Weekend Betting Tips

ELGIN CITY V ANNAN ATHLETIC

With five rounds of matches remaining, it looks as though the race for the League Two title is going to come down to the wire. Last weekend threw up some surprising results. East Fife’s 1-1 draw with Queen’s Park actually widened the Fifers’ lead at the top of the table, as both Clyde and Elgin City fell to defeats to Arbroath and Berwick Rangers respectively. Now just six points separate the top five. No one can afford to slip up.

Annan Athletic looked like they had left it late for a comeback, but last weekend’s results tossed them a lifeline, and the Galabankies stormed to a 5-0 thrashing of Montrose. Elgin, on the other hand, dropped to third after the loss at Shielfield Park. Jim Weir’s team are struggling for form: they’ve won just three of their last ten and lost three-on-the-bounce coming into this crucial game. Both teams need three points.

 

Bet: both teams to score

These games have often been thrilling contests. This match pits the joint-third highest scoring team against the top scoring team – something that’s been reflected in their past meetings. All three of their matches against each other this season have ended with both teams scoring, and two have finished with over 2.5 goals. One would expect that not to change on Saturday, and for the result to be a high-scoring one.

 

Take a chance: both teams to score and Annan to win

Elgin might have lost just one home game this season – against East Fife at the start of March – but Annan are more than capable of becoming the second team to win at Borough Briggs. Jim Chapman’s side ran rampant at Links Park, running out 5-0 victors, as things started clicking back into place for them. If Annan can recreate such a performance this weekend, the points are there’s for the taking.

 

STRANRAER V AIRDRIEONIANS

It’s the fight no one wants to win. Who will finish fourth and grab the third play-off spot? Stranraer have turned their form around since Christmas, when they sat rooted to the bottom of the table, and are currently in prime position to snatch the chance of promotion. However, Airdrieonians and Albion Rovers are still in the chase. The rivals drew last weekend, a result which might’ve left them miles behind, but Stranraer lost out at Somerset Park and the gap remains at three points – and both the Diamonds and Rovers have a game-in-hand. A win for either team at Stair Park on Saturday could play a huge part in deciding who’ll be facing Peterhead, Ayr United and a Championship team – probably Livingston or Dumbarton – for a chance to be in the second tier next season.

 

Bet: Stranraer to win

Ignoring the defeat to Ayr, Stranraer are a team in form. Prior to that loss the Blues had gone undefeated in four, and picked up wins over Stenhousemuir, Albion Rovers and Forfar Athletic. Airdrieonians, meanwhile, are winless in four. Danny Lennon’s team were held by Rovers and Forfar, and were defeated by Peterhead and Brechin City – these results coming after Eddie Wolecki Black suffered a stroke during the 3-1 win over Cowdenbeath at the beginning of March.

 

Take a chance: under 2.5 goals

This is more a reflection on Airdrieonians than Stranraer. Five of their last six games have finished with under 2.5 goals; for Stranraer that figure is three in six. Neither team are high scorers. That should make for a tight contest.

 

RAITH ROVERS V RANGERS

Bet: both teams to score

Normally you’d predict Rangers to steamroll Raith on the path to another three points. But against Falkirk and St Mirren the Gers’ defence conceded three goals in each game, which accounts for 25% of their goals against this season. It’s an astonishing statistic. What’s happening? In both matches Rangers held comfortable leads, and perhaps that’s part of the problem; is the team going to sleep, letting errors slip into their game, because their concentration goes? Can Raith take advantage of this?

The Rovers are one of the in-form teams in Scotland. Ray McKinnon’s side have lost one in their last ten – a 2-0 defeat at Ibrox – and have picked up seven wins. It’s a run of form that’s lifted them into fourth and created a 13 point gap over Greenock Morton. This all began when Raith started scoring goals again. They’ve scored 19 goals in those past ten games; eight in the ten before it.

 

Take a chance: Raith to win

This is about a big a chance one can take betting on Scottish football. It’s a risk betting against either of the Old Firm clubs, but I believe that Rangers’ current defensive woes and Raith’s sparkling form could cause an upset at Stark’s Park. It’s an outside chance, but one worth taking.

Weekend Betting Tips

Greenock Morton v Raith Rovers

Bet: Over 2.5 goals

Raith have created a significant gap between them and their rivals for fourth. The Kirkcaldy club have won six of their last eight, and scored 16 goals in the process. They now have a ten point cushion over fifth place Greenock Morton. This game could all-but-guarantee their play-off status.

For this match I’m focusing on goals. While just four of those last eight matches have finished with over 2.5 goals, their last game against Morton ended 3-2, as Ryan Hardie capitalised on a goal-mouth scramble to give Raith three points in the 89^th minute. It’s also been a strange spell for Morton. Jim Duffy’s side have been quite tough operators this season; difficult to break down but not the most consistent scorers. However, five of their last six games have ended with over 2.5 goals. Both teams seem to be involved in high-scoring matches at the moment. This could be a thrilling contest.

 

Take a chance: Raith Rovers to win and both teams to score

As their last match ended 3-2, and neither team seems capable of keeping a clean sheet at the moment, I’m going to say that there’s a good chance both teams will score. On top of that I’m predicting Raith to leave Cappielow with three points. While both teams are in good form, Ray McKinnon’s side are high on confidence after besting Hibernian – although at the moment I’m not sure how difficult that is.

 

 

Stenhousemuir v Forfar Athletic

Bet: Forfar to win

The battle to avoid the drop is on. It looked like a three-way scrap between Cowdenbeath, who currently occupy the bottom spot, Brechin City, a team in form, and Forfar Athletic. That three could soon become four, though. Stenhousemuir are in danger of being dragged into this dogfight. The Warriors were in contention for a promotion play-off place earlier in the season but five defeats in their last six matches has left them stranded as the catching relegation-threatened teams catch up. Just three points separate them and Forfar and Brechin. Although the Hedgemen have been in fine form in the past few weeks, a trip to title-chasing Dunfermline makes it unlikely they’ll be collecting any points on Saturday. Forfar, on the other hand, have the chance to go seventh if they beat Stenhousemuir. This could be a crucial game for both clubs.

 

Take a chance: Ryan to score

Andy Ryan’s been both brilliant and productive for Forfar since his arrival. The 21-year-old has added some much needed pace and mobility to their ageing team and he’s been a consistent goal-scorer. He’s scored in six of his 11 appearances, including a double against Ayr United last Saturday and one against Cowdenbeath the week before that. Against the weakest defence in the division – Stenny have shipped 69 goals – Ryan’s got an excellent chance of getting on the score-sheet.

 

 

Clyde v Arbroath

Bet: Clyde to win

Clyde are finding form at just the right time. The Cumbernauld club have stuttered a couple of times this season but are on a great run of results at the moment. Four straight victories have lifted them to second in the table, one point behind league leaders East Fife. With Elgin City going through an inconsistent spell it could come down to Barry Ferguson’s men and the Fifers in the race for the title and automatic promotion. With East Fife in tremendous form, Clyde can’t afford to slip.

Arbroath, on the other hand, have little to fight for. The Angus club are in abysmal form, having picked up just five points from their last nine matches, and if not for East Stirlingshire’s dismal form they’d be fighting off possible relegation.

 

Take a chance: Both teams to score

This one is the most unlikely of the six bets, but there is reasoning behind it. Clyde, although in good form, don’t look unbeatable. While East Fife are dominating teams, the Bully Wee are scraping wins. One goal or fewer has separated them and their opponents in eight of their last ten matches. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that Arbroath will score, it could mean a tighter game than some might predict.

Weekend Betting Tips

Dundee United v Dundee

Bet: Both teams to score

Is this the most important Dundee derby in years? Dundee have the chance to increase their odds of a top-six finish and torpedo Dundee United’s survival hopes in one game. The Arabs are in desperate need of three points after back-to-back defeats to Aberdeen and Motherwell derailed their bid to close the gap on Kilmarnock. While Killie are in a poor state themselves at the moment, Mixu Paatelainen will be more than aware that one win for Lee Clark’s side could create a sizeable lead that might prove too difficult to close. Dundee are in no great shakes either. The Dees are winless in four. With things so tight in mid-table, three points could lift them back into contention for a top-four finish with a game-in-hand. Both Dundee clubs have something to fight for. This is about more than bragging rights. It could end up being the last league clash between the two Dundee rivals for some time.

That’s part of the reason I’m going for both teams to score. The other part behind my reasoning is that these Dundee derbies are usually tasty affairs – both teams have scored in four of their last five meetings. Dundee’s current defensive record is impressive – they’ve conceded two goals in their last five matches – but United will be fired up for this encounter.

 

Take a chance: Blair Spittal to score

United’s diminutive winger has made quite the impact in the last three derbies. He added the third in United’s 3-0 rout on the final day of the 2014-15 season; he scored twice in three minutes to give the Arabs a two-goal cushion in August – a lead United threw away; and he opened the scoring at Dens Park in their last meeting. His lightning pace could be a real problem for Kevin Holt.

 

 

Falkirk v Rangers

Bet: Under 2.5 goals

Watching Falkirk can be a dull task. The Bairns are the Barcelona of Stirlingshire – more specifically 2008-12 Barca – and Peter Houston is the Scottish Pep Guardiola. The less fashionable Falkirk manager has transformed his side into a possession-based outfit that pass their opponents to sleep and then go in for the kill. Mark Kerr is very much Xavi in this analogy. Unfortunately it can make for boring viewing. Last weekend’s trip to Dumbarton – as featured on BBC ALBA – put both the Sons and the viewing audience to sleep. Both goals came from the spot – I switched off one minute before Gary Fleming’s 90^th minute equaliser – as Falkirk had to settle for a point. In fact ten of their last 12 matches have featured fewer than 2.5 goals. That includes their 1-0 defeat at Ibrox at the end of January.

 

Take a chance: Kenny Miller to score anytime

There were some concerns about how Rangers would handle the Martin Waghorn’s injury. Where would the goals come from? It’s proven to be the perfect opportunity for Kenny Miller to prove he’s still got it. In his last 13 apperances he’s contributed nine goals. Against Greenock Morton he notched a double as Rangers came from behind to seal a 3-1 victory. If he leads the line against Falkirk expect him to be the danger-man.

 

 

Brechin City v Albion Rovers

Bet: Brechin City to win

The Hedgemen have an opportunity this weekend to come off the bottom of the League One table for the first time since Boxing Day. It’s been a rather miraculous run of form. Darren Dods’ side have strung together three consecutive wins – defeats of Airdrieonians, Ayr United and relegation rivals Forfar Athletic – and are pushing the Loons and Cowdenbeath for League One survival. Although Stenhousemuir could still be dragged into a possible relegation scrap, it appears that the battle is between the three. This weekend Forfar and the Blue Brazil face difficult visits from Ayr United and Dunfermline respectively. Brechin welcome play-off candidates Albion Rovers to Glebe Park.

Perhaps I’m getting too swept up in the moment. Brechin’s turn in form came very sudden and could be extinguished just as quickly. However, there’s also the chance that positive momentum could spur them on against the struggling Coatbridge outfit. Rovers have picked up a miserable 11 points from 13 matches since mid-December and suffered a 1-0 home defeat from Stranraer last weekend. Current form suggests Brechin should win.

 

Take a chance: Both teams NOT to score

This might be pushing my luck. I’m basing this on Brechin’s current form. Not only have Dods’ team won three successive games, but they’ve also kept three successive clean sheets for the first time in the league since 2010. It’s an amazing achievement considering their horrendous form the rest of the season. Rovers are also not a team who score a lot of goals. They’ve scored just 31 goals in 29 games – the second fewest in the division after Stranraer.

Betting predictions for the weekend

League Cup Final – Ross County v Hibernian

The first cup final of the Scottish season throws together a brilliant tie. It’s difficult to split these two sides, although perhaps for the wrong reasons. Neither side are coming into this match in-form. Ross County had a goal and man advantage against Dundee United in the Scottish Cup but conceded late to exit the competition. Hibernian aren’t much better either. The Hibees were held to a 1-1 draw against Inverness CT last weekend but lost three successive Championship matches prior to that. This would be an excellent chance for both teams to lift a cup and put themselves back on the right track.

For the Staggies that means challenging for a possible European place. That’s amazing considering their place last season. At the start of 2015 the club were rooted to the bottom of the table on a dismal ten points. By the end of the campaign Jim McIntyre’s side had collected another 34 points and finished 9^th. This season he’s gone even further. Rather than their annual rebuilding job, the Highland side have built something more stable and are being rewarded for it. The League Cup would cap a brilliant season so far. It would also be their first major domestic cup trophy – I’m not counting the third-rate Challenge Cup. If McIntyre can guide his side to cup success and lead them to a fourth place finish, he deserves a Manager of the Year nod.

Hibs, on the other hand, have, as I explained earlier, been in a poor run of form. This run has allowed Rangers to run away with the Championship – and that all-important automatic promotion place. It means that Hibs will, barring Rangers imploding, be involved in a tough play-off scrap. This cup could lift morale in the run-in before possible games against Falkirk, Raith Rovers and whoever finishes 11^th in the Premiership.

 

Bet: Over 2.5 goals

I’ll admit at this is more based on Ross County’s results. 11 of their last 15 games in all competitions have finished with over 2.5 goals, including their 3-2 defeat to Dundee United last weekend in the Scottish Cup. Hibs’ recent results have been poor, as I mentioned above. Just seven of their last 15 have involved more than 2.5 goals, which perhaps doesn’t support my thinking, but the Staggies don’t balk from a challenge – as Celtic can attest – and often go on the offensive in these sorts of games. Their poor defensive record might also provoke Hibs into adopting a more attacking approach as well. Let’s hope.

 

Both teams to score and Ross County to win

This choice continues over from the previous one. With over 2.5 goals I’d expect both teams to score. But I’m also predicting County to lift the trophy on Sunday afternoon. It’s too difficult to see Hibs doing anything at the moment without ‘Hibsing’ it up – although I’ll admit I’m kind of hoping the Staggies take the cup back up to Dingwall.

 

 

Championship – Alloa Athletic v Raith Rovers

Bet: Raith Rovers to win

Raith Rovers are a team in-form. The Fife club are opening up a bit of a gap between them and their challengers in the fight to finish fourth. On Tuesday evening, the Rovers defeated Queen of the South 2-0 in comfortable fashion after squeezing out a 4-3 victory over St. Mirren in a thrilling contest on Saturday. In fact, the Kirkcaldy club have won four of their last five – and that one defeat came at Ibrox. The recent additions of Aidan Connolly on the right-flank and Ryan Hardie up front – I’ll get to him in a bit – have added some much needed pace and directness to Raith’s attack and they’re feeling the benefits as the season comes to a close.

Alloa, on the other hand, are destined for relegation. Four back-to-back losses have put them 11 points behind 9^th place Livingston. The Wasps are doomed. Jack Ross’ side have scored just 15 goals in 28 games and conceded an astonishing 57.

 

Take a chance: Ryan Hardie to score

The Rangers loanee has made quite the impact since his arrival at Stark’s Park. In two starts and two substitute appearances Hardie has bagged four goals. His 89^th minute winner against Greenock Morton made him an instant hero, and at the end of his full-debut against St. Mirren he kept the match ball having grabbed a hat-trick. But it’s not just his goals that have endeared him to the Raith support. He’s also brought the best out in Mark Stewart. Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise to read that Raith supporters are hoping Rangers’ promotion might mean he’ll return for another season.

 

 

League Two – East Fife v Annan Athletic

Bet: both teams to score:

League Two is unpredictable. I’d advise never betting on a winner, because form counts for nothing at the moment. East Fife are the in-form team, picking up 13 points from the last 18 available – not amazing for the best record in the division – and just five points separates 2^nd from 8^th in the form table. Each team is more than capable of losing.

The last meeting between these two came at the beginning of the year. In white-out conditions – most expected the game to be called off – East Fife ran out 4-2 victors at Galabank. Annan’s recent results also back up my prediction. 12 of their previous 15 games have ended with both teams scoring, including last weekend’s 3-3 draw against Clyde and a 2-2 draw against Stirling Albion the week before that. Annan are a team that scores, having the joint-best record in the league for doing so – East Fife are one behind. Expect goals in Methil.

 

Take a chance: Josh Todd to score

Annan’s English centre-mid has been on fire in recent matches. Against Clyde he scored a double; against Stirling Albion he notched one; and against East Stirlingshire he bagged one. That’s four in his last three matches. He’s one for running from deep and getting on the end of chances. A more sensible goal choice would be Nathan Austin – the league’s joint-top scorer along with Craig Gunn on 19 – but Todd is a bet for the man who likes to take risks.

Weekend Betting Tips

Dundee v St Johnstone

It’s impossible to separate the sides that form the core of the Scottish Premiership. Just five points separate fourth and ninth. Dips in form and inconsistent performances have made it difficult to predict matches featuring teams from this group. Therefore, you’ve got a much likelier chance of succeeding focusing on goals.

The travelling Saints are in dreadful form. Tommy Wright’s side haven’t picked up three points since the beginning of December – a 3-2 victory up in Dingwall – and in the six games since then the Perth club have suffered four defeats, collecting just two points from bore-draws. That being said, one positive Wright can take from their last two games – a 3-1 defeat at Celtic and a 4-3 loss to Aberdeen – is that the Saints are scoring again (even if his experienced defence is shipping goals). And if there’s one thing Dundee can be relied upon, it’s conceding goals.

The hosts have kept a mere three clean sheets this season. 41 goals have rippled the back of their net in the 24 league games this season. Only the Accies, who dropped eight against Celtic, Kilmarnock and Dundee United – the two sides sitting at the bottom of the division – have conceded more. With a defence as porous as that Dundee should be fighting off relegation. However, that’s not the case. The Dees have scored 37, including 17 in their last ten. A huge part of that is because of the deadly form of Kane Hemmings. In their last six games, one of which ended goalless for Dundee, the former Cowdenbeath striker has netted in five. That’s eight goals in six games. He’s also their designated penalty taker, and his last two have come from the spot. If he’s starting, there’s a good chance he’s scoring.

Bet: Over 2.5 goals

Take a chance: Kane Hemmings to score

 

Peterhead v Forfar

It’s a true tale of two teams. The Blue Toon are the in-form team in Scotland. Jim McInally has overseen a 12-game undefeated streak stretching from the start of November. League leaders Dunfermline have had to settle for a point on two occasions during this run; Ayr United suffered defeat at Somerset Park last weekend; and Forfar were put to the sword in their encounter at Station Park in December. It’s an impressive run, and one I suspect will continue this weekend. Peterhead have notched 20 goals in their last six games – and that’s including a 0-0 against the Pars. It’s also worth noting the recent form of Shane Sutherland. The striker has scored five in his last four and is in a rich vein of form. The same can’t be said of their opposition.

Forfar haven’t picked up three points since defeating Brechin City 2-0 in mid-September. It’s an astonishing run – and for all the wrong reasons. The Loons almost reached the Championship last season, and it took an amazing turn-around for Alloa Athletic to keep their place in the second tier. Forfar’s form has dropped off a cliff. Results and performances forced Dick Campbell to end his seven-year spell at Station Park. This is not a club wanting to face Peterhead.

Bet: Peterhead over 2.5 team goals

Take a chance: Sutherland and McAllister to score

 

Queen of the South v St Mirren

If there was ever an argument against having just ten clubs in a league, it’s this. It’ll have been seven days since Queen of the South and St Mirren played when the Saints travel to Palmerston Park on Saturday afternoon. That clash (perhaps a little over-dramatic a word considering the result) ended 1-0 to the Buddies. It’s hard to imagine the result this weekend being much different. Queen of the South haven’t been in a game with more than 2.5 goals in their last five. St Mirren have a similar record on their travels. Four of their last five trips have ended with under 2.5 goals.

Bet: Under 2.5 game goals