SPL - Sunday 30th Dec - Dundee Utd v St Mirren

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)

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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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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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)

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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SPL Tue 27th Nov Team News & Thoughts

Aberdeen v Inverness


Aberdeen

Injuries - Robertson, Fraser, Rae, Naysmith, Hughes, Jack, Milsom, Osborne

Probable XI - Langfield, Reynolds, Anderson, Considine, Magennis, Masson, Clark, McGinn, Hayes, Vernon, Fallon (4-4-2)


Inverness

Injuries - Ross, King, Hogg

Probable XI - Reguero, Raven, Warren, Meekings, G. Sinnie, Tudur-Jones, Foran, Doran, A.Shinnie, Sutherland, McKay (4-4-2)


Prediction : Aberdeen 1-1 Inverness


Inverness have been very good on the road this season and it would not overly surprise me if they actually won this match as Aberdeen are starting to get severely hampered with injuries. Inverness have been banging in the goals but also conceeding loads and this must be the main reason for the odds remaining reasonable on under 2.5 goals. But I like the fact that Aberdeen have the 2nd best defensive record in the league only letting in 14 goals all season and only 6 at home. For this reason I'm going for UNDER 2.5 Goals @ 1.91 (Bwin)



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Dundee Utd v Motherwell


Dundee Utd

Injuries - Mackay-Steven, Vignal

Probable XI - Cierzniak, McLean, Dillon, Gunning, Douglas, Flood, Armstrong, Rankin, Skacel, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)

Motherwell

Injuries - Saunders

Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchison, Cummins, Hammell, Murphy, Lasley, Law, Humphrey, Ojamma, Higdon (4-4-2)


Prediction : Dundee Utd 1-1 Motherwell

Quite amazingly Motherwell have already had 11 matches this season where they have failed to find the net. Put basically this is where they have have a problem, Higdon has just not been firing this season and they just dont have any other consistant finisher. However the style these 2 teams play suggests to me that there will actually be goals in this match but I dont think it will go over 2.5, the last 4 matches between the 2 have stayed under. Take UNDER 2.5 gaols @ 1.95 (Bet365)



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Ross County v St Mirren


Ross County

Injuries - Scott

Probable XI - Fraser, Kovacevic, Boyd, Munro, Tokeley, Brittain, Kettlewell, Fotheringham, Vigurs, Quinn, Morrow (4-4-1-1)


St Mirren

Injuries - McGowan, McGregor

Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Dummett, Goodwin, Teale, McLean, Imrie, Thompson, Guy (4-4-2)


Prediction : Ross County 1-1 St Mirren


St Mirren stopped the rot at the weekend with a important win over Dundee which was their first win in 8 matches.  Hopefully this gives them some much needed confidence and now that they have Guy back fit I think they are a much bigger goal threat upfront. County normally find the net at home so both teams to score really appeals to me here. BTTS @ 1.73 (Stan James)

SPL - Sat 24th Nov Team News & Thoughts

Bit brief this week as I am actually babysitting of all things tonight........



Motherwell v Hearts


Motherwell


Injuries - Ramsden, Saunders

Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, hutchinson, Cummins, Hammell, Humphrey, Law, Lasley, Murphy, Higdon, Ojamaa (4-4-2-)


Hearts


Injuries - Hamill
Doubtful - MacDonald

Probable XI - Enckelman, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Paterson, Barr, Taouil, Driver, Novikovas, Stevenson (4-4-1-1)



Prediction : Motherwell 1-1 Hearts

Tricky match to predict this one, Motherwell very impressive in their last match beating Inverness away 5-1 but at home this year they have been horrible, in fact they are equal worst in terms of home form in the league with only 1 win all season (strangely against Inverrness again!) Anyway Hearts normally struggle away from home but I can see them competing well here. Bit of a worry though is if keeper McDonald doesn't make this game our sub goalie is fucking hopeless! Real tempted with a LAY of Motherwell here but NO BET





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Celtic v Inverness


Celtic


Injuries - Izaguirre, Forrest, Stokes
Doubtful - Mulgrew, Rogne, Wilson, Ledley

Probable XI - Forster, Matthews, Wilson, Ambrose, Lustig, Brown, Commons, Wanyama, Kayal, Hooper, Samaras (4-4-1-1)




Inverness


Injuries - Draper, King, Hogg, Ross, Esson


Probable XI - Reguero, Raven, Warren, Meekings, G.Shinnie, Doran, Pepper, Tudur-Jones, Foran, Mckay, A.Shinnie (4-4-1-1)



Prediction : Celtic 2-0 Inverness

I imagine big Butch will just put last Sundays embarrassing defeat to Motherwell down as a bad day at the office and to be honest when Motherwell play like that it can happen. He'll be hoping for a tired Celtic again after midweek action which has proved the case already 2 times this year. Inverness really do have a poor record against Celtic but they are big and phsyical and should match up quite well this time. I'm surprised with the prices on offer for goals in this match, people seem to think there will be plenty, I'm not so sure. Butcher will have given his defence a shouting at and they should be scared to let in as many as last week. Take UNDER 3.5 @ 1.67 (Bet Victor)



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Hibs v Aberdeen


Hibs


Injuries - Clancy, Deegan

Probable XI - Williams, Maybury, Hanlon, McGivern, Claros, Stevenson, Taiwo, Wotherspoon, Cairney, Boyle, Griffiths (4-4-2)




Aberdeen


Injuries - Naysmith, Hughes, Jack, Milsom
Doutful - Fraser, Robertson, Rae

Probable XI - Langfield, Reynolds, Considine, Anderson, Megennis, Osborne, Clark, Rae, Fraser, McGinn, Hayes (4-4-2)



Prediction : Hibs 1-1 Aberdeen

Just to remind us all how unpredictable and exciting the SPL is.....Hibs go and get stuffed by bottom team Dundee last week 3-1!!! I think this will be certainly match of the day with Aberdeen starting (well their fans anyway) to get really confident about their play. they still have a good few injuries but their is a definite belief about them nowadays. Still can't get away from the fact that they draw a lot of their games and I reckon this is heading the same way. I'm backing an unfashionable DRAW @ 3.4 (Bet Fred)

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Kilmarnock v St Johnstone

Kilmarnock


Injuries - Kelly

Probable XI - Bell, Fowler, O'Leary, Nelson, Tesselaar, Borja, Harkins, Pascali, Dayton, Heffernan, Sheridan (4-4-2)




St Johnstone


Injuries - Moon, Adams, Pawlett


Probable XI - Mannus, Mackay, Anderson, Wright, C.Davidson, Millar, M.Davidson, Cregg, Craig, Tade, Vine (4-4-2)



Prediction : Kilmarnock 2-1 St Johnstone

St Johnstone's decent spell is over I reckon and Kilmarnock keep doing exactly the opposite than I predict but this week I'm backing them for a win so hopefully they dont let me down. Sheridan and Heffernan upfront could be a good goal scoring partnership and now they have had a few games to get used to each other the goals should start to flow. HOME WIN @ 2.62 (Bet Victor) for me.



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Ross County v Dundee Utd


Ross County


Injuries - Scott

Probable XI - Fraser, Kovacevic, Boyd, Munro, Fitzpatrick, Vigurs, Brittain, Kettlewell, Quinn, Fotheringham, Morrow (4-4-2)




Dundee Utd


Injuries - Vignal


Probable XI - Cierzniak, Watson, Dillon, Gunning, Douglas, Skacel, Rankin, Flood, Mackay-Steven, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)



Prediction : Ross County 1-2 Dundee Utd

When you have Dundee Utd playing away from home I think it is always worth a pop at BTTS and I see it landing in this match, their defence has not really been that impressive of late from the games I've watch and I think County can find the net. Utd should score at least once in this fixture so BTTS @ 1.83 (Bwin) seems decent.



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St Mirren v Dundee


St Mirren


Injuries - McGowan, McGregor, Adam

Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, McAusland, Mair, Dummett, Teale, Goodwin, Carey, McLean, Thompson, Guy (4-4-2)




Dundee


Injuries - O'Donnell, Finnegan, McCluskey, Easton, Kerr, Grassi


Probable XI - Douglas, Irvine, Gallagher, Benedictus, Lockwood, Riley, McBride, Davidson, McAllister, Milne, Nish (4-4-2)



Prediction : St Mirren 2-1 Dundee

Hard to ignore the form of these two clubs, Dundee a win and 2 draws in their last 3, and St Mirren well winless in their last 7 matches played. But lets not forget Dundee are usually rubbish away from home. This is already a bargin-basement-relegation-dogfight and as such should be a cracker. Coral have been brave enough to go evens on a home win but you would also be brave to back St Mirren at the moment. NO BET



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SPL - Sat 17th Nov Team News & Thoughts

Aberdeen v Celtic



Aberdeen


Injuries - Hughes, Jack, Naysmith, Milsom
Doubtful - Rae

Probable XI - Langfield, Robertson, Considine, Anderson, Reynolds, Clark, Hayes, McGinn, Osbourne, Fraser, Vernon (4-4-2)




Celtic


Injuries - Hooper, Rogne, Forrest, Izaguirre
Doubtful - Ledley, Brown

Probable XI - Forster, Matthews, Wilson, Ambrose, Mulgrew, Commons, Kayal, Wanyama, Samaras, Miku, Watt (4-3-1-2)


Prediction : Aberdeen 1-1 Celtic


Can see this match being an epic battle, Aberdeen are always well up for and relish the old firm visiting Pittodrie. Both teams are a little hampered buy injuries to the 1st team players but that didn't stop the Dons blast 4 goals past St Mirren last week and if this is them now starting to find the goals I have said all season that this was all they needed to add to their game as they have a really well balanced team. Best way to handle Celtic at the moment is to mark Wanyama out of the game, he's not really a playmaker but everything is coming through him at the moment and he is influencing each game massively. Has to be said Aberdeen's record against Celtic is awful but I can see them getting something out of this game or at least not getting a humbling like they have in recent years. Lets not forget that Aberdeen are unbeaten at home this season and will be keen to protect that record. I'm tempted by ABERDEEN +1 ASIAN HANDICAP @ 1.81 (Pinnacle)  as I feel understandably Celtic's focus is on the Champions League at the moment with qualification a genuine prospect now!





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Dundee v Hibs



Dundee


Injuries - Stewart, O'Donnell, Finnigan, McCluskey, Kerr, Easton

Probable XI - Douglas, Irvine, Gallagher, Benedictus, Lookwood, Riley, McBride, Davidson, McAlister, Nish, Milne (4-4-2) 





Hibs


Injuries - Deegan
Doubtful - McPake, Clancy

Probable XI - Williams, Maybury, Hanlon, Taiwo, McGivern, Witherspoon, Stevenson, Claros, Cairney, Doyle, Griffiths (4-4-2)



Prediction : Dundee 1-2 Hibs


Got to say Hibs were looking really good and confident in their play when I watched them beat Dundee Utd last Sunday. They were stroking the ball about with poise and control in an uncanny manner from the team that started the season that looked so fragile. They may well be without McPake & Clancy again for this game but that doesn't both me as their strength is in midfield and Griffiths and Doyles movement up top. Even though I have a stance that players from Leith should not be allowed to represent their nation you have to say that Griffiths has played his way into a weak Scotland B team........lol

Lets face it Dundee are poor but they are actually on the SPL form of their life at the minute with a draw and a win to their name in the last 2 fixtures but this still leaves the 4pts adrift at the bottom of the league. I reckon this Hibs team should see them off, maybe not as comfortably as they did at Easter Rd last month but easily enough. Hibs are nearly averaging 2 goals a game and I think this is a wise bet to place here. HIBS TO SCORE OVER 1.5 GOALS @ 1.91 (CORAL) seems nice if Griffiths and Co can stay to form! I'll have this as my NAP OF THE DAY





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Hearts v St Mirren



Hearts


Injuries - Hamill
Doubtful - Stevenson, Taouil

Probable XI - McDonald, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Barr, Driver, Novikovas, Stevenson, Sutton, Paterson (4-4-1-1)




St Mirren


Injuries - McGowan, McGregor, Adam


Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Dummett, Robertson, McLean, Goodwin, Imrie, Thompson, Parkin (4-4-2)



Prediction : Hearts 2-1 St Mirren

I'm going to give Hearts the nod in this fixture, with everything that going on at Tynecastle in the last week this game is set to be a sellout as the fans show their support to this fantastic club. Any other team in the league (except Hibs...) and I would not suggest a Hearts victory was forthcoming but St Mirren are in a terrible rut just now and have not won in their last 6 outtings. The only away win they have had all season was against bottom club Dundee but they should be boosted by the return for their captain Goodwin who really does lead by example. Hearts have a couple of doubts in Taouil and Stevenson who are ill but hopefully they can make the match, McGowan has also suggested on twitter that he will be knackered after playing for Australia midweek. Hearts enjoy a good record in this fixture and I just think with the crowd behind them we should really be seeing a home win here at decent odds. HEARTS WIN @ 2.0 (William Hill) appeals to me.





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St Johnstone v Ross County



St Johnstone


Injuries - McCracken, Beattie, Adams, Pawlett

Probable XI - Mannus, Mackay, Miller, Wright, C.Davidson, Millar, M. Davidson, Robertson, Craig, Vine, Tade (4-4-2)





Ross County


Injuries - Duncan, Scott, Corcoran, Lawson
Suspended - Quinn

Probable XI - Fraser, Fitzpatrick, Munro, Boyd, Kovacevic, Vigurs, Brittain, Glen, Kettlewell, Fotheringham, McMenamin (4-4-2)



Prediction : St Johnstone 2-1 Ross County


Apart from their defeat by Motherwell last time out and an early season loss to Aberdeen, Perth has been a stronghold for St Johnstone this season, put this together with Ross County only actually managing one away win (at Dundee) this season and I think this is a good spot to pick a St Johnstone win. Home Win @2.1 (Bet Fred) appeals to me. Also might have a stab at 2-1 correct score @ 9.0 (Coral) as this has been the scoreline on 3 occassions already this season and something tells me County will manage a goal.

SPL - Friday 16th Nov Team News & Thoughts

Dundee Utd v Kilmarnock


Dundee Utd



Injuries - Vignal, Watson

Probable XI - Cierzniak, Douglas, Dillon, Gunning, McLean, Flood, Rankin, Mackay-Steven, Skacel, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)



Kilmarnock


Injuries - Gros, Hay, Racchi, McKenzie

Probable XI - Bell, Fowler, O'Leary, Nelson, Tesselaar, Borja, Kelly, Harkins, Pascali, Heffernam, Sheridan (4-4-2)



Prediction :  Dundee Utd 2-1 Kilmarnock

Both these teams put in decent 2nd half performances in their last matches, Kilmarnock scoring 3 times to see off Ross County and Utd coming back strongly when 2-0 down to on form Hibs and were unlucky not to take something from that game. Dundee Utd have been drawing a lot of matches at home recently but I think if Houston starts with his strongest team he can win this match. He had to sub on Gary Mackay-Steven after 30 mins last Sunday and it was clear to see the difference he made and once Rudi Skacel came on the chances started to flow for them. Johnny Russell had a real off game but we all know he is very capable on his day. I'm taking 3 bets for this match. BTTS @ 1.8 (Stan James), DUNDEE UTD HOME WIN @ 1.91 (Coral) and OVER 2.5 Goals @ 1.91 (William Hill)

SPL - Sunday 11th Nov Team News & Thoughts

Hibs v Dundee Utd


Hibs


Injuries - Clancy, Deegan

Available Squad - Williams, Hanlon, McPake, Maybury, Claros, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Stevenson, Griffiths, Doyle, Caldwell, Stanton, Caldwell, Handling, Kuqi, Sproule, McGivern, Taiwo, Antell

Probable XI : Williams, Mayburn, mcPake, Hanlon, McGivern, Wotherspoon, Claros, Taiwo, Cairney, Doyle, Griffiths (4-4-2)



Dundee Utd


Injuries - Douglas, Vignal

Available Squad - Cierzniak, Watson, Dillon, Gunning, McLean, Flood, Rankin, Ryan, Russell, Daly, Dow, Armstrong, Millar, Gardyne, Robertson, Skacel, Gauld, Douglas, Hilson, Banks. Mackay-Steven


Probable XI : Cierzniak, Watson Dillon, Gunning, McLean, Flood, Rankin, Ryan, Mackay-Steven, Daly Russell (4-4-2)



Prediction : Hibs 1-2 Dundee Utd

Dundee Utd hold a serious hoo-doo over the dirty Hibees. Hibs only have 1 win inthier last 14 meetings but Hibs are strong at home this season unbeaten in 6 with 4 wins. Utd had to play an extra match midweek but I dont see that as a negative. With gary mackay-Steven back in the team and the firepower that Daly and Russell provide I think Utd will be too strong for Hibs defence which I still think is vunerable. All in all I'm taking DUNDEE UTD WIN @ 2.75 (CORAL)


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Celtic v St Johnstone


Celtic

Injuries - Izaguirre Rogne, Forrest, Hooper, Lassad

Available Squad - n/a

Probable XI : Forster, Matthews, Wilson, Ambrose, Mulgrew, Ledley, Wanyama, Kayal, Commons, Watt, Miku (4-4-2)



St Johnstone


Injuries - C. Davidson, Cregg, Pawlett, Beattie, Adams

Available Squad - Mannus, Mackay, Wright, Anderson, Millar, M Davidson, Tade, Craig, Hasselbaink, Robertson, McCracken, Miller, Caddis, Scobbie, Tobin, Kane, Tuffey, Gray, Vine, Moon


Probable XI : Mannus, Miller, Anderson, Wright, Mackay, Millar, M Davidson, Craig, Mclean, Tade, Vine (4-4-2)



Prediction : Celtic 2-1 St Johnstone


Obviously Celtic suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock after they played a midweek Champions League match away to Barca and again here after their epic win to Barca on Wednesday there will be question marks over their tiredness. Celtic pumped St Johnstone 5-0 in the league cup at Parkhead only a couple of weeks ago but they did suffer their first defeat of the season in Perth back in mid September. I fancy Tade and Vine to cause the Celtic defence some problems and certainly think the best price of a Cetlic win at 1.25 is completely unbackable. I'll give this match a big body swere but can see a home win. NO BET




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SPL - 10th Nov - Team News & Thoughts

Inverness v Hearts


Inverness


Injuries - Draper, King, Hogg, Ross

Available Squad - Reguero, Meekings, Raven, Warren, Blackman, G Shinnie, Morrison, A Shinnie, Pepper, Tudur Jones, Doran, McKay, Cooper, Polworth, Oswell, Brislen-Hall, Roberts, Foran, Sutherland, Esson

Probable XI - Reguero, Raven, Meekings, Warren, G. Shinnie, Doran, Tudur-Jones, Foran, Roberts, A. Shinnie, McKay (4-4-1-1)


Hearts


Injuries - Ridgers, Hamill, Carrick

Available Squad - MacDonald, R McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Paterson, Barr, Taouil, Novikovas, Sutton, Driver, Robinson, Holt, D McGowan, McHattie, Smith, Enckelman, King, Stevenson

Probable XI - McDonald, McGowan, Zaliukas, Webster, Grainger, Barr, Taouil, Novikovas, Stevenson, Paterson, Sutton (4-4-1-1)



Prediction : Inverness 1-1 Hearts


Clearly my poor Jambo's have serious financial woe's at the moment which could even spell the end of them (but our amazing fans won't let that happen) but it was interesting to hear Jim Jeffries a couple of weeks ago say that it did seriously affect the players the last time round when they were not getting paid, so dont just think they are pro's and will get on with things on the park. Things like this DO affect players. Anyway I'm done talking about the money problems as its been discussed in the pub to the max at the moment, historically Hearts usually do pretty well up in Inverness but this time round they are facing a bang on form Butcher team that is now unbeaten in their last 9 matches which is pretty much remarkable imho given how shite they were last season. I think I have spotted a tidy little bet to place on this match with decent odds probably because of the fact that Inverness have been scoring so much recently and the fact that the majority of their games have been going over 2.5 goals. But I shall back UNDER 2.5 goals @ 1.85 (Bwin). Reason for this is that if you look at Hearts away games since the start of the season 7 out of 8 of them have stayed under 2.5 this is because we actually have one of the best defences in the league. Only Celtic and Aberdeen have let in less goals and if only we had a decent keeper then I reckon we would have the best defensive record in the SPL. Result wise I hope for a Hearts 1-1 draw but again scoring goals away from home is always a problem.


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Kilmarnock v Ross County


Kilmarnock


Injuries - Gros, Hay, Racchi

Available Squad - Bell, McKeown, Nelson, O'Hara, O'Leary, Johnson, Dayton, Tesselaar, Pascali, Kelly, Sheridan, Heffernan, McKenzie, Harkins, Letheren, Perez, Sissoko, Fowle

Probable XI - Bell, O'Hara, Nelson, O'Leary, McKeown, Pascali, Kelly, Harkins, Dayton, Sheridan, Heffernan (4-4-2)



Ross County


Injuries - Lawson, Duncan, Corcoran


Available Squad - Fraser, Tokely, Munro, Boyd, Fitzpatrick, Brittain, Quinn, Kettlewell, Vigurs, Fotheringham, Glen, McMenamin, Dingwall, Ross, Macphee, Scott, Cooper, Morrow, Kovacevic, Brown, Porrit

Probable XI - Fraser, Kovacevic, Boyd, Munro, Fitzpatrick, Brittain, Kettlewell, Fotheringham, Quinn, Ross, Vigurs (4-4-1-1)



Prediction : Kilmarnock 1-1 Ross County


Both these teams have had very similar form this season and it shows in the league positions as both are on 15pts with Kilmarnock winning slightly more games and County drawing more. It is County who have picked up a little recently and are now unbeaten in their last 3 games and I believe this will be enough to secure them a draw in this fixture and may be even a win. With my hatred of Kenny Shiels aside...... I'll be LAYING KILMARNOCK @ around 2.5 (betfair)



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Motherwell v Dundee


Motherwell


Injuries - Saunders
Douhtful - Hutchison
Available Squad - Randolph, Hateley, Hammell, Hutchinson, Kerr, Cummins, Ramsden, Lasley, Law, Carswell, Humphrey, Murphy, Higdon, Ojamaa, McHugh, Francis-Angol, Daley, Hetherington, Murray, Hollis

Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchison, Ramsden, Lasley, Law, Humphrey, Murphy, Ojamaa, Higdon (4-4-2)



Dundee


Injuries - O'Donnell, Easton, Kerr, Grassi, Finnigan, McCluskey


Available Squad -Douglas, McGregor, Lockwood, Irvine, Webster, Conroy, McAlister, Baird, McIntosh, Davidson, Reid, Cavanagh, McBride, Riley, Milne, Boyle, Nish, Toshney, Benedictus, Gallagher

Probable XI - Douglas,  Irvine, McGregor, Lookwood, Benedictus, Riley, mcBride, Davidson, McAllister, Milne, Nish (4-4-2)



Prediction : Motherwell 2-0 Dundee

Motherwell have been through a terrible run of form lately but not helped by the midweek defeat to Dundee Utd, but I think the best medicine for them is a game against Dundee - the worst team in the league by a mile. Dundee stunned us again last week with their 2nd win of the season over Hearts but I'm happy to ignore that as they are still rubbish. Motherwell just have too much quality in their team to not win this match. Gonna take Motherwell -1.25 asian Handicap @ 2.15 (bet365)

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St Mirren v Aberdeen


St Mirren


Injuries - McGowan, McGregor
Suspended - Goowdin
Available Squad - Samson, Dummett, Mair, van Zanten, McAusland, Imrie, Reilly, Carey, Robertson, Teale, Guy, Parkin, Thompson, Smith, J McGinn, P McGinn, Barron, McLean

Probable XI -  Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Dummett, Reilly, McLean, Imrie, Carey, Thompson, Parkin (4-4-2)



Aberdeen


Injuries - Hughes,

Available Squad - Langfield, Reynolds, Anderson, Robertson, Smith, Osbourne, Hayes, Rae, McGinn,  Vernon, Fraser, Magennis, Naysmith, Clark, Rogers, Shaughnessy,

Probable XI - Langfield, Reynolds, Anderson, Considine, Robertson, Rae, Osborne, Fraser, Hayes, Vernon, McGinn (4-4-2)


Prediction : St Mirren 1-1 Aberdeen


Can't help but wonder why Aberdeen are priced as short as they are for this game. St Mirren are a little better when they play at home. The draw seems a more likely result to me and it has happened the last 5 times the sides have met! The Dons suffered only their 2nd defeat of the season last week against Ross County, but they have also draw more games than they have won. Take the DRAW @ 3.4 (bet365) also consider under 2.5 @ 1.8 (betvictor)



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SPL - Saturday 3rd Nov Team News & Thoughts‏

Dundee v Hearts

Dundee


Injuries - Easton, Grassi, O'Donnell, Stewart, Finnigan, McCluskey, Kerr

Available Squad - Douglas, McGregor, Lockwood, Irvine, Webster, Conroy, McAlister, Baird, McIntosh, Davidson, Reid, Cavanagh, McBride, Riley, Milne, Boyle, Nish, Toshney, Benedictus, Gallagher

Probable XI - Douglas, Irvine, Benedictus, Gallagher, Lookwood, Rilley, McBride, Conroy, Davidson, Nish, McAllister (4-4-2)




Hearts


Injuries - Stevenson, Ridgers, Carrick

Available Squad - MacDonald, R McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Paterson, Barr, Taouil, Novikovas, Sutton, Driver, Robinson, Holt, D McGowan, McHattie, Smith, Enckelman, King.

Probable XI  - MacDonald, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Barr, Taouil, Novikovas, Driver, Paterson, Sutton (4-4-1-1)





Prediction:  Dundee 0-1 Hearts


Dundee have been a horror show since joining the SPL, and many feel sorry for them as it really should have been Dunfermline there instead of them. Other than their opening day draw at Kilmarnock and their shock win at Tynecastle Dundee have lost all their other games this season and at times by some margin. Hearts will be looking to avenge that silly defeat back in September but as always Hearts poor away form really does make the skinny odds of around 1.8 unbackable in my book. It's a NO BET for me but if you do fancy a flutter I would look at the HT/FT market for a bit of value and take it to be a draw at HT and Hearts win at FT



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Hibs v St Mirren


Hibs

Injuries - Deegan
Doubtful - Clancy
Available Squad - Williams, Clancy, Hanlon, McPake, Maybury, Claros, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Stevenson, Griffiths, Doyle, Caldwell, Stanton, Caldwell, Handling, Kuqi, Sproule, McGivern, Taiwo, Antell

Probable XI - Williams, Maybury, Hanlon, McPake, McGivern, Wotherspoon, Claros, Taiwo, Cairney, Doyle, Griffiths (4-4-2)




St Mirren


Injuries - McGowan, McGregor Adam

Available Squad - Samson, Dummett, Mair, van Zanten, McAusland, Goodwin, Imrie, Reilly, Carey, Robertson, Teale, Guy, Parkin, Thompson, Smith, J McGinn, P McGinn, Barron, McLean

Probable XI  - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Dummett, Goodwin, McLean, Imrie, Carey, Thompson, Parkin (4-4-2)





Prediction:  Hibs 2-1 St Mirren


Hibs form is starting to scare me a little, they really are now starting to produce under Fenlon and look a real threat upfront nowadays. Last Fridays 4-0 win at Motherwell was a very convincing performance (I had to switch off.....lol) They'll still be without midfield dominator Deegan who is out with a broken jaw but they have coped well enough without him so far. In terms of this game one thing I note is that Hibs are actually top of the table as far as home games go with St Mirren only managing to be 3rd bottom of the "away table".  Given this and the fact that St Mirren were taken all the way to penalties by Aberdeen in the cup on Tuesday with Hibs well rested I think this is a great spot to back a home win. Best price for HIBS WIN @2.2 (William Hill) I think is a bit of a steal!


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Kilmarnock v Inverness


Kilmarnock


Injuries - Gros, Hay, Racchi
Doubtful - Sheridan
Available Squad - Bell, McKeown, Nelson, O'Hara, O'Leary, Johnson, Dayton, Tesselaar, Pascali, Kelly, Sheridan, Heffernan, McKenzie, Harkins, Letheren, Perez, Sissoko, Fowler

Probable XI - Bell, McKeown, Nelson, O'Leary, McKenzie, Pascali, Kelly, Johnson, O'Harra, Heffernan, Sheridan (4-4-2)




Inverness


Injuries - Foran, King, Hogg, Ross

Available Squad - Reguero, Meekings, Raven, Warren, Blackman, G Shinnie, Morrison, A Shinnie, Pepper, Draper, Tudur Jones, Doran, McKay, Cooper, Polworth, Oswell, Brislen-Hall, Roberts, Foran, Sutherland, Esson

Probable XI  - Reguero, Raven, Warren, Meekings, G. Shinnie, Doran, Tudur-Jones, Draper, Foran, A. Shinnie, McKay (4-4-1-1)





Prediction:  Kilmarnock 2-2 Inverness


Inverness are on an amazing run, unbeaten in 8 and winning 3-0 at 3rd division minnows Rangers midweek to secure their place in the semi finals of the cup. All this from a team I thought would be relegation dog fighters! They seem to have found goal scorer from all over the park and credit has to be given to big angry Terry Butcher as he took a risk clearing out a lot of players in the off season and bringing in a lot of unknowns from England. Kenny Shiels (that horrible man) is suggesting that Inverness are big favourites for this match but this is typical of his little mind games, I think his team will be very competitive here. It should be a high scoring affair, possibly a draw but certainly overs. Take OVER 2.5 @ 1.91 (William Hill)  Seems generous to me considering Killie have gone over in 8/10 and Inverness in 4 out of the last 5.



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Ross County v Aberdeen


Ross County


Injuries - Corcoran, Lawson, Duncan

Available Squad - Fraser, Tokely, Munro, Boyd, Fitzpatrick, Brittain, Quinn, Kettlewell, Vigurs, Fotheringham, Glen, McMenamin, Dingwall, Ross, Macphee, Scott, Cooper, Morrow, Kovacevic, Brown, Porrit

Probable XI - Fraser, Kovacevic, Munro, Boyd, Fitzpatrick, Brittain, Vigurs, Kettlewell, Quinn, McMenamin, Glen (4-4-2)




Aberdeen


Injuries - Considine, Jack, Fallon, Masson, Milson

Available Squad - Langfield, Reynolds, Anderson, Robertson, Smith, Osbourne, Hayes, Rae, McGinn, Hughes, Vernon, Fraser, Magennis, Naysmith, Clark, Rogers, Shaughnessy,

Probable XI  - Langfield, Reynolds, Anderson, Osbourne, Robertson, Rae, Hughes, Hayes, McGinn, Vernon, Magennis (4-4-2)





Prediction:  Ross County 1-1 Aberdeen

Aberdeen's 1-0 defeat to Celtic on the opening day of the season remains their only blemish and they have gone undefeated since then (in 90mins). It really has been some turnaround from Craig Brown's men since last season and they are sitting pretty up in 3rd place. Why? Well because they have managed to assemble a good squad of players with a blend of youth and experienced pro's. They have a really decent midfeld and are now proving to be decent in defence. If they could just score goals i reckon they would have turned the majority of draws into wins. The two teams drew 0-0 earlier in the season in Aberdeen and again I reckon this is going to be a hotly contested Highland derby with 2000 travelling Dandy Dons. County are starting to struggle a bit in the SPL and have only actually won once at home and drawing 3. DRAW I think is the key word here, Aberdeen love a draw. They have 6 times out of 11 in the league so far and if you had been backing them to draw since the start of the season you'd be well up so lets have a go here tomorrow. DRAW @ 3.3 (Paddy Power)



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St Johnstone v Motherwell


St Johnstone


Injuries - Pawlett, Beattie, Adams, Cregg

Available Squad - Mannus, Mackay, C Davidson, Wright, Anderson, Millar, M Davidson, Tade, Craig, Hasselbaink, Robertson, McCracken, Miller, Caddis, Scobbie, Tobin, Kane, Tuffey, Gray, Vine, Moon

Probable XI - Mannus, Miller, Anderson, McCracken, Mackay, M.Davidson, Craig, Moon, Millar, Tade, Vine (4-4-2)




Motherwell


Injuries - Hutchinson, Saunders

Available Squad - Randolph, Hateley, Hammell, Hutchinson, Kerr, Cummins, Ramsden, Lasley, Law, Carswell, Humphrey, Murphy, Higdon, Ojamaa, McHugh, Francis-Angol, Daley, Hetherington, Murray, Hollis.

Probable XI  - Randolph, Hateley, Kerr, Ramsden, Hammell, Lasley, Law, Murphy, Daley, Ojamaa, Higdon (4-4-2)





Prediction:  St Johnston 2-1 Motherwell


All of a sudden Stuart McCall's men are rubbish, and I can't quite pinpoint what the problem is as its basically the same group of players that were so good last term. They have now lost their last 4 games in a row and moral must be low. This will be a problem as they are facing a St Johnstone team that apart from a skelping midweek in the cup against Celtic have been doing really well recently and are unbeaten in their last 5 at home games and finding the net with regularity. I'm going for overs in this match as 7 out of the last St Johnstone games have gone this way and I feel Motherwell will also contribute with players like Murphy, Higdon and Law playing. OVER 2.5 GOAL @ 1.85 (Bet Victor) also consider TADE anytime scorer @ 3.4 (Skybet)


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SPL - Saturday 27th Oct Team News & Thoughts

Aberdeen v Dundee


Aberdeen


Injuries - Jack, Considine, Fallon

Available Squad - Langfield, Magennis, Robertson, Reynolds, Anderson, Osbourne, Rae, McGinn, Hughes, Fraser, Hayes, Vernon, Smith, Jordon Brown, Jason Brown, Clark, Milsom, Rogers, Shaughnessy, Naysmith

Probable XI - Langfield, Naysmith, Reynolds, Anderson, Robertson, Hughes, Rae, Osbourne, McGinn, Fraser, Vernon (4-3-3)



Dundee


Injuries - Kerr, Grassi, O'Donnell, Stewart, Finnigan, McCluskey

Available Squad - Douglas, McGregor, Lockwood, Easton, Irvine, Webster, Conroy, McAlister, Baird, McIntosh, Davidson, Reid, Cavanagh, McBride, Riley, Milne, Boyle, Nish, Toshney, Benedictus, Gallagher

Probable XI - Douglas, Irvine, McGregor, Benedictus, Lockwood, Riley, Davidson, McAllister, McBride, Nish, Milne (4-4-2)


Prediction : Aberdeen 2-0 Dundee


Dundee took a bit of a tonking last time out against Inverness losing 5-1 at home. I think Aberdeen have been waiting for a game like this to hand out a bit of a hiding to someone (Craig Brown has been dreaming of it for a while). But I dont think it will be a hiding in terms of scoreline but it might be in terms of the difference in the teams. Aberdeen still really struggle to get the goals they deserve and you've got to think Dundee have been practicing their defending all week so I think UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.91 (William Hill) is worth a look in this match.




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Celtic v Kilmarnock


Celtic


Injuries - Stokes, Nouioui, McGeouch, Samaras

Available Squad - N/A

Probable XI - Forster, Matthews, Mulgrew, Wilson, Izaguirre, Ledley, Kayal, Wanyama, Commons, Forrest, Hooper (4-4-1-1)



Kilmarnock


Injuries - N/A

Available Squad - N/A

Probable XI - Bell, O'Leary, Pascali, Nelson, McKeown, Pursehouse, Kelly, Harkins, Fowler, Sheridan, Heffernan


Prediction : Celtic 2-0 Kilmarnock


Celtic will be feeling it after the defeat to Barcelona and the travel etc but they have a big enough squad to field enough fresh legs to still easily win this match. Kilmarnock will be more competitive now with Heffernan back to partner Sheridan up front. Still I can't see Killie getting much out of this match but its a NO BET, no value for me!




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Hearts v Ross County


Hearts


Injuries - Ridgers, Hammill, Carrick

Available Squad - MacDonald, R McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Paterson, Barr, Taouil, Novikovas, Sutton, Driver, Robinson, Holt, D McGowan, McHattie, Stevenson, Smith, Enckelman

Probable XI - MacDonald, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Driver, Taouil, Barr, Novikovas, Paterson, Stevenson (4-4-1-1)



Ross County


Injuries - Morrow, Scott, Cooper, Corcoran

Available Squad - Fraser, Tokely, Munro, Boyd, Fitzpatrick, Brittain, Quinn, Kettlewell, Vigurs, Fotheringham, Glen, McMenamin, Dingwall, Ross, Macphee, Kovacevic, Brown, Porrit

Probable XI - Fraser, Boyd, Munro, Kovacevic, Fitzpatrick, Kettlewell, Brittain, Vigurs, Quinn, Fotheringham, McMenamin (4-5-1)


Prediction : Hearts 2-1 Ross County


It was back to winning ways for both these teams last week and sorely needed for both. Probably more so Ross County who hadn't won a match in the previous 6. They really have not been the same team since their long unbeaten run came to an end. All of a sudden they have become severely leaky at the back, shipping 12 goals in their last 4 games. I'm expecting Hearts to be pretty much unchanged from the win over Motherwell and with home advantage we really should be the dominant team here. County might nick a goal but I see Hearts getting on the scoresheet at least twice. HOME WIN @ 2.0 (William Hill)




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Inverness v St Johnstone


Inverness


Injuries - Foran, King, Hogg, Ross

Available Squad - Reguero, Meekings, Raven, Warren, Blackman, G Shinnie, Morrison, A Shinnie, Pepper, Draper, Tudur Jones, Doran, McKay, Cooper, Polworth, Oswell, Brislen-Hall, Roberts, Sutherland, Esson

Probable XI - Reguero, Meekings, Raven, Warren, G. Shinnie, Doran, Tudur-Jones, Draper, Sutherland, A. Shinnie, McKay (4-4-1-1)



St Johnstone


Injuries - Pawlett, Beattie, Adam, MacLean, Cregg

Available Squad - Mannus, Mackay, C Davidson, Wright, Anderson, Millar, M Davidson, Tade, Craig, Hasselbaink, Robertson, McCracken, Miller, Caddis, Scobbie, Tobin, Kane, Tuffey, Gray, Vine, Moon

Probable XI - Mannus, C.Davidson, Anderson, Wright,  Mackay, Hasselbaink, Millar, Craig, m.Davidson, Tade, Vine (4-4-2)


Prediction : Inverness 1-2 St Johnstone

Pretty much a bit of an OMG this....These two teams are basically the 2 form teams in the SPL at the moment, especially St Johnstone. After starting the season badly all of a sudden they are invincible winning their last SIX games on the trott! And I have no idea why!!! To be honest though, since the home win over Celtic they have had a favourable run of fixtures. Inverness also have won their last 3 in a row scoring unbelievably 11 goals in the process so I really am expecting some goals in this game and am a liitle surprised that I can get OVER 2.5 GOALS @1.91 (Paddy Power) I'll have a piece of that!




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St Mirren v Dundee Utd


St Mirren


Injuries - McGowan, McGregor, Adam

Available Squad - Samson, Dummett, Mair, van Zanten, McAusland, Goodwin, Carey, McLean, Guy, Robertson, Thompson, Parkin, Imrie, C Smith, Teale, Barron, P McGinn, J McGinn, Reilly

Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Barrow, Guy, Carey, McLean, Reilly, Imrie, Thompson (4-4-1-1)



Dundee Utd


Injuries - Vignal, Mackay-Steven

Available Squad - Cierzniak, Watson, Dillon, Gunning, McLean, Flood, Rankin, Ryan, Russell, Daly, Dow, Armstrong, Millar, Gardyne, Robertson, Skacel, Gauld, Douglas, Hilson, Banks

Probable XI - Cierzniak, Dillon, Watson, Gunning, Flood, Armstrong, Rankin, Gardyne, Robertson, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)


Prediction : St Mirren 1-2 Dundee Utd

Dundee Utd find themselves 2nd bottom of the league, they do have 2 games in hand but they are both tricky against Motherwell and Celtic so I dont actually think their position is that false. They have simply not produced the same performances as they achieved last year. The big news is they have managed to sign Rudi Skacel until January much to the disappointment of the Hearts fans who presumed he would rejoin at Tynecastle. I nice touch for the Jambos though is the fact he has asked for his number to be 51 after the famous 5-1 Hampden massacre he inflicted on Hibs last year.....lol   I imagine he wont start but has been training recently with Hearts so will probably feature at some point. He will be a useful fill in until Mackay-Steven returns.  St Mirren were a hopeless shambles against Celtic last week and looked a bit lost without McGowan. Peter Houstons troops need a vital win and I think they will squeeze it. DUNDEE UTD WIN @ 2.5 (Boylesports)




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Barcelona v Celtic

Barcelona v Celtic



Barcelona

Injuries - Puyol, Pique, Alves
Suspended - Busquets

Probable XI - Valdes, Montoya, Mascherano, Song, Alba, Fabregas, Iniesta, Xavi, Alexis, Messi, Villa (4-3-3)


Celtic


Injuries - McGeouch, Nouioui
Doubtful - Commons, Forrest, Wilson
Probable XI - Forster, Lustig, Wilson, Ambrose, Izaguirre, Mulgrew, Wanyama, Brown, Ledley, Samaras, Hooper (4-2-3-1)



Optimistic Celtic fans will go into this match rightly saying that Celtic are unbeaten in Europe this season after securing qualification into the group stages with impressive home and away wins in Helsinki and at Helsingborg. They followed that with a fantasic start to their group stage campaign securing a well earned draw against Benfica and then managing to take an unfancied 3pts back from Moscow (abeit with the aid of a red card). However, despite these recent improvements on their travels, people with a slightly longer memory will not have forgotten about that shockingly bad away record Celtic have in Europe. The hard facts are that the win against Spartak Moscow was their only win in their last 27 away matches in Europe proper (W1 D6 L20). So, probably the last place in europe you would want to be going to improve that record is Camp Nou where Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 17 Champions League home matches (W14 D3). Still Celtic's domestic form has been really good this season, if we ignore the hiccup against St Johnstone, they have gone all other games this season so far undefeated but some would argue this is to be expected in the SPL where they have a far superior squad to any rivals.


Clearly facing Barcelona is a daunting task, in my humble opinion Barca are still the best team in the world and best ever with arguably currently the 3 best players in the world in Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. In terms of ball retention, passing ability and vision I think you will struggle to see any better than Iniesta and particularly Xavi who is often the unsung meastro but only because Iniesta and Messi shine so brightly. If there are 2 better midfielders than Xavi and Iniesta in my era then simply they have not been born yet, as these guys are that good! I don't have to talk about Messi as it is all there to see, he is a freak of nature and has been the top scorer in the Champions League for the last 4 seasons in a row. Almost without fail he delivers in every, and I mean every, game he plays in breaking record after record in his extrodinary career. 

If there was to be any glimer of hope for Celtic it would be that under Tito Vilanova, he has made Barca slightly more open at the back, in part due to injuries I suppose, but they are definately a little more vunerable now than they were under the charge of Pep Guardiloa. Vilanova has a more, "we'll score more goals than you" attitude and to be fair they normally do. There have been a few examples of this already, last time out against Deportivo it ended 5-4, at Sevilla it was 3-2 and on the opening night of the group stages they won a shot-out style game against Spartak Moscow 3-2 also. I imagine they will go with the partnership of midfielders Mascherano and Song in central defence again but mind you Mascherano is probably now more experienced in defence than in the middle of the park. Dani Alves will also misses the match so youngster Montoya is likely to step in at right back. These are the area that Celtic need to target if they get the chance as the defence will also not have the protection of Busquets who normally sits and holds letting the attacking players do what they are best at.

The shape that Lennon used in Moscow was a bit of a surprise from his usual 4-4-1-1 away tatics, he deployed more of a 4-2-3-1 formation using strangley Mulgrew and Wanyama to sheild the back four. Commons and Samaras give the width leaving Brown to roam free and add support to Hooper which oddly I reckon suits his style of play as he is not the best at sticking to a certain area of the pitch instead he chases the ball (some would say like a headless chicken....lol)
Anyway it wouldn't surprise me given the success they had in Moscow that Lennon tries this formation again.

However, I am a realist and the gulf in class between the 2 teams here is basically as big as you are likely to see in the Champions League this year. Barcelona have embarrassed and hammered far better teams than Celtic in the Champions League and I think if Celtic can escape with their dignity that might well be a good result. Their biggest worry apart from the possession that Barcelona will have is their passing accuracy, put simply they should be able to pass the ball around Celtic with ease. Messi is scoring for fun again this season and it is difficult to see any match where he is not going to net at least once. The attacking pace that Barca have whether the start with Pedro or Alexis out wide together with Villa will be too much for Celtics cumbersome centre halfs and I can see them being hopelessly exposed on numerous occassions. There should be no debate, well apart from may be in Glasgow's east end, as to who is going to win this match but instead I will focus on how many team goals Barcelona can score. It has been over a year since Celtic have let in more than 3 goals in any match but I think tomorrow night they may well be out of their depth without any armbands.......



Prediction : Barcelona 5-0 Celtic


BET : Barcelona team goals over 3.5

SPL - 29th September Team News & Thoughts‏

Aberdeen v Hibs


Aberdeen


Injuries - Fallon, Naysmith
Doubts - Hayes, Fraser
Available Squad - Langfield, Foster, Considine, Anderson, Robertson, Jack, Hughes, Rae, Vernon, Hayes, Osbourne, Megginson, Magennis, Fraser, Smith, Low, McGinn, Reynolds, Milsom, Brown

Probable XI - Langfield, Magennis, Considine, Anderson, Reynolds, Jack, Rae, Hughes, Hayes, Vernon, Fraser (4-3-3)




Hibs


Injuries -

Available squad - Williams, Clancy, Hanlon, McPake, Maybury, Claros, Deegan, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Stevenson, Griffiths, Doyle, Caldwell, Stanton, Caldwell, Kuqi, Sproule, McGivern, Taiwo, Antell

Probable XI - Williams, Clancy, Hanlon, McPake, Maybury, Cairney, Deegan, Wotherspoon, Taiwo, Griffiths, Doyle (4-4-2)


Prediction : Aberdeen 1-1 Hibs



It wasn't the fact that Aberdeen got a predictable draw last time out in the league (albiet with a last second goal) that surprised me but the fact that they actually managed to find 3 goals from nowhere. This doubled their tally for the year but I reckon it was more to do with Motherwell's sudden terrible defence that was also evident against Rangers midweek in the cup. So I'm thinking normal service will be resumed this weekend and we will see a drought of goals and probably that Aberdeen predictable draw! Hibs should welcome back Griffiths and whenever he plays I believe he can score so I'm going to have a tiny pop at Correct Score 1-1 @ 7.0 (William Hill). I believe this game will stay under 2.5 goals.



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Dundee v St Johnstone


Dundee


Injuries - McBride, McCluskey, O'Donnell, Grassi, Finnigan, Stewart

Available Squad - Douglas, McGregor, Lockwood, Toshney, Easton, Gallagher, Irvine, Webster, Conroy, McAlister, Baird, McIntosh, Kerr, Davidson, Reid, Cavanagh, Milne, Boyle, Nish

Probable XI - Douglas, Irvine, Benedictus, Davidson, Lockwood, Milne, McAllister, Kerr, Conroy, Baird, Nish (4-4-2)




St Johnstone


Injuries -
Suspended - Vine, C. Davidson, Adams
Available squad - Mannus, Mackay, Cregg, Wright, Anderson, Millar, M Davidson, Tade, Craig, Hasselbaink, Robertson, Tuffey, MacLean, McCracken, Miller, Pawlett, Caddis, Scobbie, Tobin, Kane

Probable XI - Mannus, Miller, Wright, Anderson, MacKay, Craig, Cregg, Millar, M. Davidson, Hasselbaink, Tade (4-4-2)



Prediction : Dundee 0- 2 St Johnstone

Football is a funny old game......St Johnstone were 3 weeks ago on a disgracefully bad run without a win in ages and now they have won their last 3 games. This includes beating Celtic and then bursting Ross County's unbeaten run! Simply not predictable! One thing I know for sure though is that Dundee are really struggling in the top flight and with just 4pts to their name old Paddy Power will soon be paying out on them getting relegated. Talking about Paddy... I'll be having a large slice of an AWAY WIN @2.3 (Paddy Power) I can also see Tade causing havoc in this game so again I will hit Paddy with TADE ANYTIME SCORER @ 3.25 (Paddy Power)



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Hearts v Kilmarnock


Hearts


Injuries - Prychynenko

Available Squad - MacDonald, R McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Paterson, Barr, Taouil, Novikovas, Carrick, Sutton, Driver, Robinson, Holt, D McGowan, McHattie, Stevenson, Enckelman

Probable XI - McDonald, McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Robinson, Taouil, Stevenson, Driver, Novikovas, Paterson (4-4-1-1)




Kilmarnock


Injuries - Perez, Heffernan, Tesselaar, Bell, Hay

Available squad - Letheren, Nelson, O'Leary, Fowler, Pascali, McKeown, Racchi, Dayton, Johnston, Kelly, Harkins, McKenzie, Sheridan, Winchester, Johnson, Jaakkola, Gros, Purshehouse

Probable XI - Letheren, Nelson, O'Leary, Fowler, Pascali, McKeown, Kelly, Dayton, Racchi, Sheridan, Harkins (4-4-2)


Prediction : Hearts 2-1 Kilmarnock


I was away golfing last weekend and most of the lads are jambos, as we arrived at the 19th the barman informed us we had beaten Dundee Utd 3-0 at Tannadice. Not one of us believed him until the tele had to be turned on! Truely a surprise win, or at least the scoreline. Anyway Kilmarnock are becoming a bit of a bogie team for Hearts (much to my cousins delight....) they have beaten Hearts 1, 2 and 3 nil in their last 3 visits. For that reason and the fact that I think the odds are a little skinny on Hearts I'm just going to leave this match, although if Hearts carry their form on I think we can sneak it by a goal. NO BET



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Inverness v Dundee Utd


Inverness


Injuries - King, Hogg, Ross, Sutherland
Suspended - Tudur-Jones
Available Squad - Esson, Meekings, Raven, Warren, Blackman, G Shinnie, Morrison, A Shinnie, Pepper, Draper, Foran, Doran, McKay, King, Laing, Polworth, Oswell, Brislen-Hall, Roberts, Reguero

Probable XI - Esson, Raven, Warren, Meekings, G. Shinnie, Draper, A. Shinnie, Pepper, McKay, Foran, Doran (4-4-2)




Dundee Utd


Injuries - Mackay-Steven

Available squad - Cierzniak, Watson, Dillon, Gunning, McLean, Douglas, Flood, Rankin, Ryan, Russell, Daly, Dow, Armstrong, Millar, Gardyne, Robertson, Vignal, Gauld, Banks

Probable XI - Cierzniak, Watson, McLean, Gunning, Dillon, Vignal, Flood, Ryan, Rankin, Russell, Daly (4-4-2)


Prediction : Inverness 0-2 Dundee Utd


I expect the Dundee Utd manager has kicked some butt after their home 3-0 defeat to Hearts and right enough they did win midweek in the cup. I expect to see them getting back to winning ways up in Inverness, I know a tricky place to go but Utd have a great record against Caly beating them in the last 5 fixtures. Inverness for me are still a bit of a mismatch of players cobbled together by Butcher. If I was offered odds on Terry Butcher moaning after this game I'd be all over it...... AWAY WIN @ 2.4 (William Hill) really appeals!



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Motherwell v Celtic


Motherwell


Injuries - Saunders

Available Squad - Randolph, Hateley, Hammell, Hutchinson, Cummins, Law, Lasley, Murphy, Humphrey, Daley, Higdon, Ojamaa, Carswell, McHugh, Ramsden, Francis-Angol, Hetherington, Hollis

Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchinson, Ramsden, Hammell, Law , Lasley, Humphrey, Murphy, Higdon, Ojamaa (4-4-2)




Celtic


Injuries - Lassad

Available squad - Forster, Matthews, Wilson, Lustig, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Rogne, Brown, Forrest, Ledley, Kayal, McGeouch, Commons, Wanyama, Ambrose, Hooper, Samaras, Zaluska, Miku, Watt, McCourt

Probable XI - Forster, Matthews, Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Forrest, Wanyama, Browm, Commons, Hooper, Miku (4-4-2)


Prediction : Motherwell 1-3 Celtic

Motherwell come into this match on the back of 2 very dissapointing games, 3-1 up on Aberdeen and ending up with a 3-3 draw with the last kick of the ball, then taken apart by 3rd Div Rangers in the 2nd half of the cup midweek. Alarming was how slack they were in defence and again it seems "bottling it" against the old firm which is a big problem for them. In their last 12 games against Celtic they have lost 11 and won 1.  I've been surprised in the last couple of matches that McCall has not started with Murphy but surely after their results he will include the player this week. Only worry in this game is that Celtic will have one eye on their away trip to Moscow in the Champoins League on Tuesday. However I'm confident that whatever team Celtic put out will be good enough to win so I will pound the AWAY WIN @ 1.67 (Coral)


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St Mirren v Ross County


St Mirren


Injuries - McGregor, Adam

Available Squad - Samson, Mair, van Zanten, Barron, McAusland, Teale, Imrie, Goodwin, McGowan, Carey, McLean, Guy, Robertson, Thompson, Reilly, Dummett, Parkin, Smith

Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Barron, Goodwin, McGowan, Carey, McLean, Thompson, Parkin (4-4-2)




Ross County


Injuries - Corcoran, Cooper

Available squad - Fraser, Boyd, Munro, Tokely, Fitzpatrick, Brittain, Kettlewell, Vigurs, Quinn, Duncan, Cooper, Glen, Morrow, McMenamin, Lawson, Scott, Brown, Kovacevic, Dingwall, Ross, Macphee, Fotheringham

Probable XI - Fraser, Fitzpatrick, Boyd, Munro, Tokely, Kettlewell, Vigurs, Brittain, Quinn, McMenamin, Marrow (4-4-2)


Prediction : St Mirren 1-1 Ross County


St Mirren for me are riding in a bit of a false postion in the league as I see them certainly as bottom 6 material if not bottom 3. People are interested to see whether County's first defeat in donkeys years will see their bubble burst but I think they will get back to, well at least, their unbeaten ways so a LAY of St Mirren @ 2.25 (Betfair) really appeals to me here. Remember Ross County were unbeaten in their previous 40 matches before last weeks loss to St Johnstone



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SPL - Saturday 15th Sept - Team News & Thoughts

St Johnstone v Celtic


St Johnstone

Injuries -
Doutful - C. Davidson, there are a number of unnamed players with a virus also.

Available Squad - Mannus, C Davidson, Wright, MacKay, Anderson, Cregg, Pawlett, Craig, M Davidson, Vine, Tade, Hasselbaink, Higgins, Adams, Miller, Caddis, Tuffey, Rodger


Probable XI - Mannus, C. Davidson, Wright, MacKay, Anderson, Cregg, Craig, M.Davidson, Hasselbaink, Vine, Tade (4-4-2)


Celtic

Injuries - Samaras,

Available Squad - Forster, Matthews, Lustig, Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Rogne, Forrest, Commons, Brown, Wanyama, Twardzik, McCourt, Hooper, Keatings, Lassad, Miku, Kamenar, Zaluska, Chalmers, Watt, George


Probable XI - Forster, Matthews, Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Brown, Wanyama, Commons, Forrest, Hooper, Miku (4-4-2)



Prediction : St Johnstone 1-3 Celtic


Just think that now Celtic coming back to full strength will have far too much for St Johnstone who are in shocking form and also with the uncertainty over a number of players with some sort of virus going round the club. I've got this down as an easy Celtic win and possible pan out as an embarrassing one for the home side. In the last 19 times these teams have meet Celtic have won 18 times. For me that says all you need to know. I'll be having a large bet on an AWAY WIN @1.44 (Stan James) some might say that price is short, but I think it's an absolute gift! (Santa Clause stuff.....lol)




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Dundee v Motherwell


Dundee

Injuries - Grassi, O'Donnell, Riley, McBride, Finnigan, Stewart, McCluskey

Available Squad - Douglas, McGregor, Lockwood, Toshney, Easton, Gallagher, Irvine, Webster, Conroy, McAlister, Baird, McIntosh, Kerr, Davidson, Reid, Cavanagh, Milne, Boyle, Nish


Probable XI - Douglas, Easton, Irvine, McGregor, Lockwood, Toshney, Davidson, McAllister, Conroy, Baird, Nish (4-4-2)


Motherwell

Injuries - Saunders

Available Squad - Randolph, Kerr, Cummins, Hutchinson, Page, Hammell, Francis-Angol, Hateley, Ramsden, Law, Lasley, Hetherington, Carswell, Humphrey, Daley, Murphy, Ojamaa, Higdon, McHugh, Hollis


Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchinson, Ramsden, Hammell, Law, Lasley, Murphy, Daley, Ojamaa, Higdon (4-4-2)



Prediction :  Dundee 0-2 Motherwell


Motherwell will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record and with a win will keep them top of the league. Now that they don't have Europe to distract them I can see them kicking on well in the league as long as injuries dont creep in. They have basically a full team to pick from and goal scorers Higdon and Murphy really are on fire at the moment. Dundee have played 2 at home so far and lost them both and I see this season being a real struggle for them. Really cant see them keeping Higdon off the score sheet in this match and thing AWAY WIN @2.1 (William Hill) is certainly worth a go.




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Hibs v Kilmarnock


Hibs

Injuries -

Available Squad - Williams, Antell, Grant, Clancy, Booth, Hanlon, McPake, McGivern, Stephens, Kujabi, Smith, Claros, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Sproule, Stanton, Griffiths, Doyle, Caldwell, Maybury, Deegan, Kuqi, Stevenson


Probable XI - Williams, Hanlon, McPake, Clancy, Booth, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Deegan, Stevenson, Doyle, Griffiths (4-4-2)


Kilmarnock

Injuries - Tesselaar, Bell, Hay, Heffernan

Available Squad - Letheren, Fowler, O'Leary, Nelson, Kelly, Johnson, Pascali, Racchi, Borja, Winchester, McKenzie, Jaakkola, Gros, Dayton, Boulding, Sheridan, Harkins, O'Hara


Probable XI - Letheren, Fowler, O'Leary, Nelson, Pascali, Johnson, Racchi, Winchester, Dayton, Harkins, Sheridan (4-4-1-1)



Prediction : Hibs 1-0 Kilmarnock

Again going to give Hibs the benefit of the doubt here, actually think they are getting a bit of a better team together (nearly said decent...) Deegan has or will be a key signing for them, as they were desperately needing someone with a bit of bite and dig in the midfield. He strikes me as a leader and that is what they have been lacking in the last few years - heads go down too easily. Kilmarnock should give Sheridan his debut to lead their attack but their team just looks makeshift every week this season. It's a NO BET for me but I would expect a HOME WIN.




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Inverness v Aberdeen


Inverness

Injuries - Ross, Hogg

Available Squad - Esson, Meekings, Raven, Warren, G Shinnie, Tudur Jones, Morrison, A Shinnie, Pepper, Draper, Foran, Doran, Sutherland, McKay, King, Laing, Polworth, Reguero


Probable XI - Esson, Meekings, Raven, Warren, G.Shinnie, Tudur-Jones, A.Shinnie, Foran, Doran, Sutherland, McKay (4-4-2)


Aberdeen

Injuries - Naysmith, Milsom

Available Squad - Langfield, Brown, Foster, Considine, Anderson, Robertson, Jack, Hughes, Rae, Vernon, Fallon, Hayes, Osbourne, Megginson, Magennis, Fraser, Smith, Low, McGinn, Reynolds


Probable XI - Langfield, Foster, Considine, Anderson, Reynolds, Jack, Rae, Hughes, Hayes, Fallon, McGinn (4-4-2)



Prediction : Inverness 0-1 Aberdeen


Yes, folks it time for Aberdeen to actually get a win instead of their normal draws. On paper they have a decent starting XI with heaps of experience, they just need to simply start finding the back of the net. Inverness took a pumping last time out and I think confidence will still be low. Aberdeen should be able to control this match from midfield with the creative players like Hayes and Hughes. AWAY WIN @ 2.6 (William Hill) appeals to me.




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St Mirren v Hearts


St Mirren

Injuries - McGregor,Adam
Doubts - McLean, Dummett
Available Squad - Samson, Mair, van Zanten, Barron, McAusland, Teale, Imrie, Goodwin, McGowan, Carey, McLean, Guy, Robertson, Thompson, Reilly, Dummett, Parkin, Smith


Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Barron, Carey, Goodwin, McLean, Imrie, Thompson, Parkin (4-4-2)


Hearts

Injuries -

Available Squad - MacDonald, R McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Paterson, Barr, Taouil, Novikovas, Carrick, Sutton, Driver, Hamilton, Robinson, Holt, D McGowan, McHattie, Stevenson, Enckelman


Probable XI - MacDonald, Paterson, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger, Barr, McGowan, Robinson, Driver, Stevenson, Sutton (4-1-3-1-1)



Prediction :  St Mirren 0-1 Hearts

Both teams teams have identical records here, played 5 won 1 drawn 3 and lost 1. I think Hearts can take a rare away win here tomorrow though and they really need it even at this early stage to keep in touch with the top of the league.
It's sure to be a very tight match and I think under 2.5 goals is almost a certainty but I will stick my neck out and take HEARTS TO BE WINNING AT HALF TIME @ 3.4 (Bet 365)



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