson, Majstorovic, Mulgrew, Matthews, Forrest, Brown, Ledley, Wanyama, Stokes, Hooper (4-4-2)
Inverness CT
Injuries - Williams, McKay, Tudur-Jones, Doran, Golobart, Hogg, A. Shinnie
Available squad - Esson, Piermayr, Tokely, Gillet, Proctor, Meekings, Hayes, Tansey, Foran, Tade, G Shinnie, Ross, Morrison, Sutherland, Winnall, Gnakpa, Tuffey, Williams
Probable XI - Esson, Piermayr, Tokeley, Gillet, Proctor, Meekings, Hayes, Tansey, Foran, Tade, Ross (4-4-2)
Prediction : Celtic 4-0 Inverness
Celtic are an unstoppable machine at the moment and it is very difficult to see them being touched right now. Happy to take the CELTIC -2 handicap @ 2.2 (bet365)
Poor Inverness are just going to get a bit of the same here after last weeks easy cup win for Celtic in the highlands I expect Celtic to better the 2-0 score line at home.
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Hibs v Aberdeen
Hibs
Injuries - Soares, Galbraith, Murray
Suspended - Griffiths, Hanlon, McPake
Available Squad - Stack, Francomb, Towell, Stephens, Booth, Sproule, Wotherspoon, Stevenson, Scott, Osbourne, Welsh, Doyle, Claros, Kujabi, O'Donovan, Doherty, O'Connor, Brown
Probable XI - Stack, Doherty, Francomb, Stephens, Kujabi, Wotherspoon, Claros, Osbourne, Sproule, O'Connor, Doyle (4-4-2)
Aberdeen
Injuries - Anderson, Milsom, Osbourne, Folly, Rae, Pawlett, Paton, Uchechi
Available squad - Brown, Considine, McArdle, Reynolds, Robertson, Clark, Arnason, Jack, Fyvie, Vernon, Megginson, Chalali, Fallon, Langfield, Magennis, Mackie, Hughes, Mawene
Probable XI - Brown, McArdle, Reynolds, Considine, Jack, Clark, Arnason, Hughes, Fyvie, Fallon, Vernon (4-4-2)
Prediction : Hibs 1-1 Aberdeen
Really hard to predict what the Hibs team will be at the moment with so many new faces being brought in by the new manager. They are struggling a bit for players at the back with a shortage due to suspensions and injuries. Aberdeen are also missing a bunch of players through injury so its a NO BET for me!
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Kilmarnock v Hearts
Kilmarnock
Injuries - Pascali
Available Squad - Bell, Nelson, Hay, Fowler, Gordon, Racchi, Shiels, Dayton, Silva, Kelly, Johnson, Heffernan, Letheren, Kroca, Van Tornhout, Toshney, Fisher, Kennedy.
Probable XI - Bell, Fowler, Kroca, Nelson, Gordon, Dayton, Kelly, Racchi, Hay, Shiels, Heffernen (4-4-1-1)
Hearts
Injuries - Kyle, Kello (wont be selected after arguing with Mad Vlad)
Available squad - MacDonald, Barr, Hamill, Grainger, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Mrowiec, Black, Robinson, Skacel, Novikovas, Elliott, Obua, Santana, Mullen, Smith, Glen, Taouil, Driver, Ridgers, Holt, Templeton
Probable XI - MacDonald, Hamill, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Driver, Black, Mrowiec, Skacel, Robinson, Elliott (4-4-1-1)
Prediction : Kilmarnock 0-0 Hearts
Could be a bit of bite in this match after the idiot Kilmarnock manager has again been mouthing off silly comments. Same old problem for Hearts though is their terrible away record. Best bet apart from laying Hearts is probably on under 2.5 goals @ 1.7 (StanJames)
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St Johnstone v Dundee Utd
St Johnstone
Injuries - none
Doubtful - M. Davidson
Available Squad - Enckelman, C Davidson, McCracken, MacKay, Anderson, Morris, Croft, Craig, Sheridan, M Davidson, Sandaza, Haber, Compton, Gray, Stewart, Millar, Moffat, Mannus
Probable XI - Esson, Mackay, Anderson, McCracken, C. Davidson, Robertson, Morris, M. Davidson, Craig, Sandaza, Sheridan (4-4-2)
Dundee Utd
Injuries - Swanson, Severin, Mentel
Available squad - Pernis, Dillon, Gunning, Neilson, Kenneth, Watson, Dixon, Douglas, Armstrong, S Robertson, Ryan, Flood, Mackay-Steven, Rankin, Russell, Lacny, Daly, Dow, Banks
Probable XI - Pernis, Neilson, Kenneth, Gunning, Dixon, Armstrong, Rankin, Robertson, Mackay-Steven, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)
Prediction : St Johnstone 1-2 Dundee Utd
Dundee Utd were really very good last week in their cup win against Rangers at Ibrox. Rangers were appalling but lets not take anything away from Utd. They are very solid at the back and play on the counter attack very affectively. I got a look at their new loanee from Sparta Prague, Milos Lacny, and he looks like a big lively striker that will cause defences lots of trouble. I think though Utd will have the same starting lineup but I expect to see the Slovak at some point. St Johnstone were very poor in the 1st half against Hearts in the cup but then came out in the 2nd half and dominated the game even managing to find a late equalizer despite being down to 10 men (very annoying!)
I think Both Teams to Score @ 1.8 (skybet) looks a great bet here. Motherwell have scored in their last 9 games and St Johnstone have scored in their last 7.
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St Mirren v Motherwell
St Mirren
Injuries - Murray, McLean, McGregor
Available Squad - Samson, Van Zanten, McAusland, Mair, Tesselaar, Barron, Mooy, Carey, Teale, McGowan, Imrie, Thompson, Smith, Thomson, Hasselbaink, Reilly, Naismith
Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Tesselaar, Goodwin, Mooy, Carey, Teale, Imrie, Thompson (4-4-2)
Motherwell
Injuries - Saunders, Hollis
Available squad - Randolph, Clancy, Hammell, Hutchinson, Jennings, Daley, Law, Lasley, Hateley, Murphy, Humphrey, Ojamaa, Forbes, McHugh, Page, Lawless, Carswell, Bradley, Craigan
Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Clancy, Craigan, Hammell, Law, Jennings, Lasley, Murphy, Ojamaa, Higdon (4-4-2)
Prediction : St Mirren 0-2 Motherwell
I really think this is a great opportunity to back Motherwell who are really going well against a St Mirren team that are starting to struggle in my opinion. I'm a big fan of the football that Motherwell play and they have great balance in their team coupled with a mix of experience and youth. In fact it is no real surprise to me that they are rightly in 3rd place. All the talk is of their new little super star loan signing, who I mentioned a couple of weeks back, Ojamaa. He has managed to bagged 5 goals since his arrival and has had as many assists also. Sashing little player!
Just to keep things a bit safer I'm going for Motherwell DNB @ 2.0 (William Hill) - I am stunned this price is available!
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Saturday 4 February 2012
Ruggery Buggery 6 Nations Selections
The footygaffa is not the biggest rugby fan in the world but he does like a bit of the 6 nations action, so he has consulted his rugby loving mate Billy Bunter and here are his thoughts and selections:
France v Italy
France v Italy
France will obviously win this game and win it well. They are at home with an expectant crowd and are playing the poorest team in Italy. They have a new coach and probably some new tactics which may take a while to get right. I expect it to be relatively tight for the first half and then we'll see the frogs stretch their legs and win convincingly.
Take France -20 @ evens (bet365)
Scotland v England
This will probably be a very tight affair with the outcome determined by the weather. If it's wet, windy and cold then it should be Scotland's for the taking. If it's dry and not as bad as the forecast then I would look at England sneaking it. My main concern for Scotland is their inability to score tries which would point towards a low scoring game. Not completely up to date with the new English players, but i'm sure they are better than Scottish players individually but how they work as a team is what really counts.
If the weatherman is right take Scotland +3 @ evens (paddypower)
Would also look at total points under 34 @ 21/20 (bet365)
Small bet on handicap.
Ireland v Wales
Being at home and playing against a Welsh side with lots of injuries means I cannot see Wales getting close in this game. Most of their injuries are in the forwards where Ireland have most of their strength. The only doubt I have with Ireland is their stand-off; Sexton. He is a good attacking player but his kicking is not up to scratch. With Ireland's dominance in the pack I can see a lot of penalties going their way. Hopefully Sexton has a good day with the boot. If not O'Gara should come on ASAP.
Take Ireland -5 @ evens (ladbrokes)
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