The Scottish Premiership is getting exciting at the top and bottom of the table. Can Rangers mange second? Who’s for the drop? The last remaining fixtures will answer a lot of questions. Here are our top April 27 Scottish Premiership betting tips …
Celtic v Kilmarnock
The champions take on Kilmarnock in this early kick-off and despite a recent wobble they can take a huge step towards landing another Scottish Premiership title with a home win over a decent opponent. The Bhoys have drawn each of their last two following that important win over Rangers in the Old Firm derby and another draw can be backed at 9/2 with Bet365, which looks a decent bet. Lennon is on-course for the treble and must be considered for the Celtic job full-time, but to achieve that he’ll need a strong finish. Back the locals in your accumulators at 1/4 with Ladbrokes.
Don’t Write Them Off
That price suggests Kilmarnock don’t have a hope of winning this match but we know that’s not the case and Steve Clarke, who is expected to win manager of the year and is in the running to be the next Scotland boss, will set his boys up to go and take something from this contest. They have claimed points from both Celtic and Rangers already this season but that doesn’t figure in the thinking of traders who offer the away win at a stunning 12/1 (Ladbrokes). We certainly wouldn’t put anyone off a bet on that one as it’s a good deal bigger than it should be.
Our Tip: Celtic to win – 1/4 at Ladbrokes
Hamilton v Livingston
Moving from the top-six to the bottom-six here and Accies have the benefit of home advantage as they look to hold off St Mirren and protect their place in the Premiership for another season. They have drawn each of their last two and that has them two points better than St Mirren in the race to avoid 11th, with Dundee already relegated. The team finishing second bottom will be forced into a play-off with a Championship side but that shouldn’t be Accies. Take another draw at 9/4 with Bet365. That’s better than the home win at 21/10 at William Hill.
Safety
Having already proven their point this season, Livingston are rolling to a finish in the top-flight, safe from the threat of relegation and with a place in the bottom-six already confirmed. They were impressive this season but lacked the consistency needed to finish in the top-half, which disappointed all concerned. Livi’s recent form is made up of one win, two draws and a couple of defeats. The away day is favourite, priced best by Ladbrokes who are offering 7/5.
Our Tip: Livingston to win – 7/5 at Ladbrokes
Motherwell v Dundee
The Steelmen are another side who were fancied to end in the best half-dozen this season but sloppy defending and a failure to take their chances at the other end of the pitch meant they slipped down into the bottom-half. They now have little to aim at and are running down the clock before going off on their summer break, but they are easy to back here, given Dundee’s woeful form. Add Motherwell to your bets at 4/5 (Bet365).
A Bad Season
Dundee will be playing Championship football next term, again travelling to places like Cappielow and that’s some fall from grace when we remember them as the side who signed stars like Claudio Caniggia. It’s a problem completely of their own making and they have been rotten for most of the season. Keeping that in mind we can’t touch Dundee to win this, even at the 7/2 offered by Ladbrokes.
Our Tip: Motherwell to win – 4/5 at Bet365
St Mirren v St Johnstone
Two wins, a draw and couple of defeats in their last five has St Mirren in with a chance of beating the drop but there’s much work to do if they are to climb out of the bottom two and push Hamilton under. The Paisley club will face a play-off at worst, thanks to Dundee’s poor form, but they will be eager to give themselves the best chance possible of staying in the top-flight and that comes from beating St Johnstone at home. Odd-makers go 15/8 (William Hill) on the home win or 11/5 the draw.
A Tough Season
St Johnstone have underperformed this season and that’s the reason you’ll find them mixing it with the worst sides in the Premiership following the split. They have won three of their last five, however, including victory last weekend, and that has them best of the rest, sitting in seventh. This won’t be easy, given what’s at stake for their opponents, but we’re backing the away win at 8/5 with Bet365. That’s better than expected.
Our Tip: St Johnstone to win – 8/5 at Bet365
Hibs v Hearts
The Edinburgh clubs renew rivalries at Easter Road on Sunday and we’re coming down in support of a Hibs side who have been impressive since Paul Heckingbottom replaced Neil Lennon earlier in the campaign. The Hibees are on an unbeaten run and that makes them value at 13/10 (Bet365), the draw 11/5 with the same firm.
A Hard Job
Hearts would love to end their opponents recent unbeaten form, but they make this trip across the capital on the back of four defeats in their last five, including each of their last three. They will finish sixth at the end of the fixture list and that’s disappointing for a team that started the campaign so well, pushing for top spot. 11/5 says it’ll be an away win, but we have no interest in that.
Our Tip: Hibs to win – 13/10 at Bet365
Rangers v Aberdeen
Will Rangers and Steven Gerrard get the better of Aberdeen when there’s nothing left to play for? The locals were knocked out of both cups by The Dons, including at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup earlier this year. Fans haven’t quite got over that and will want to see a reaction from their side as they enter the stadium thirsty for revenge. Back the home win at 8/15 with Ladbrokes.
Down in Fourth?
Aberdeen have surrendered second place to Rangers and could finish as low as fourth due to the form of Kilmarnock. A win in Govan will strengthen their push to end in the bronze medal position, giving them a better chance in the Europa League, but it’s not something we’ll have our cash on. Bet365 offer the away day at 6/1 and that will attract bits and pieces of attention.