Kilmarnock v Hibs
Let’s take a look at the Scottish Premiership 1&2 December betting tips. There’s a reduced schedule in the Scottish Premiership due to Celtic and Aberdeen taking part in Sunday’s League Cup final at Hampden; however, there’s plenty of quality on show for followers of football north of the border. This match certainly promises to be a thriller. Kilmarnock go into the weekend sitting fourth in the table with stats reading 7-4-3. Therefore, a victory here could lift them to second in the pile, within a point of leaders Celtic; this would be no more than their form deserves.
The Rugby Park club have been solid since Steve Clarke took over the reigns; however, they have suffered from draws of late and their last five matches show three level finishes, one win and one defeat. They had to make do with another share of the spoils last time when playing out a 0-0 away to St Johnstone in Perth. Not the worst result, given how good The Saints have been of late; having said that, it’s a match they should be winning. Killie have scored two goals in their last three games.
Hibs desperately out of form
Hibs started the season well and there was a time back in the summer when they were challenging for the major places alongside rivals Hearts but a downturn in form has seen them slip off the pace and they can now be found sitting seventh and on a miserable winless run. They have lost three and drawn two of their last five and are already seven points off the medal positions. That will infuriate Neil Lennon who went into the campaign confident they could make a name for themselves.
The visitors suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of St Johnstone and Aberdeen, losing both by a 1-0 score; however, they managed to grab a point last weekend when getting a 2-2 at home to Dundee. That also must go down as a poor result given the fact The Dee are bottom of the league and Hibs were at home. The warning signs are there for all to see. So, if Kilmarnock inflict another defeat on them here, questions will be asked of Lennon and his boys heading into the January transfer window.
Take the locals
These are two teams who are good enough to win the points and two who, on their day, have enough talent to put on a show. However, Hibs have been woeful of late and this game looks to have come at exactly the wrong time for them. The fact Hibees couldn’t beat bottom of the league with home advantage suggests it’s more than just a dip in form and we can’t back the away day. Somehow bookies have Hibs as favourites with 8/5 trading at Unibet and that’s laughable.
The same firm go top price on a draw at 12/5. However, that’s not for us either as we are happy enough to get stuck into the home win, a 17/10 punt when getting your money down at William Hill. That price is more than good enough for us and it rates as real value. However, if you’re after more, we’d suggest backing Killie to win to nil at 16/5 (William Hill). Two bets that would work best as singles.
Hearts v Rangers
A great game on Sunday is expected as Rangers travel to the capital where Hearts await; this will be one for armchair fans to enjoy with BT Sport bringing us all the action live from 12.00pm. The Jambos start the week in third with 26 points on the board; however, they have played a game more than Celtic and Rangers who sit above them in the pecking order. Victory at home would move Hearts to the top of the division but they start with confidence low. They have lost each of their last three, standing winless in four games.
A lengthy injury list is behind that loss of form; however, we do expect the players that take to the field to leave their problems at the door and put in a big performance. This is always a fixture that brings the best out of both teams and this renewal will be no different. The hosts were hammered 5-0 by Celtic at Parkhead last month before going on to lose to Kilmarnock when last at this venue and St Mirren a week ago in Paisley. The latter was a shock result and it’ll have fans fearing the worst when Steven Gerrard takes his side to Gorgie.
Start of a big month
December will have a massive say in how Gerrard’s first season as Rangers manager goes; in one month he has no less than nine matches scheduled in both the league and Europa League, with all the top teams in Scotland providing opposition. Go on a winning run and he could be top of the league and into the knockout stages of the Europa League. Both divisions are so tight at present; however, he could just as easily find himself out of the running on each.
Rangers have won each of their last three league matches to cap what was an enjoyable November for fans. They have injected confidence into the side in good time for the battles that lay ahead. The club started that treble with a 2-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley, before hammering Motherwell 7-1 at home and Livingston 3-0 in Glasgow last weekend. They look to be returning to their best after a dip in form and everyone connected to the club will be delighted with that.
Trust the visitors
Rangers have been better at home so far this season; also, their away form is improving and they travel with confidence in the ranks. This could be a good time to take Hearts on too, judging by their recent form and the current injury crisis at the club. Bookies have the away day as favourite and backers will find Rangers trading at 8/9 (Unibet).
Hearts would see a draw as a decent result on the back of three defeats and the level finish has been priced at 14/5 (William Hill); that’s not a bet we would be in a rush to talk anyone out of and it is deemed more likely than the home win at 10/3 (Bet365).