Earlier in the week we posted our thoughts on the opening round of the Scottish Premier League as outlined below.
Some interesting moves since @wiggum7534 posted our early thoughts with Rangers/Hearts draw firming, Dundee Utd drifted, Motherwell drifted, St Mirren and draw in that game have also drifted and Celtic firming.
Follow @Wiggum7354 and @AusSportsGuys for all the latest news. Our SPL views will be posted weekly and hopefully steering you into a few winners!
SPL Preview Week 1 (@wiggum7534)
SPL Preview Bets – Week 1
This coming weekend the Scottish Premier League kicks off for season 2011-12. Rangers were champions last season (their third consecutive title) in another thrilling finish to the season.
Over the course of the season we will look at some betting opportunities. Some teams will definitely decline from last season, such as Inverness CT. Others will be looking to improve, such as Dundee Utd (provided they hang onto Goodwillie – or he doesn’t end up in jail).
For week 1, I think there will be 3 decent bets. All odds quoted are from @sportingbetoz and current as of today.
Rangers v Hearts (Draw @ $4.75)
Hearts are without doubt the third best team in the competition. They were excellent last season, until a couple of ordinary results meant they could no longer reach second, while being (pretty much) locked for third position. Their results then declined with no real motivation to see the season out.
Rangers are with new manager and Gers legend Ally McCoist. Very much an unknown quantity as a manager, but one would expect he is no Walter Smith. In addition to that, Rangers have some injury concerns and have struggled pre-season (yes I know, it is only pre-season).
On the basis of Hearts improvement, Rangers poor pre-season and potential jitters with McCoist, I’m taking the value of a draw at $4.75.
Hibs v Celtic (Celtic @ $1.40)
This is a no-brainer. Celtic have had a solid pre-season and are in ‘revenge’ mode after giving away last season’s title with a loss at Inverness. Hibs are in a downward spiral (see http://t.co/BQPbE3s) with a manager who doesn’t seem interested to be there. Add to that the departure of Derek Riordan (talented, but work rate? Hmmm).
Celtic will win despite the away trek.
Dundee United v Kilmarnock ($1.70)
Dundee United are in the midst of a Champions League campaign. That kind of competitive football will see them well suited to an opening win v Killie. David Goodwillie obviously the key to United’s chances.
Killie finished last season off in awful fashion following the resignation of manager Mixu Paatelainen (signed as coach of Finland). I cannot see Killie winning this and see them as a genuine relegation side.
Other Games
In the other games, on which I may not bet, am leaning to Motherwell ($2) as Inverness have lost too many good players in the off-season, and either St Mirren ($2.88) or a draw ($3.25).
With a week to go before the season officially starts, obviously there is the potential of some further transfers (in and out) that could mess with the above selections. Updates will be provided should any significant transfers occur.
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