Dundee Utd v St Mirren
Dundee Utd
Injuries - Mackay-Steven, Dillon
Probable XI - Cierzniak, Watson, McLean, Gunning, Douglas, Flood, Rankin, Armstrong, Skacel, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)
St Mirren
Injuries - McLean
Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Dummett, Teale, Robertson, Carey, Goodwin, McGowan, Thompson (4-4-1-1)
Prediction : Dundee Utd 1- 1 St Mirren
First look at this match and you think - easy home win......but I'm not so sure!
St Mirren have only actually won once away from home all season and that win came at Dundee so doesn't really impress me. They have though managed 4 draws out of the 10 away matches probably because they change their system away from home and are more compact in the midfield. After a "wee" delve into past fixtures between the two teams it is noticable that they are normally always very close encounters, with 5 out of the last 7 matches played over the last 2 seasons ending in a draw. (including the last 2 played at Tannadice).
Another startling stat that pops up when looking at this match and more particular Dundee Utd's home record is that they have failed to win a match at home in 9 attempts, since the Dundee Derby back in mid August. (drawing 7 of them).
So for me this word "DRAW" keeps popping up and as much as I always try to avoid selecting a draw I reckon that could be exactly what we are looking at here.
Minimal stakes bet on a DRAW @3.6 (Boylesports) because I don't like betting boring draws and also do think Dundee Utd are the better team but sometimes you have to listen to the stats over the head (and visa versa.....if you know what I mean! lololol)
Sunday 30 December 2012
Friday 28 December 2012
SPL - Sat 29th Dec Team News & Thoughts
Dundee v Aberdeen
Dundee
Injuries - Milne, Grassi, Finnigan, Kerr, McLuskey
Probable XI - Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Benedictus, Gallagher, McAllister,O'Donnell, McBride, Conroy, Riley, Nish (4-4-1-1)
Aberdeen
Injuries - Jack, Milsom, Clark, Naysmith, Osbourne
Probable XI - Langfield, Magennis, Considine, Anderson, Reynolds, Rae, Hughes, Hayes, Fraser, McGinn, Vernon (4-4-2)
Predictions : Dundee 0-1 Aberdeen
I've no doubt that old Craig Brown was as stunned as me to see Aberdeen go down 4-1 against Motherwell but they will just have to pick themselves back up and what better place than at bottom of the league Dundee. The Dandy Dons have already beaten Dundee twice this season and will no doubt fancy their chances again. Aberdeen have Stephen Hughes, Rob Milsom and Ryan Fraser available again following injury and this will add to the team. Dundee keep ploding along but the SPL is just too much fr them. AWAY WIN @ 1.95 (Coral).
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Hibs v Celtic
Hibs
Injuries- none
Probable XI - Williams, Clancy, Hanlon, McPake, McGivern, Wotherspoon, Taiwo, Deegan, Cairney, Doyle, Griffiths (4-4-2)
Celtic
Injuries - Forrest, Mulgrew, Matthews, Commons, Stokes, Ledley
Probable XI - Foster, Lustig, Ambrose, Wilson, Izaguirre, Kayal, Brown, Wanyama, Samaras, Watt, Hooper (4-4-2)
Prediction : Hibs 1-3 Celtic
Hibs are doing their usual, storming start to the league up till around christmas and then free fall. It all started up in Inverness with a thumping 3-0 defeat then losing from a 2-0 lead against Motherwell and topped off with a home defeat to Ross County on boxing day. Things are likely to get worse for them if the expected player exits happen when the transfer window opens up at the start of 2013. Lets face it without Griffiths they could start to really struggle.
Hibs have not won at home to Celtic for over 4 years and have lost the last 6 home fixtures in a row, strangely they normally give a better account of themselves when they travel to Glasgow. It's going to be tough for the Edinburgh team as Celtic have quiet a formidable away record this season having lost just once, with 7 wins and 2 draws.
Hibs have a full squad to choose from with both Clancy and Deegan returning to the team on Boxing day. Celtic, however, are starting to pick up a number of injuries to key players but are fortunate to just about have a large enough squad to cover it. With Forrest, Mulgrew, Matthews, Commons, Stokes and Ledley all sidelined you would have to say that they are slightly understrength as most of these players I would consider starting XI players.
So Lennon will need to shuffle the pack a little but I think we are likely to see a similar team to the one he put out on the Boxing Day victory at Dundee probably with Lustig coming in at right back as Matthews is injured.
Unsurprisingly most sports book's have Celtic down as short odds favourites to win this match with the best price available being a little skinny in my opinion at 4/9 (Coral). Hibs fans will remember that they have actually drawn 2 of the last 3 games against Celtic, albeit at Celtic Park, but if you fancy a draw 19/5 (Bet Victor) is an attractive price. With 8/1(Bet Victor) on offer for a Home win.
I am tempted by the 19/20 (William Hill) for Both Teams to Score, as I always feel Leigh Griffiths can score a goal in a game from nothing but I've been put off by the fact that Celtic have won their last 4 games to nil and Hibs failed to score in their last run out.
The bet that I have selected for this match is a "Highest Scoring Half" bet. I have taken the 2nd half to be the highest scoring half at 11/10 (Betfred) as I can see there being a few Christmas cobwebs to be blown off in the 1st half of this match and think it will start slowly. Hibs have the players now to put in a battling performance with the likes of Deegan and Cairney in midfield and a big physical defence which may prove hard for Celtic to break down. Ultimately I think Celtic will win this match by a couple of goals but I am banking on them only showing their dominance in the later stages.
Prediction : Hibs 1-3 Celtic
Selection : The 2nd Half to be the highest Scoring @ 11/10
NB : As usual I will also be placing a side bet on Efe Ambrose anytime scorer @ 9/1 (Ladbrokes)
I'm telling you his goal is coming any week now..........
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Motherwell v Kilmarnock
Motherwell
Injuries - Saunders
Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchison, Ramseden, Hammell, Lasley, Law, Murphy, Humphrey, Ojamaa, Higdon (4-4-2)
Kilmarnock
Injuries - Pascali, Sissoko, Racchi, Hay, Gros
Probable XI - Bell, Fowler, O'Leary, Nelson, McKeown, Borja, Kelly, Dayton, Harkins, Heffernan, Sheridan (4-4-2)
Prediction : Motherwell 3 - 1 Kilmarnock
I'm going against all the stats on this one and putting down Motherwell for a comfy HOME WIN. It's true that Kilmarnock are a bit of a bogey team for Motherwell together with the fact that Well have been hopeless at home this season and goals are usually scarse in this fixture but I think Motherwell are now showing their true potential. They are starting to play the kind of football we all know they are capable of and the goals are starting to flow again. Jamie Murphy for me has been the key to the turnaround that now sees Motherwell joint 2nd in the league. He has been influencing games much more coming off the left wing and has been scoring the goals that his talent suggests. 2 bets on this game HOME WIN @ 2.0 (William Hill) and also MOTHERWELL TO SCORE OVER 1.5 GOALS @ 1.91 (Coral)
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Ross County v Hearts
Ross County
Injuries - Kettlewell
Probable XI - Brown, Fitzpatrick, Munro, Boyd, Kovacevic, Lawson, Quinn, Vigurs, Brittain, Morrow, Glen (4-4-1-1)
Hearts
Injuries - Hamell, Grainger
Doubtful - Webster
Probable XI - MacDonald, McGowan, Zaliukas, Webster, McHattie, Barr, Taouil, Driver, Stevenson, Sutton, Smith (4-4-2)
Prediction : Ross County 1-1 Hearts
Hearts are waiting to hear whether Andy webster will make this game and if he doesn't make the game i feel that will be a massive blow for the Jambos and could certainly affect the result. Hearts whole game is based on the solid foundations at the back that the Webster/Zaliukas partnership give, so fingers crossed he plays. The fact that Hearts have only won 1 away match all season leaves me puzzled by the price that Hearts are to win this match and I believe it really is a good opportunity to put in a LAY here. To me the likely and best result Hearts can hope for is a draw so a win seems unlikely. LAY HEART@ 2.3 (Betfair)
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St Johnstone v Inverness
St Johnstone
Injuries - none
Doubtful - Millar, Anderson
Probable XI - Mannus, Mackay, Wright, McCracken, Scobbie, Pawlett, Cregg, M.Davidson, Craig, Tade, MacLean (4-4-2)
Inverness
Injuries - Ross, King, Hogg
Doubtful - Meekings
Probable XI - Reguero, Raven, G.Shinnie, Cooper, Warren, Doran, Tudur-Jones, Draper, Foran, A.Shinnie, McKay (4-4-1-1)
Prediction : St Johnstone 1-2 Inverness
Forget Hibs v Celtic I reckon this will be match of the day in the SPL tomorrow. Again, St Johnstone are a bit of a bogey team for Inverness but its hard to count on previous results as this Inverness team is a completely different proposition from last season and are my tip for finishing as runners up barring injuries. McKay's goal scoring surely has not gone un-noticed down south so they will have to fight to hold onto him also. St Johnstone have only had 1 win the last 10 league games which is something of a worry for them - suddenly they just lost that winning mentality following a really good start to the season. Even though the last 4 matches between these 2 have gone under 2.5 goals you simply cant ignore how many of Invernesses games have been goal fests recently, their last 7 have all gone over 2.5
OVER 2.5 Goals @ 1.82(betfair)
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Friday 14 December 2012
SPL - Saturday 15th Dec Team news & Thoughts
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock
Aberdeen
Injuries - Hughes, Fraser, Jack, Milsom, Clark, Naysmith, Osbourne
Probable XI - Langfield, Megennis, Anderson, Reynolds, Considine, Smith, Rae, Shaughnessy, Hayes, McGinn, Vernon (4-4-2)
Kilmarnock
Injuries - none
Probable XI - Bell, Fowler, Nelson, O'Leary, Tesselaar, Kelly, Racchi, Borja, Harkins, Heffernan, Sheridan (4-4-2)
Prediction : Aberdeen 1-1 Kilmarnock
Another week and more shit coming out of the mouth of the Killie manager Kenny Shiels, I reckon his wife must not be handing it out in the bedroom.....lol, but he is an angry man and it seems all the time, however he has no injuries or suspensions for this game (apart from his own touchline ban...) so lets see what he picks to moan about this week! On the park these two struggle to put back to back performances together and it is this inconsistancy which holds these 2 back from mounting a challange nearer the top of the league. I fancy a score draw here just of the simple reason that Aberdeen love a draw at home. DRAW @ 3.5 (Coral)
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Celtic v St Mirren
Celtic
Injuries - Commons, Forrest
Probable XI - Forster, Matthews, Ambrose, Wilson, Izaguirre, Mulgrew, Wanyama, Brown, Ledley, Samaras, Hooper (4-4-1-1)
St Mirren
Injuries - McGregor, McGowan
Suspended - Mair
Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, McAusland, Barrow, Dummett, MacLean, Goodwin, McGinn, Teale, Guy, Thompson (4-4-2)
Prediction : Celtic 4-1 St Mirren
It will surprise a few people that in the league Celtic have actually only claimed 1 point from their last 3 home games played, but it's a fact that oddly they have been much better away from home this season. I'm sure that Neil Lennon will have noticed this and will want to put it right and what better opponents to improve the home record than St Mirren. This is not a venue where the Paisley men get much success at all with just 1 draw to show for themselves in their last 13 visits to the east end of Glasgow. Indeed St Mirren have failed to score against Celtic in their last 7 attempts (home & away) losing all matches with an embarrassing aggregate score of 20-0!
So in all honesty I can see St Mirren taking a bit of a hidding here tomorrow, providing Celtic put out a full team as they again had to play a cup replay midweek. The books do not have much faith in St Mirren either with best odds of 17/1 (betfair) available for an unlikely away win. I imagine big hitters will fancy a bit of the 1/4 (William Hill) that is available on a Celtic win though.
Looking ahead to the game, Celtic will be without the services of Kris Commons and James Forrest which may restrict the natural width they have when the two play, so expect them to be heavily weighted down the left hand side with Izaguirre, Ledley and Mulgrew all expected to start. They have a slight doubt about Matthew's fitness who took a slight knock after scoring in the cup game but Lennon hopes his solid right back will make the match.
St Mirren will again be without the injured McGregor and McGowan but their biggest miss will be the suspended centre half Lee Mair.
For me it is in midfield where Celtic will dominate this match, Scott Brown had a fantastic game in the cup and with big Wanyama along side him that is the strongest pairing in the SPL at the moment. Gary Hooper should be able to expose St Mirren at the back with his pace and power, especially with the absence of Lee Mair. Again I will be expecting Izaguirre and Matthews to be playing more as wingers in this match and this proved very effective against Kilmarnock in their last league match where the quality of Matthew's crossing lead to the third goal being scored by Samaras.
I'm very confident Celtic will win this game as all the need to do is keep Thompson and Guy quiet and let their attacking players do the rest, it should also be quite comfortable so I am willing to take on the asain handicap of -2 goals for Celtic which pays 23/20 (Bet Victor).
A side bet which I shall also be playing, basically in each game till he scores, is Celtic defender Efe Ambrose to score at anytime at 8/1 (Ladbrokes). Sounds a bit crazy but I have been watching him closely in games and he is a defender who really does like to come forward and not just at set plays, he reminds me a little of Chelsea's Ivanovic who is a high scoring defender always with an eye for goal. Ambrose has just 1 goal to his name in 11 starts for Celtic but that is not a true reflection on the amount of opportunities he has had. I have seen him hit the post numerous times and i feel it is just a matter of time before he scores again, so for me the odds are worth taking.
Selected Bets :
Celtic to cover the -2 Asian Handicap 23/20 (Bet Victor)
Small bet on Efe Ambrose anytime scorer 8/1 (Ladbrokes)
NB : note this preview can also be found at www.selectabet.net why not go and have a look!
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Dundee Utd v Inverness
Dundee Utd
Injuries - Dillon
Probable XI - Cierzniak, Watson, McLean, Gunning, Douglas, Flood, Rankin, Skacel, Armstrong, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)
Inverness
Injuries - Hogg
Probable XI - Reguero, Raven, Warren, Meekings, G, Shinnie, Doran, Draper, Foran, Tudur-Jones, A.Shinnie, McKay (4-4-2)
Prediction : Dundee Utd 2-2 Inverness
Potentially match of the day here me thinks, people who follow me will know I am really starting to like this Inverness side who are now 2nd in the SPL 3pts off Celtic. AND....I genuinely believe that they will be right up their come the end of the season. Big Butch has managed to sculpt a team that other teams will not fancy playing one little bit, their big and physical but yet they have talent in the mix aswell. With Skacel, Daly and Russell on the park I have no worry that Utd will manage at least a goal and Inverness have scored in every game played this season so for me both to score is almost a certainty! (famous last words....) As the odds are a little skinny on this I will use it in a combination bet simply with Celtic to win to produce around evens. BTTS @ 1.62 (Bet Fred) combined with Celtic WIN @1.25 gives us 2.02 for the double
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Hibs v Motherwell
Hibs
Injuries - Clancy
Probable XI - Williams, Maybury, McPake, McGivern, Stevenson, Claros, Deegan, Wotherspoon, Cairney, Doyle, Griffiths (4-4-2)
Motherwell
Injuries - Saunders
Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Cummins, Hutchison, Hammell, Murphy, Lasley, Law, Humphrey, Higdon, Ojamaa (4-4-2)
Prediction : Hibs 1-2 Motherwell
Hibs should see the return to action of influencial midfield battler Deegan this week and he will make a big difference as they have started to falter a little lately with 3 losses in their last 4 league matches. I've got to admit though this doesn't come as a surprise as Hibs are famous for having flying starts to seasons and then plummeting back down the league at around christmas time! I'm not convinced who will actually win this match but I reckon we will at the least see a goal from each side so I'll have a pop at BTTS @ 1.73 (Stan James)
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Ross County v Dundee
Ross County
Injuries - Duncan, Corcoran, Morrow, Scott
Probable XI - Brown, Kovacevic, Munro, Boyd, Fitzpatrick, Kettlewell, Brittain, Fotheringham, Quinn, Vigurs, McMenamin (4-4-1-1)
Dundee
Injuries - Finnigan, O'Donnell, Kerr, Easton, McCluskey, Grassi
Probable XI - Douglas, Irvine, Benedictus, Gallagher, Lookwood, Riely, Davidson, McBride, McAllister, Milne, Baird (4-4-2)
Prediction : Ross County 2-1 Dundee
Dundee are well worthy of their bottom place in the league and I don't see them improving on it this week. County are on the back of 2 away defeats in the league and cup and will be hoping for an improved result in Dingwall. With Quinn and Fotheringham back in their team on a regular basis now this will improve them. HOME WIN @ 2.0 (William Hill) seems decent.
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St Johnstone v Hearts
St Johnstone
Injuries - none
Suspended - Anderson, Wright, Mackay, Millar
Probable XI - Manus, Miller, Scobbie, McCracken C.Davidson, Cregg, M.Davidson, Vine, Pawlett, MacLean, Tade (4-4-2)
Hearts
Injuries - Taouil, Grainger, Holt, Hamill
Probable XI - McDonald, McGowan, Zaliukas, Webster, McHattie, Taouil, Barr, Stevenson, Driver, Sutton, Smith (4-4-2)
Prediction : St Jonstone 1-2 Hearts
St Johnstone are set to be understrength with 4 suspensions following their 2 redcards last week against St Mirren. It will be a big problem for them in defence where they are basically missing 3 regulars and added to that the manager has to make a late call on McCracken as cover but he is still suffering from a fractured checkbone. Hearts will be looking to record only their 2nd away win all season but will fancy it with manager McGlynn getting all adventurous last week and actually playing 2 recognised strikers for the first time ever. Lets be positive here and with the defensive worries St Johnstone have lets back a Hearts win but with the safety of a draw no bet. HEARTS DNB @ 2.0 (Ladbrokes)
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Aberdeen
Injuries - Hughes, Fraser, Jack, Milsom, Clark, Naysmith, Osbourne
Probable XI - Langfield, Megennis, Anderson, Reynolds, Considine, Smith, Rae, Shaughnessy, Hayes, McGinn, Vernon (4-4-2)
Kilmarnock
Injuries - none
Probable XI - Bell, Fowler, Nelson, O'Leary, Tesselaar, Kelly, Racchi, Borja, Harkins, Heffernan, Sheridan (4-4-2)
Prediction : Aberdeen 1-1 Kilmarnock
Another week and more shit coming out of the mouth of the Killie manager Kenny Shiels, I reckon his wife must not be handing it out in the bedroom.....lol, but he is an angry man and it seems all the time, however he has no injuries or suspensions for this game (apart from his own touchline ban...) so lets see what he picks to moan about this week! On the park these two struggle to put back to back performances together and it is this inconsistancy which holds these 2 back from mounting a challange nearer the top of the league. I fancy a score draw here just of the simple reason that Aberdeen love a draw at home. DRAW @ 3.5 (Coral)
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Celtic v St Mirren
Celtic
Injuries - Commons, Forrest
Probable XI - Forster, Matthews, Ambrose, Wilson, Izaguirre, Mulgrew, Wanyama, Brown, Ledley, Samaras, Hooper (4-4-1-1)
St Mirren
Injuries - McGregor, McGowan
Suspended - Mair
Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, McAusland, Barrow, Dummett, MacLean, Goodwin, McGinn, Teale, Guy, Thompson (4-4-2)
Prediction : Celtic 4-1 St Mirren
It will surprise a few people that in the league Celtic have actually only claimed 1 point from their last 3 home games played, but it's a fact that oddly they have been much better away from home this season. I'm sure that Neil Lennon will have noticed this and will want to put it right and what better opponents to improve the home record than St Mirren. This is not a venue where the Paisley men get much success at all with just 1 draw to show for themselves in their last 13 visits to the east end of Glasgow. Indeed St Mirren have failed to score against Celtic in their last 7 attempts (home & away) losing all matches with an embarrassing aggregate score of 20-0!
So in all honesty I can see St Mirren taking a bit of a hidding here tomorrow, providing Celtic put out a full team as they again had to play a cup replay midweek. The books do not have much faith in St Mirren either with best odds of 17/1 (betfair) available for an unlikely away win. I imagine big hitters will fancy a bit of the 1/4 (William Hill) that is available on a Celtic win though.
Looking ahead to the game, Celtic will be without the services of Kris Commons and James Forrest which may restrict the natural width they have when the two play, so expect them to be heavily weighted down the left hand side with Izaguirre, Ledley and Mulgrew all expected to start. They have a slight doubt about Matthew's fitness who took a slight knock after scoring in the cup game but Lennon hopes his solid right back will make the match.
St Mirren will again be without the injured McGregor and McGowan but their biggest miss will be the suspended centre half Lee Mair.
For me it is in midfield where Celtic will dominate this match, Scott Brown had a fantastic game in the cup and with big Wanyama along side him that is the strongest pairing in the SPL at the moment. Gary Hooper should be able to expose St Mirren at the back with his pace and power, especially with the absence of Lee Mair. Again I will be expecting Izaguirre and Matthews to be playing more as wingers in this match and this proved very effective against Kilmarnock in their last league match where the quality of Matthew's crossing lead to the third goal being scored by Samaras.
I'm very confident Celtic will win this game as all the need to do is keep Thompson and Guy quiet and let their attacking players do the rest, it should also be quite comfortable so I am willing to take on the asain handicap of -2 goals for Celtic which pays 23/20 (Bet Victor).
A side bet which I shall also be playing, basically in each game till he scores, is Celtic defender Efe Ambrose to score at anytime at 8/1 (Ladbrokes). Sounds a bit crazy but I have been watching him closely in games and he is a defender who really does like to come forward and not just at set plays, he reminds me a little of Chelsea's Ivanovic who is a high scoring defender always with an eye for goal. Ambrose has just 1 goal to his name in 11 starts for Celtic but that is not a true reflection on the amount of opportunities he has had. I have seen him hit the post numerous times and i feel it is just a matter of time before he scores again, so for me the odds are worth taking.
Selected Bets :
Celtic to cover the -2 Asian Handicap 23/20 (Bet Victor)
Small bet on Efe Ambrose anytime scorer 8/1 (Ladbrokes)
NB : note this preview can also be found at www.selectabet.net why not go and have a look!
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Dundee Utd v Inverness
Dundee Utd
Injuries - Dillon
Probable XI - Cierzniak, Watson, McLean, Gunning, Douglas, Flood, Rankin, Skacel, Armstrong, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)
Inverness
Injuries - Hogg
Probable XI - Reguero, Raven, Warren, Meekings, G, Shinnie, Doran, Draper, Foran, Tudur-Jones, A.Shinnie, McKay (4-4-2)
Prediction : Dundee Utd 2-2 Inverness
Potentially match of the day here me thinks, people who follow me will know I am really starting to like this Inverness side who are now 2nd in the SPL 3pts off Celtic. AND....I genuinely believe that they will be right up their come the end of the season. Big Butch has managed to sculpt a team that other teams will not fancy playing one little bit, their big and physical but yet they have talent in the mix aswell. With Skacel, Daly and Russell on the park I have no worry that Utd will manage at least a goal and Inverness have scored in every game played this season so for me both to score is almost a certainty! (famous last words....) As the odds are a little skinny on this I will use it in a combination bet simply with Celtic to win to produce around evens. BTTS @ 1.62 (Bet Fred) combined with Celtic WIN @1.25 gives us 2.02 for the double
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Hibs v Motherwell
Hibs
Injuries - Clancy
Probable XI - Williams, Maybury, McPake, McGivern, Stevenson, Claros, Deegan, Wotherspoon, Cairney, Doyle, Griffiths (4-4-2)
Motherwell
Injuries - Saunders
Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Cummins, Hutchison, Hammell, Murphy, Lasley, Law, Humphrey, Higdon, Ojamaa (4-4-2)
Prediction : Hibs 1-2 Motherwell
Hibs should see the return to action of influencial midfield battler Deegan this week and he will make a big difference as they have started to falter a little lately with 3 losses in their last 4 league matches. I've got to admit though this doesn't come as a surprise as Hibs are famous for having flying starts to seasons and then plummeting back down the league at around christmas time! I'm not convinced who will actually win this match but I reckon we will at the least see a goal from each side so I'll have a pop at BTTS @ 1.73 (Stan James)
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Ross County v Dundee
Ross County
Injuries - Duncan, Corcoran, Morrow, Scott
Probable XI - Brown, Kovacevic, Munro, Boyd, Fitzpatrick, Kettlewell, Brittain, Fotheringham, Quinn, Vigurs, McMenamin (4-4-1-1)
Dundee
Injuries - Finnigan, O'Donnell, Kerr, Easton, McCluskey, Grassi
Probable XI - Douglas, Irvine, Benedictus, Gallagher, Lookwood, Riely, Davidson, McBride, McAllister, Milne, Baird (4-4-2)
Prediction : Ross County 2-1 Dundee
Dundee are well worthy of their bottom place in the league and I don't see them improving on it this week. County are on the back of 2 away defeats in the league and cup and will be hoping for an improved result in Dingwall. With Quinn and Fotheringham back in their team on a regular basis now this will improve them. HOME WIN @ 2.0 (William Hill) seems decent.
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St Johnstone v Hearts
St Johnstone
Injuries - none
Suspended - Anderson, Wright, Mackay, Millar
Probable XI - Manus, Miller, Scobbie, McCracken C.Davidson, Cregg, M.Davidson, Vine, Pawlett, MacLean, Tade (4-4-2)
Hearts
Injuries - Taouil, Grainger, Holt, Hamill
Probable XI - McDonald, McGowan, Zaliukas, Webster, McHattie, Taouil, Barr, Stevenson, Driver, Sutton, Smith (4-4-2)
Prediction : St Jonstone 1-2 Hearts
St Johnstone are set to be understrength with 4 suspensions following their 2 redcards last week against St Mirren. It will be a big problem for them in defence where they are basically missing 3 regulars and added to that the manager has to make a late call on McCracken as cover but he is still suffering from a fractured checkbone. Hearts will be looking to record only their 2nd away win all season but will fancy it with manager McGlynn getting all adventurous last week and actually playing 2 recognised strikers for the first time ever. Lets be positive here and with the defensive worries St Johnstone have lets back a Hearts win but with the safety of a draw no bet. HEARTS DNB @ 2.0 (Ladbrokes)
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Sunday 9 December 2012
Dundee Derby - A couple of tips
Dundee v Dundee Utd
Dens Park 12.45 KO (Sky Sports 4)
Starting XI's :
Dundee : Douglas, Irvine, Benedictus, Gallagher, Lookwood, McAllister, Davidson, McBride, Riley, Baird, Milne (4-4-2)
Dundee Utd : Cierznaik, Douglas, Gunning, McLean, Watson, Skacel, Food, Rankin, Armstrong, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)
Its the second Dundee derby of the season today and by all accounts it's pretty much as sell out and promises to be a lively affair at Dens Park. There is no doubt that the tangerine half of Dundee have the better players and team by far and this is not helped by the injury list that Dundee can really not afford to have given their inferior 1st division squad. Dundee Utd won the home fixture earlier in the season very comfortably 3-0 and are rightly the 1.8 (Coral, Betfred) favourites. They had a 5-0 cup win last week against Stranraer but what will be worrying for Dundee is that both of Utd's front men claimed all 5 goals with Johnny Russell netting a hatrick and Daly with a brace himself. Dundee also claimed a decent cup win away to Livingston and will take heart from the fact they have won their last 2 home league games against Hibs and Hearts. Despite being bottom of the league the Dundee fans will hope their team can pull off a 5.0 (William Hill) shock.
Dundee Utd will again be without the services of the talented Gary Mackay-Stevens with a broken bone in the hand and Gardyne is also set to miss out but this just means that manager Houston will have the opportunity to play Rudi Skacel from the start. People who like a bet on an anytime goalscorer should have a look at Skacel at 3.25 (Blue Square) as he has a canny nack of scoring in the big matches.
Dundee's injuries are to vast to list but noticable outs are captain O'Donnell, Striker Finnigan and Italian defender Grassi.
For me Dundee United should have far too much quality for Dundee in this fixture and if they concentrate on playing football and avoid getting involved in any heated derby incidents they should really run out easy winners and probably win by a couple of goals. They have goals scorers in their team and I like the look of them scoring over 1.5 team goals at 2.1 (Stan James).
Prediction : Dundee 1-3 Dundee Utd
Best Bets :
Away win 1.8 (Coral, Betfred)
Dundee Utd to score over 1.5 goals 2.1 (Stan James)
Dens Park 12.45 KO (Sky Sports 4)
Starting XI's :
Dundee : Douglas, Irvine, Benedictus, Gallagher, Lookwood, McAllister, Davidson, McBride, Riley, Baird, Milne (4-4-2)
Dundee Utd : Cierznaik, Douglas, Gunning, McLean, Watson, Skacel, Food, Rankin, Armstrong, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)
Its the second Dundee derby of the season today and by all accounts it's pretty much as sell out and promises to be a lively affair at Dens Park. There is no doubt that the tangerine half of Dundee have the better players and team by far and this is not helped by the injury list that Dundee can really not afford to have given their inferior 1st division squad. Dundee Utd won the home fixture earlier in the season very comfortably 3-0 and are rightly the 1.8 (Coral, Betfred) favourites. They had a 5-0 cup win last week against Stranraer but what will be worrying for Dundee is that both of Utd's front men claimed all 5 goals with Johnny Russell netting a hatrick and Daly with a brace himself. Dundee also claimed a decent cup win away to Livingston and will take heart from the fact they have won their last 2 home league games against Hibs and Hearts. Despite being bottom of the league the Dundee fans will hope their team can pull off a 5.0 (William Hill) shock.
Dundee Utd will again be without the services of the talented Gary Mackay-Stevens with a broken bone in the hand and Gardyne is also set to miss out but this just means that manager Houston will have the opportunity to play Rudi Skacel from the start. People who like a bet on an anytime goalscorer should have a look at Skacel at 3.25 (Blue Square) as he has a canny nack of scoring in the big matches.
Dundee's injuries are to vast to list but noticable outs are captain O'Donnell, Striker Finnigan and Italian defender Grassi.
For me Dundee United should have far too much quality for Dundee in this fixture and if they concentrate on playing football and avoid getting involved in any heated derby incidents they should really run out easy winners and probably win by a couple of goals. They have goals scorers in their team and I like the look of them scoring over 1.5 team goals at 2.1 (Stan James).
Prediction : Dundee 1-3 Dundee Utd
Best Bets :
Away win 1.8 (Coral, Betfred)
Dundee Utd to score over 1.5 goals 2.1 (Stan James)
Friday 7 December 2012
SPL - Saturday 8th Dec Team News & Thoughts
Kilmarnock v Celtic
Kilmarnock
Injuries - Kelly, Hay
Suspended - Pascali
Probable XI - Bell, Fowler, O'Leary, Nelson, Tesselaar, Racchi, Borja, Johnson, Harkins, Sheridan, Heffernan (4-4-2)
Celtic
Injuries - Commons, Lustig, Stokes, Paddy McCourt, Forrest
Probable XI - Zaluska, Matthews, Ambrose, Wilson, Mulgrew, Ledley, Kayal, Samaras, Wanyama, Hooper, Miku (4-4-2)
Prediction : Kilmarnock 1 - 2 Celtic
Once more Celtic go into another match after midweek heroics in the Champions League. Tiredness must again be a big concern here, they will have a fresh Wanyama but unless they look to their squad players there will be a few playing with heavy legs from the start. I also have a sneaky feeling that Forster may be rested for reserve keeper Zaluska as he was a slight doubt before the Spartak game. I've had a good look into Kilmarnock's stats and added to the fact that they have had recent success against Celtic I note that they have only failed to score in 2 games this season (both 0-0 draws) and have only not scored in 1 game at home which was the season opener. So I'm looking at BTTS @ 2.0 (Boyle Sports) as certainly worth a punt.
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Hearts v Aberdeen
Hearts
Injuries - Holt , McGowan, Grainger,Hamill
Doubtful - Barr, Novikovas
Probable XI - McDonald, McGowgan, Zaliukas, Webster, McHattie, Taouil, Walker, Robinson, Stevenson, Paterson, Sutton (4-4-2)
Aberdeen
Injuries - Fraser, Naysmith, Hughes, Jack, Milsom, Clark, Robertson, Osbourne
Probable XI - Langfield, Considine, Anderson, Reynolds, Rae, Hayes, Shaughnessy, Magennis, McGinn, Fallon, Venon (3-4-1-2)
Prediction : Hearts 1-0 Aberdeen
Hearts enjoy a great record in this fixture and in fact against Aberdeen in general over the last couple of years. So good that the Jambos are unbeaten in the last 8 games (5W 3D) and Aberdeen amazingly haven't even scoring a goal!!! With that stat and the fact that Hearts are currently unexplainably playing without a striker every week and I can see why the under 2.5 goals price is so low. I would suggest it will come in and I will be looking to hammer it if there did happen to be an early goal as I would still be confident there would not be 3 scored. I'm having a tiny punt on under 1.5 goals @ 3.2 (Paddy Power) as crazy as it sounds, it should certainly be tradable.
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Inverness v Hibs
Inverness
Injuries - Ross, King, Hogg
Probable XI - Reguero, Raven, Warren, Meekings, G. Shinnie, A. Shinnie, Draper, Tudur-Jones, Doran, Foran, McKay (4-4-1-1)
Hibs
Injuries - Deegan, McPake, Clancy
Doubtful - Griffiths
Probable XI - Williams, Maybury, Hanlon, McGivern, Stevenson, Wotherspoon, Tiawo, Claros, Cairney, Doyle, Caldwell (4-4-2)
Prediction : Inverness 2-1 Hibs
These 2 teams are the surprise package of the SPL in my book this season and have both had absolute turnabouts in terms of team members and performance since last term. I've seen a lot of Inverness this season and I have to say they really impress me. They are all playing for each other, have goals throughout their attacking players and are a big and physical side. Only downfall for them is they do concede a lot of silly goals, especially when in seemingly commanding positions in matches. Indeed they are the league joint worst in defence.
Big question here is will Griffiths play? I suspect Hibs will be a completely different outfit without him, lacking any real threat up front as I dont rate Doyle and Caldwell, who would replace Griffiths, is shit.
This game could end up in a slugfest but I'm going to side with Inverness and hope Griffiths is missing. Home Win @ 2.3 (William Hill)
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Motherwell v Ross County
Motherwell
Injuries - Saunders
Suspended - Randolph
Probable XI - Hollis, Hateley, Hutchison, Cummins, Hammell, Humphrey, Lasley, Law, Murphy, Higdon, Ojamaa (4-4-2)
Ross County
Injuries - Duncan, Corcoran
Doubtful - Boyd, Kettlewell
Probable XI - Brown, Kovacevic, Tokeley, Munro, Fitzpatrick, Brittian, Vigurs, Quinn, Fotheringham, Morrow, Glen (4-4-2)
Prediction : Motherwell 2-1 Ross County
Motherwell have finally started to pull a bit of form together and have gone 5 unbeaten in all competitions. And thank god as there really was no explaination for their performances at the start of the season. I say all this and they are actually only 4pts from 1st place. I think it's all down to confidence as they generally field the same team each week and certainly the same tried and tested formation. They should prove to much for Ross County who have not won in their last 6 games away from Dingwall. HOME WIN @ 2.2 (Stan James) looks a steel(men).......lol
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St Mirren v St Johnstone
St Mirren
Injuries - McGowan, McGregor
Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Dummett, McLean, Reilly, Goodwin, Imrie, Guy, Thompson (4-4-2)
St Johnstone
Injuries - McCracken, Beattie, Adams, Robertson
Suspended - Mackay
Probable XI - Mannus, C.Davidson, Wright, Anderson, Miller, Millar, M.Davidson, Craig, Cregg, Tade, MacLean (4-4-2)
Prediction : St Mirren 1-2 St Johnstone
I'm not going to be fooled by St Mirren's latest change in fortune, the fact that they have won 2 and drawn 1 of their last 3 matches, simply because they were against poor teams, namely, Brechin, Ross County and Dundee. I still think St Mirren are not very good. St Johnstone should be able to welcome Cregg back into the team, a player I like and makes them tick. They do have Mackay suspended but they regularly chop and change in defence so that is not such a big worry to me. Only thing that worries me is that 3 out 4 St Mirren wins this season have come at home so I'll opt for the saftey of St Johnstone DNB @ 1.87 (Boyle Sports)
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Kilmarnock
Injuries - Kelly, Hay
Suspended - Pascali
Probable XI - Bell, Fowler, O'Leary, Nelson, Tesselaar, Racchi, Borja, Johnson, Harkins, Sheridan, Heffernan (4-4-2)
Celtic
Injuries - Commons, Lustig, Stokes, Paddy McCourt, Forrest
Probable XI - Zaluska, Matthews, Ambrose, Wilson, Mulgrew, Ledley, Kayal, Samaras, Wanyama, Hooper, Miku (4-4-2)
Prediction : Kilmarnock 1 - 2 Celtic
Once more Celtic go into another match after midweek heroics in the Champions League. Tiredness must again be a big concern here, they will have a fresh Wanyama but unless they look to their squad players there will be a few playing with heavy legs from the start. I also have a sneaky feeling that Forster may be rested for reserve keeper Zaluska as he was a slight doubt before the Spartak game. I've had a good look into Kilmarnock's stats and added to the fact that they have had recent success against Celtic I note that they have only failed to score in 2 games this season (both 0-0 draws) and have only not scored in 1 game at home which was the season opener. So I'm looking at BTTS @ 2.0 (Boyle Sports) as certainly worth a punt.
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Hearts v Aberdeen
Hearts
Injuries - Holt , McGowan, Grainger,Hamill
Doubtful - Barr, Novikovas
Probable XI - McDonald, McGowgan, Zaliukas, Webster, McHattie, Taouil, Walker, Robinson, Stevenson, Paterson, Sutton (4-4-2)
Aberdeen
Injuries - Fraser, Naysmith, Hughes, Jack, Milsom, Clark, Robertson, Osbourne
Probable XI - Langfield, Considine, Anderson, Reynolds, Rae, Hayes, Shaughnessy, Magennis, McGinn, Fallon, Venon (3-4-1-2)
Prediction : Hearts 1-0 Aberdeen
Hearts enjoy a great record in this fixture and in fact against Aberdeen in general over the last couple of years. So good that the Jambos are unbeaten in the last 8 games (5W 3D) and Aberdeen amazingly haven't even scoring a goal!!! With that stat and the fact that Hearts are currently unexplainably playing without a striker every week and I can see why the under 2.5 goals price is so low. I would suggest it will come in and I will be looking to hammer it if there did happen to be an early goal as I would still be confident there would not be 3 scored. I'm having a tiny punt on under 1.5 goals @ 3.2 (Paddy Power) as crazy as it sounds, it should certainly be tradable.
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Inverness v Hibs
Inverness
Injuries - Ross, King, Hogg
Probable XI - Reguero, Raven, Warren, Meekings, G. Shinnie, A. Shinnie, Draper, Tudur-Jones, Doran, Foran, McKay (4-4-1-1)
Hibs
Injuries - Deegan, McPake, Clancy
Doubtful - Griffiths
Probable XI - Williams, Maybury, Hanlon, McGivern, Stevenson, Wotherspoon, Tiawo, Claros, Cairney, Doyle, Caldwell (4-4-2)
Prediction : Inverness 2-1 Hibs
These 2 teams are the surprise package of the SPL in my book this season and have both had absolute turnabouts in terms of team members and performance since last term. I've seen a lot of Inverness this season and I have to say they really impress me. They are all playing for each other, have goals throughout their attacking players and are a big and physical side. Only downfall for them is they do concede a lot of silly goals, especially when in seemingly commanding positions in matches. Indeed they are the league joint worst in defence.
Big question here is will Griffiths play? I suspect Hibs will be a completely different outfit without him, lacking any real threat up front as I dont rate Doyle and Caldwell, who would replace Griffiths, is shit.
This game could end up in a slugfest but I'm going to side with Inverness and hope Griffiths is missing. Home Win @ 2.3 (William Hill)
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Motherwell v Ross County
Motherwell
Injuries - Saunders
Suspended - Randolph
Probable XI - Hollis, Hateley, Hutchison, Cummins, Hammell, Humphrey, Lasley, Law, Murphy, Higdon, Ojamaa (4-4-2)
Ross County
Injuries - Duncan, Corcoran
Doubtful - Boyd, Kettlewell
Probable XI - Brown, Kovacevic, Tokeley, Munro, Fitzpatrick, Brittian, Vigurs, Quinn, Fotheringham, Morrow, Glen (4-4-2)
Prediction : Motherwell 2-1 Ross County
Motherwell have finally started to pull a bit of form together and have gone 5 unbeaten in all competitions. And thank god as there really was no explaination for their performances at the start of the season. I say all this and they are actually only 4pts from 1st place. I think it's all down to confidence as they generally field the same team each week and certainly the same tried and tested formation. They should prove to much for Ross County who have not won in their last 6 games away from Dingwall. HOME WIN @ 2.2 (Stan James) looks a steel(men).......lol
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St Mirren v St Johnstone
St Mirren
Injuries - McGowan, McGregor
Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Dummett, McLean, Reilly, Goodwin, Imrie, Guy, Thompson (4-4-2)
St Johnstone
Injuries - McCracken, Beattie, Adams, Robertson
Suspended - Mackay
Probable XI - Mannus, C.Davidson, Wright, Anderson, Miller, Millar, M.Davidson, Craig, Cregg, Tade, MacLean (4-4-2)
Prediction : St Mirren 1-2 St Johnstone
I'm not going to be fooled by St Mirren's latest change in fortune, the fact that they have won 2 and drawn 1 of their last 3 matches, simply because they were against poor teams, namely, Brechin, Ross County and Dundee. I still think St Mirren are not very good. St Johnstone should be able to welcome Cregg back into the team, a player I like and makes them tick. They do have Mackay suspended but they regularly chop and change in defence so that is not such a big worry to me. Only thing that worries me is that 3 out 4 St Mirren wins this season have come at home so I'll opt for the saftey of St Johnstone DNB @ 1.87 (Boyle Sports)
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