Rangers v St Mirren
The first of our Feb 2nd Scottish Premiership betting tips is for Rangers v St Mirren. Rangers exploded back into the title race with a hard-fought 3-0 win over Livingston on the road last weekend. They pushed themselves back into second place and onto the coattails of leaders Celtic. The Bears have impressed in stages this season; however, a lack of consistency has cost them so far and that inability to nail down an extended run of victories will, most likely, come back to haunt them come the final count, especially if Celtic do as expected and kick-on in the second half of the season. The locals have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five and go into this match with 45 points on the board, the same number as Kilmarnock in third.
They beat Celtic when last at Ibrox before going into the winter break and strengthening their pool with the additions of Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis. Confidence was high heading to Rugby Park for the restart and Defoe got them off to a flyer when continuing his incredible run of scoring on debuts; however, an impressive Killie fought back, taking full advantage of the gifts handed to them by a sloppy Rangers defence, winning 2-1. That result floored fans and although they cheered the 3-0 over Livi – goals from Jack, Kent and Morelos – the majority of those who will pack the Govan stands remain unconvinced on their team’s chances of mounting a credible challenge this season.
Saints Continue to Struggle
St Mirren travel back to Ibrox with a season record showing three wins, three draws and 17 defeats, 16 goals scored and 46 conceded. That has them on a dozen points which is good enough for no more than bottom spot in the table. They may be holding the rest up and heading towards the Championship and a reunion with derby rivals Greenock Morton; however, all hope is not lost as Dundee is just a point better off, with Hamilton and safety two ahead, Accies losing each of their last four.
The Saints have also lost their last four outings, including a 3-1 battering in front of their own fans on Sunday when hosting Hibs. It was thought to be their best chance of beating the Edinburgh club, with manager Neil Lennon and his assistant suspended by the club and told to stay away from the dugout; however, the Paisley crew failed to take advantage. They did score through Jackson on 24 minutes to break the deadlock but The Hibees fired back, winning thanks to strikes from Shaw, McGregor and Mallan, all three coming within 26 minutes of each other.
Follow the Form
This will be the third meeting of these sides this season and followers of the form will be delighted to learn they have a strong trend to jump. Rangers have won each of the previous two starts by a 2-0 score; the Gers bagged exactly two goals in each of their last three meetings with The Saints. Take your chances on another 2-0 home win at Bet365 and they’ll pay you out at a cracking 5/1. The win to nil also appeals at 4/6 with the same firm.
Alfredo Morelos has competition for a place from Jermain Defoe; however, he scored in that win over Livingston and has also banked two goals against St Mirren in two games this season. Take Morelos to score first at 13/5 with 888sport, those after a bit of a safety net can play the anytime scorer market.
Stick with the Locals
This is another match Rangers have to win if they are to apply any kind of pressure to leaders Celtic. However, it’s one we expect them to deliver in and bank all three points, keeping the fans onside. Bookies agree and have the Gers priced at no better than 1/6 to live up to expectations. That’s too tight, even in accumulators, so we’re forced to look elsewhere.
The St Mirren win doesn’t appeal, even with a chunky 20/1 doing the rounds and although Rangers have drawn six times already, we won’t chance our luck on another share at 15/2. Instead, we’ll take Rangers to win on the handicap at 1/2 – top price with Bet365 – as our bet of the match. That should do a job in your weekend multiples.
Our Tip: Rangers to win on the handicap – 1/2 at Bet365
Hamilton v Dundee
An interesting match from the opposite end of the table as 10th place Hamilton take on Dundee in 11th. A win for either side would do wonders for their chances of beating the drop; however, defeat would be devasting and a draw deemed a missed opportunity. Accies have taken just one point from the last 15 available but are 6/4 favourites with Ladbrokes to throw themselves a lifeline.
Dundee is one place lower but shows better recent form, collecting four points from 15. They beat Hearts in their first match after the winter break and were undone at home by a single goal from Motherwell’s Turnbull last weekend, the decider coming from the penalty spot. The Dee seems to be improving and, in what should be a 50/50 match-up, Dundee looks worth backing at an attractive 2/1 at Bet365. The draw can be had at a top price 23/10 and we wouldn’t be in a rush to put anyone off a go on that if it was their preferred option.
Keep Things Interesting
Interestingly, Dundee hammered Hamilton 4-0 at Dens Park when the sides last met back in December; goals from Jesse Curran and a Kenny Miller hat-trick made the difference. They also battled to a surprise 2-0 win at this venue in September, Andy Boyle and Karl Madianga the match winners on that occasion.
Dundee have won each of their last four games when Hamilton was the opposition and that is a trend that simply can’t be ignored. Get your money down on the away side to extend that purple patch or those looking for more can back a Dundee win to nil at 4/1 (Bet365). That’ll keep things interesting.
Our Tip: Dundee to win – 2/1 at Bet365
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