Weekend Scottish Divisions - 6/7 March

[Paul Ross]

Get on Celtic to win the Scottish cup now.

If Celtic put Rangers out of the competition then NO TEAM will stop them winning the tournament. Skybet have Celtic at 6/5. Take this now before it is slashed like all the other bookmakers, who have Celtic at less than evens.

Good Luck.

celtic at 1.72 is phenomenal. who rememebrs the last time either side was higher than 3/1 for an old firm game?

me neither but they are way too long. rangers are poor this season and they simply will not cope celtic on sunday.

celtic were poor last night and MON wont let them play that poorly again in any game - let alone an old firm game. rangers will be up for it because if they lose its effectively season over for them

2 wins in their last 6 away games is simply not good enough for a team of rangers size.

compare this to celtic. dropped 2 points all season. 25 straight league wins. flawless at home conceding no points and only 7 goals in 13 games.

with the exception of stefan klos in goals celtic are stronger in every department.

larsson is always a threat. sutton - doubtful but pure quality. petrov, dyanmite in the midfield. balde a rock at the back.

alan thompson. words can praise him high enough for this season. how he isnt first name on erikssons team sheet for england i dont know. he is pure quality. he can pass and dribble and his crossing is top notch. that left foot of his is as sweet as any ive seen in this country.

compare to rangers. only two of their players i rate this season. arveladze and arteta. the rest have been below par ... and worse.

1.72 is a gift.

2.75 for halftime/fulltime is an even bigger gift.

the asian prices when i see them will be what tempt me. celtic will cruise this

bet 365's celtic to win to nil @ 2.62 is tempting me

perhaps celtic to win both halves @ 4.5

this is the bet of the season

Thankfully I've got some left after ignoring all pleas to leave last nights shocker I backed them. Still just goes to show you never meet a poor bookie.

They're 1.8 at Skybet and Stan James for the moment, although that will quickly change. In Europe they played a consolidation game, on Sunday they will effectively kill off Rangers season, this has been heavily backed by mates that are Rangers fans, so no lime tinted specs this time.

Who can forget the ricks made by paddy power for the last old firm game of 9's -2 and 11/4 -1 goal.

They have learned from their lessons but still go 13/2 -2 and 9/4 - 1 goal.

Maybe without sutton which would be a huge blow but -2 still looks an attractive price.

lets be honest - rangers are pish and proved it against United.

here are my bets for the game -
Celtic -2

celtic to win both halves @7/2

larsson to score more than averladze @ 6/4

celtic to win to nil @7/5


what do you guys reckon.
e
PS - i'll check out for a double or treble over the weekend also (like the odds for stranraer)

Well I'm actually going to go against you guys on this one. As DC says, it's very rare to see either side be priced anywhere the price that Rangers are at the moment. Last night, 4.92 was available at Betfair and although Rangers are clearly not the favourites here, that price is just too good to turn down.

Every week, Celtic break some record or other for winning hundreds of games in a row, scoring thousands of goals etc but I still maintain that they will lose at some point and that's why I've not backed them for quite a while now. Mind you, I've never had the balls to oppose them yet but if there is a game they're going to lose, it's this one. Everyone above makes excellent points about what this game means to Celtic and how they are playing but I think Rangers have been written off too quickly.

Without doubt, Rangers are a shadow of last years team but there are still some good players there who'll be desperate to keep their season going. With Celtic being such strong favourites, Rangers will have slightly less pressure than usual going into this game, but their motivation to win is at an all time high. In the mind of many Rangers supporters, a victory over Celtic will wipe out a huge chunk of the heartache that this season has given them. Victory tomorrow makes them strong favourites to win the cup and that would mean they'd end up with the same number of trophies as Celtic come the end of the season should they win it.

In my opinion, I just think that Rangers are due something off Celtic this season and with Sutton possibly being missing Celtic do lack firepower. Rangers marking at set pieces will be key. I'm sure McLeish will have been working very hard on that during the week. De Boer, Arveladze and Mols do have the ability to trouble Celtic at the back and I do think Rangers will score. Quick passing movements will definately give Celtic some bother so Rangers know they must get good service up there. After subbing his entire midfield last week at Tannadice, it'll be interesting to see who McLeish puts in there. Ricksen may get the nod to inject some fight although his temper may be called into question should Rangers get off to a bad start. If Rangers can match Celtic physically, it'll be a close game. Certainly closer than the odds on Rangers suggest.

Undecided yet whether to take Rangers straight at BetFair for small/medium stakes or lay Celtic for slightly higher stakes.

I'll post more thoughts on the other games a little later.

What is the point in backing Celtic to win the match at under evens when you can take them to win the whole tournament at 2.20?

Can any team, other than the Gers beat Celtic in this competition? I don't think so!

However, Rangers cannot get any lower than they are at the moment. I think the draw represents good value.

With Celtic to win the replay at Ibrox.

Best of Luck. 8)

Celtic better team agreed ,but don't they have Hartson and Sutton out? and surely the best time to back Rangers is when they are out of form, when the odds are big, and no one expects them to win. When Ranagers were on top 10 years ago, Celtic produced some unexpected results against them. 4.92 Rangers on betfair looks the value. I don't think Rangers played in midweek which may help them a bit.

Yes, Rangers are out of form. So why on earth would you back them to win? I think someone said on another thread, you never back against the winning streak!

If you are going to pick Rangers then cover the draw as well, as this game will be much closer than some people expect.

I still think Celtic at 6/5 is a great price to win the Scottish cup. Take it now before it is cut.

Good Luck. :p

I'm not an expert in this league by any means, but one game particularly sticks out, and that's Airdrie (2.00) at home to Alloa.

Reasoning:- Airdrie are closing in on struggling leaders Morton and are now just five points behind. They've just rattled in seven goals with no reply in their last two home games, including a 3-0 win over promotion rivals Hamilton.

Alloa on the other hand are starting to stumble, they threw away a two goal-lead over Morton to draw 3-3 and lost 3-1 at Berwick conceding 3 goals in just 13 minutes.

Evens on that form seems a steal - anyone more experienced in Scottish football care to comment?

[Snowman]

I would still be wary, Alloa have been playing better than expected for the last six weeks at least, its more the belief that Ardrie are back to where they belong after this weeks win, that would make me try that bet...but still, I 'leave that one alone

I strongly fancied Dumbarton at home to bottom side Stenhousemuir during the week before the game was postponed. Tomorrow they take on 2nd bottom side Abroath and I have the same strong feeling for them.

Dumbarton have won their last 7 home games in a row. Okay, Abroath have won 2 of their last 3 away games (0-1) but before that they had no away wins all season, and 5 away defeats in a row.

Any team news available would be appreciated.

I think a good is on the cards and 5/6 is available in a lot of places, while Ladbrokes go as low as 8/11.

Hello to all of you!!!
For tomorrow games I fancy Inverness Caledonian not to lose vs.Motherwell.
Although Calley Thistle lost last saturday vs.Falkirk, they've were better team and deserved at least draw.That's especially correct for the first part of the clash(after Falkirk scored in 9th minute). In that game Calley lost important striker David Bingham, which absence could prove bad. Anyway, Inverness is eager to come through, and their manager John Robertson said: "We're the only First Division side in the hat and we want to go further."
Probable line up:
Brown - Tokely, Golabek, Mann, McCaffrey - Duncan, Wilson, McBain - Thomson - Ritchie, Keogh

Their most dangerous player will surely be Paul Ritchie, 34yr old striker, who proved himself more than worthy this year. Also, Calley's great chance will be pace of Barry Wilson on the right-midf side, 'cause it's certain that Motherwell is coming with attacking mentality, and there is a chance for counterattacks. Right defensive player Ross Tokely can also be dangerous, 'cause of his from-time-to-time adventures up-front. Anyway, ICT is solid team with more than solid individuals, and odds in this clash are just too great not to be excepted. 5/10 - X2, 2/10 - 2

Motherwell news:
Although their striker Craig is coming back from a injury, they're without Partridge, Leitch, Dair, O'Donnel and Bollan.

Worth of trying, guys!

Even though partick thistle are playing pish this season they have still managed to turn over Dunfermline once this season at Firhill by 4 goals to 1.
The 12/5 on offer at Chandlers for a home win is way too high for a team who has the indian sign over their opposition at home and who only have the cup to play for this season.
Having performed very poorly for the battling side they are last weekend a four day break in Portugal has given Thistle fresh hope and time for some proper training while the Pars have had to make do with their plastic pitch.

People may mock, but 12/5 the Jags is well worth considering as they will fight for everything tomorrow..guaranteed!

Tomorrow could also be the day Jorge Cadete proves theres life in the old dog yet!

GOOD LUCK FOLKS

P.S. The 7/4 at Bet365 on Celtic to win by two or more is a steal!

[kompressaur]

Firstly hello and welcome to the new punters on the Scot's thread. Good to have you all aboard.

I've been busy with the dead lately and have been blowing up computers again but i think i'm back online again. It's good to see the new faces keeping the thread going.

Right no photoshop on new windows instal but Oor Wullie would probably say "I fancy Forfar and Dumbarton too - Last night i had a premonition that to-day i would have deja-vu!"

I have been walking about with a coupon in my pocket since Wednesday but aint looked INTO games but have been mulling over the coupon whilst in doctor's surgerys, on buses and whilst the woman talks AT me. So my selections are more so based on instinct, memory and hate this week.

Speaking of hate, here's East Fife. Yip it's deja-vu (didnt i just say that?) but FORFAR on their day are one of the better teams in the league and they will be wanting the points to possibly move back into second. East Fife however I have never rated even though they have been getting the results (well they did) I've been on this fixture 3 times this season and after a few scares have collected twice. Norfolk and Snowman are gonna laugh at me but HOME WIN

Forfar boss Ray Stewart has no injury or suspension concerns as he prepares his side for the Station Park clash with East Fife.
The Loons have had games cancelled in recent weeks, giving some players the chance to shake off slight injuries.

Gordon Russell looks set to return for East Fife, while Paul Mortimer and Les Byle are hoping to be included despite not being match fit.

Brian Fairbairn, though back to full fitness after his recent absence from the side, is unlikely to feature.

DUMBARTON have been mentioned above and rightly so imo. After dealing with Morton, Berwick, Hamilton and Forfar at home this season i can see no problem for them v sticky old Arbroath.

Dumbarton v Arbroath

Dumbarton may include Norwegian trialist Bjorn Skjelbred and know victory could take the club back into the promotion race.
Chris Boyle misses out with a head injury, while defender Neil Collins has been named new club captain.

Arbroath manager Steve Kirk has no fresh injuries or suspensions.

The Red Lichties have been suffering from the big freeze and will be looking forward to their first action in a couple of weeks.

Ok i know it's hard enough to get ONE winner in Scot's Div 2 but this old basket case is gonna go for THREE winners

Stenhousemuir v Morton

Stenhousemuir prepare for the task of entertaining the league leaders at Ochilview with three absentees.
Gerry McKenna is suspended, Greig McCulloch is doubtful through injury and long-term injury victim Colin Waldie is receiving further treatment.

Morton are without the services of John and Marc Maisano, and Scott Bannerman through suspension.

Warren Hawkes is out for between four and six weeks with a cheekbone injury, but injury doubts Phil Cannie, Jani Uotinen and Paul Walker have trained and are available.


I like Morton away but i aint so sure now They aint had a win in 6 games or so. Could they bounce back v a hapless Stenhousemuir? Stenny will be wanting the points too. Mmmmm better have a wee look at this one.

Three, did i say three? Fcuk it lets go through the card Yip Airdrie seem to be getting their act together (well Veraille and Coyle) and seem to not be wanting a repeat of last year when they missed out on promotion on the last day, last minute in fact. Thing is Alloa seem to be the form team themselves and Airdries home form has been sketchy till late. Hard one to be totally confident about but i am sorely tempted on the home but nah, NO BET

Berwick Hamilton is anyones guess imo.

Nothing else really appeals but could take ICT and Rangers as wee interest singles.

So this week it will be a Forfar/Dumbarton singles and double and i could add some of the above in a wee bushy perm.

Good luck folks.

I'm away to get rid of my msblaster virus and mslaugh

[mongoose]

I know the mongoose has not been very active on the lounge this season for various reasons,however I feel I have to post the following regarding Airdrie.

Big MAL the Minder a mate of mine has been going to the Airdrie games this season and has informed me that since the break they have been really flying and winning in some style.
They made a few signings in the transfer window which has helped them greatly. Alloa although themselves are in good form do struggle away from home.
You can get 13/10 at Willies so this is the value IMO.(and MTM).

As for the Celtic game don't be to sure as the Mongoose always says avoid the Old Firm Match (Especially this time as Celtic will have one eye on Barcelona match!!

HH
Mongoose

Before I read Komp and Mongoose - I picked out Airdrie 13/10, Forfar 11/10, and Stranraer 7/5, all with Hills. OK there are more predictable games, but I picked them out as value for the odds given. Two of these have been explained above. Stranraer look as good as Stirling to me, so with some home advantage 7/5 looked juicy. Also Stranraer may try a little more to get some revenge on a team that has beaten them twice this year. I felt Dumbarton at odds on was a bit risky despite their excellent form of late, unless something as radically changed form the first half of the season when they were very inconsistent.

Aberdeen at 11/10 with Stanley looks worth taking.

I made the point about Rangers being the right time to bet on them when they are 4.92, simply because this is the biggest price I have ever seen on them in recent years. Obviously if Rangers were in form the odds would be more like 2.75. Old Firm games often don't go to form, because it is a super derby and the underdog often outperforms. I hope that explains my logic a bit more. I am not saying Rangers will win, but they imo have a better chance than 1 in 5.

[kompressaur]

As Loudon Wainwright might say "it's been a pretty good day so far"

Well done lads. No luck Jagsey but keep the info coming as it could prove invaluable on your vists to Cappeliow next year

Nice one Baya. The ICT cup roadshow moves ever onwards. Just glad we got some money back from them.

Ive made enough to-day to lay some off on Rangers but i could do with them winning.

Surely the Scot's thread is the place to be?

[mongoose]

Loungers!

I went along with BIG MAL THE MINDER to Airdrie v Alloa myself to see what he was rattling on about regarding Airdrie and here is my findings.

Airdrie started the game with long punt tactics to a front two that won ziltch. Alloa were far more comfortable on the ball and scored after about 20 mins with their first (and last) shot on goal.Alloa did control the game tho Airdrie did create and miss about 5 chances winning 6 corners this was the pattern until 5 mins from half time when one of the new players Willie McLaren scored twice. This player is only 19 and VERY fast and tricky.
In the second half Airdrie controlled the game totally and .
missed 3 or four more easy chances and hit the bar from 3 Yards when it was easier to score. On the plus side for Airdrie Midfielder Dunn was good and strong, McLaren was tricky but faded and got over complicated as the game went on, and the right back of Airdrie has to be the worst Player I have ever seen (In fact the whole Airdrie defence looks ropey!)
Airdrie won (And the Mongoose single)and deservedly so but an equaliser was always a possibility I would be wary of betting then on this form.I would not be adverse to betting on Alloa they will win more than they will lose.
Corners Airdrie 10 Alloa 1
Shots Airdrie 11 (7 on Target) Alloa 1 (1 on target)

Will be going to another Lower league game next week and report will be posted hope it helps.

HH
Mongoose

Hearts striker Mark de Vries won't be available for fortnight with a calf problem and Hay, Skora and Lilley are all fitness doubts for Kilmarnock.

Very close to NO BET game but I think I'll back Hearts. They never failed me.