Morton v Ross County
We’re going to check out the top Jan 4-5 Scottish football betting tips now. With the top-flight of Scottish football going into winter hibernation until Wednesday 23 January, we set the spotlight on the lower leagues as they look to shine under increased focus. A full fixture list from the Championship is played out over the course of Friday and Saturday with the action starting at Cappielow Park where locals Greenock Morton target a much-needed three points when hosting high-flying Ross County. The bare stats tell us this will be an easy home win; however, this division is amongst the most competitive in British football with just one automatic promotion place up for grabs. Upsets are the norm, making life difficult for punters.
Morton go into game 20 of their season sitting down in fifth place, one spot and one point outside of the three promotion play-off places currently held by Ayr United, Dundee United and Inverness. At present, fourth looks about as good as Morton fans can hope for. Leaders, County, are already 14 points off in the distance while Ayr Utd in second are 11 better and Dundee Utd have seven more on the board. The locals’ recent form makes them difficult to trust with two defeats, two draws and one win making up their last five. The spare win did come last time out, however, when beating Partick Thistle 2-1 in Glasgow. A good base on which to launch the year; however, major improvement is needed.
County Pushing for the Title
Ross County lead the pace going into the round and proudly show stats of 11 wins, six draws and two defeats. They enjoy an eye-catching recent unbeaten run – no mean feat at this level – and have won three and drawn two of their last five, including victory in each of their two most recent outings. Are we about to see them land the hat-trick? There’s certainly reason to believe so, with 35 goals scored in 19 previous games and victory here would see them open-up a six-point cushion over The Honest Men. If they can do that, they will be nigh on impossible to budge, especially if maintaining their strong form through to spring.
The Staggies added a big win over highland derby rivals Inverness at home to finish 2018 in style; that injected real confidence into both the playing staff and supporters. In what was a bad-tempered match, Graham and Rooney were sent off at the end of play following an off-the-ball altercation that threatened to overshadow what was a thrilling match. Mckay broke the deadlock on 16 minutes before White levelled things before the break. It looked like we were heading for a share of the spoils, but there was to be one final twist in the tale as Stewart smashed home the winner on 84, delighting the bulk of a 6,313 support that had packed themselves into Victoria Park. A fantastic advert for Scottish Championship football.
Stick to What We Know
Morton are a tough nut to crack, especially in Greenock, and they are capable of playing good football. However, the fact remains that they have one of the worst recent form of the pack and that shouldn’t be ignored. The Ton need serious investment in the squad during the transfer window; the board – as well as a few anonymous backers – will have to put their hand in their pocket if the club are to have any chance of saving their season and gaining promotion. From what we have seen on the park so far this term they don’t look worth backing, even with Bet365 giving a market best price 10/3.
Ross County board the team bus looking for a treble that would send them a step closer to going up to the Premiership as champions, but bookies have them picked and backers will find no more than the 88/100 currently doing the rounds at William Hill. That’s a good one to add to your accumulator of the day and we certainly wouldn’t put anyone off. Our best bet is available at a slightly better price, however, as we pin our hopes on both teams to score at 5/6 (Bet365). There’s goals in both teams and we’re confident they’ll prove it.
Our Tip: BTTS – 5/6 at Bet365
Ayr United v Falkirk
Ayr United were written off by most before a ball had been kicked this season; however, at the half-way point and heading into a new year, they are in the running for promotion and have every chance of finishing the campaign as champions. Stats of 10-6-2 meant Ayr entered the weekend three points behind leaders Ross County and that can be blamed on drawing four of their last five and each of their last three.
Taking three points from a possible nine means they remain on an unbeaten run; however, they are in danger of dropping off the pace if they fail to rediscover the killer instinct needed to win matches. Bookies have Ayr United marked as favourites to win this match and the 4/11 at Bet365 goes as the standard price on the locals. Tight, but deserved.
Bairns Continue to Struggle
Falkirk are better known for pushing for promotion than fighting relegation; however, The Bairns find themselves stuck at the wrong end of the charts this season and start 2019 with a CV reading 3-4-12, good enough for bottom of the league. The 13 points on the board means they are only one behind fellow strugglers Partick Thistle in ninth, but six off Alloa Athletic and safety.
The visitors are winless in four, following a pair of draws with two defeats on the bounce. They were downed by Dunfermline last time, beaten 4-2 by The Pars in front of their own fans with goals from McKee and Harrison no match for Hippolyte, Vincent and a Beadling double. That poor return has led to odds makers scratching the away win up at a bulky 8/1 – top price at William Hill – with the draw 4/1 (Bet365). Keep it simple and back Ayr in your accas.