Celtic v Kilmarnock
The first of our December 8-9 Scottish Premiership betting tips is a top Celtic v Kilmarnock tip. it’s a case of third vs first in the Scottish Premiership as champions Celtic host early leaders Kilmarnock in the pick of Saturday’s fixtures. The Bhoys shows stats of nine wins against three draws and two defeats; that record has them on 30 points, sitting one off the pace of their opponents and behind rivals Rangers who sit second on goal difference.
They have at least one game in hand over the sides above them in the pecking order; that gives Brendan Rodgers’ side a real advantage as we head into the festive period. The Glaswegians have been favourites for the title from the start and are looking good value to win another Scottish Premiership crown.
The Hoops have won only one of their last three, however, with results during that time reading draw-win-draw. That spell started with a 0-0 away to Livingston after The Lions did what they do best and made life difficult. That frustrating point was followed with a win over lowly Hamilton away from home, a result that was expected by most. Christie opened the scoring that day on 13 minutes and it opened the floodgates, a Martin own-goal and Griffiths third making for a comfortable outing. Celtic opened December with a League Cup win, beating Aberdeen 1-0 at Hampden; however, they couldn’t find a way past a dogged Motherwell on Wednesday night, another early Christie goal cancelled out by a wonder strike from Johnson.
Killie top of the league
Much has been made of the great work Steve Clarke is doing at Rugby Park and his team would be top of the league if the division was run over a calendar year. They are also top of the pile this season, having won nine and drawn four of their first 16 starts; this leaves them on 31 points. Three wins and a draw in four has them out in front. Although few expect them to do a Leicester City and stay there, they are catching the eye amongst followers of British football. It can only be a good thing for Scottish football too.
A four-game unbeaten run started with victory over Hearts at Tynecastle where they nicked a 1-0. That was followed by a useful draw at St Johnstone, before scoring a double when beating both Hibs and Livingston this month. They kept a pair of clean-sheets in those matches and scored five goals of their own at the other end. A 2-0 cheer over Livi on Wednesday sent them to the top of the tree with a double from Greg Stewart helping ease the Ayrshire side to another maximum pay-out. Steve Clarke was full of praise for his goal hero when speaking to the press at full-time, saying the gamble in moving back to Scotland is paying off. We think that’s also true of the gaffer.
This will be interesting
It’ll be really interesting to see how Kilmarnock get on at the home of the champions; we’ll learn what we can expect from them for the season ahead. Are they genuine title contenders? Win here – or even get a point – and we have to take them seriously. It’s too easy to make the Leicester comparison; however, it’s true they have themselves in a fantastic position and head to Glasgow with confidence onside. Despite that, bookmakers have written the away win off, with Bet365 confident enough to trade a chunky 11/1.
That’s more than a little disrespectful to the league leaders and we wouldn’t put anyone off a bet at interest stakes. Celtic are favourites, as you would imagine, with 1/5 going at Unibet and that’s far too short for us. The draw is as big as 13/2. As lovers of the value we have to play this one as a small stakes away win as there’s no reason Killie should be as big as 11/1 and no reason Celtic and their one win from three should be as tight as 1/5. Have a go at interest stakes.
Our Tip: Small stake away win – 11/5 at Bet 365
Dundee v Rangers
Let’s see the Dundee v Rangers tips. Two sides playing under pressure as Dundee start bottom of the league. They have just two wins managed from 15 games, leaving them stuck on eight points; the club is already five behind Hamilton and safety. The Dee are unbeaten in three however, following back-to-back draws with a win over Accies in midweek. Former Rangers striker, Kenny Miller, proved there’s plenty of life left in his legs when scoring a hat-trick to help his side to a shock win over a capable Hamilton at Dens Park.
It was an upset that gave the victors a real chance of getting off the foot of the table; however, they have a job on their hands if they are to continue that recent unbeaten run when hosting Rangers. Bookies think they’ll get nothing from the match and offer the locals as 10/1 no hopers, the draw a weighty 4/1 when betting with Bet365.
Gerrard needs a response
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard accused his players of showing disrespect to Rangers when losing to Aberdeen on Wednesday and having yet another player sent off as their terrible disciplinary run continues. It can’t be ignored any longer. Alfredo Morelos has now been sent off twice in two games against The Dons, costing his side points on both occasions. The edge to his game is what makes him the league’s top striker; however, it also means he’s never far away from controversy.
The Gers went into the week at the top of the league; however, they lacked the character to stay there when beaten by Aberdeen at Ibrox in a match they rarely threatened to score despite having a man advantage for a large section of the night. The players have been challenged and they must respond without delay. The away day is 1/3 jolly but we’re having Rangers -1 goal on the handicap at 19/20 with 888Sport. That will do a job in your weekend accumulators and you can follow your bet live with this fixture shown on Sky Sports from 1.30pm.