Monthly Archives: May 2011

Celtic set for toughest test

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Celtic head to the capital on Wednesday to face Hearts in what is set to be the toughest test of their final three remaining games of the SPL season (totesport match prices – Hearts 9/2, draw 10/3, Celtic 1/2).

The title race is out of Celtic’s hands after their defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle last week but a 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday has kept the Hoops in the running for the domestic crown.

Manager Neil Lennon and his players will still be hoping their arch rivals Rangers slip up before the end of the season.

However, they will have to concentrate on their own games and a trip to Tynecastle is arguably the second hardest ground in the SPL calendar.

The atmosphere at the Edinburgh ground will be fiery and Hearts would be happy to spoil Celtic’s chances of winning the title this season.

Hearts have only lost one of the last four games between these two sides at Tynecastle, winning two of them.

However, the Maroons are in a poor run of form – and were thrashed 4-0 by Rangers at Ibrox in their last outing on Saturday.

Before the thumping by the Glasgow giants, Hearts could not buy a win and had drawn their five previous games in the league.

The club remain third in the SPL table but manager Jim Jefferies will be disappointed that his team’s season has faded away towards the end.

Despite their decent record against Celtic at Tynecastle, Hearts current form suggests they will be up against it on Wednesday.

As for Celtic they bounced back from their disappointing defeat against Caley with the win over Killie.

Attacking midfielder Kris Commons was once again on the scoresheet and he has been arguably the club’s best signing this season since his move from Derby County in the January transfer window.

He will need to be on top form again when Celtic travel to the capital.

The Bhoys have two games home and away against Motherwell after their clash with Hearts and at this stage of the campaign every game is a must win.

Wednesday will be a tight and edgy affair and Hearts have had a gift of getting draws in recent weeks so they may well bag another, which could gift the SPL title to the blue side of Glasgow.

Inverness are still riding on the wave of that victory over Celtic and picked another victory on the weekend with a win over St Mirren.

Caley host Hibernian on Wednesday and manager Terry Butcher will looking for his side to finish on a high (totesport match prices – ICT 11/10, draw 23/10, Hibernian 23/10).

As for Hibs, they have failed to pick up a win in their last four games and have a terrible record at the Caledonian Stadium.

Not only have the Edinburgh club lost on their last four trips to Inverness but they have failed to score on the last three occasions.

With this in mind, Caley should come out on top in this one as they continue to enjoy a decent season.

Motherwell face Kilmarnock in Wednesday’s other fixture in their last game before they take on Celtic in back-to-back games (totesport match prices – Motherwell 23/20, draw 12/5, Kilmarnock 21/10).

This clash at Fir Park is between two evenly-matched teams with only three points separating the sides in the SPL table.

‘Well have conceded 12 goals in their last three games which should give Killie the edge as they look to consolidate fifth place in the league.

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Barca ready for title party

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There are still one or two domestic issues to sort out across Europe and with a full midweek programme in Spain’s La Liga culminating on Wednesday, a clearer picture will emerge of the success stories this season (Primera Liga – totesport).

Barcelona can wrap up the title on Wednesday, regardless of what Real Madrid do on Tuesday night, when they travel to Levante and it is difficult to see them not justifying 3/10 favouritism in the match betting.

Levante are priced at 10/1 to cause a shock, with the draw on offer at 4/10, but the season has started to fall away for the Granotes and they are currently on a three-game winless streak with nothing left to play for.

Barca have an impressive way record, easily the best in La Liga, and although they suffered their only defeat on their travels the last time they played away – a 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad – there were mitigating circumstances for that defeat.

The Catalans fielded an understrength line-up for the clash yet still dominated, only to be undone late on, having substituted both centre-halves, while the game came the weekend before a crunch Champions League semi-final against arch rivals Real.

With a place secured at Wembley, Barca can now concentrate on the league and needing just a point from their remaining three games to guarantee the title, they can do it at the earliest opportunity and in the best possible style.

Lionel Messi has underlined why he is considered the best player in the world time and time again this season and is an obvious candidate in the goalscoring markets (9/4 to score two or more) but it may pay to side with Pedro to open the scoring at 7/2 as he is the one who generally makes the runs behind the defenders.

The Blaugrana have scored 45 times away from home in La Liga and with the pressure off against a side looking forward to their holidays, goals look a very real possibility at the Ciutat de Valencia.

Barcelona to score in both halves is available at 21/20 and Pep Guardiola’s men are also worthy of support on the handicap (-1) at 20/23.

Valencia bounced back to form with a 3-0 over Real Sociedad on Saturday and can confirm their third place with victory as 13/10 favourites at Espanyol at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat.

Los Che have easily been the third best team in the division – they have a five-point cushion over Villarreal – and boast an impressive away record with 10 victories on the road this year – bettered only by Barca and Real.

Espanyol (17/10 to win, 9/4 the draw) have been difficult to beat at home, losing just five times, but their season is stalling at just the wrong time with just one win in their last six games.

A massive game in the relegation battle takes place at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta with Real Sociedad (Evens in the match betting) taking on Real Zaragoza (23/10 to win, 9/4 the draw).

It has been a case of all or nothing for these two sides of late and with only one draw at the ground all season it is difficult to envisage another on Wednesday night.

It would be risky taking the 23/10 on the away win unless Zaragoza can reproduce the performance at the Bernabeu 11 days ago when they beat Real 3-2 – on the same evening Sociedad came from behind to beat Barcelona at home.

However, that was only a second road win this term for Zaragoza but with 10 home wins behind them, Sociedad look to have a great chance to pull further clear from the drop zone.

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Relegation battle hotting up

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There are now just two games left for those clubs battling for survival to beat the drop from the Premier League. There is still much to play for so we will have a look at the the possible relegation scenarios ahead of the scrap to avoid the drop.

West Ham

It has been a woeful season at Upton Park and a tense end to the campaign has been made worse by comments from the co-owners but it is back to matters on the pitch on Sunday with a must-win clash with Wigan (West Ham 1/10 to be relegated).

The Hammers are currently bottom of the standings, with 33 points and they could be relegated this weekend if they fail to win and other results go against them.

Although Avram Grant’s men could mathematically catch both Blackburn and Birmingham, they would have to win their remaining two games and hope that the aforementioned pair fail to pick up a single point – unlikely.

And so Wolves are their realistic target if they are to stay in the top division, with a home encounter against Sunderland set to finish the season in east London.

It is not over yet for West Ham but, although two wins from their final two games is not out of the question, it has to be remembered that they have won just seven times all season.

Wigan

Latics are just above West Ham with 36 points and are in with a much better chance of beating the drop, as they travel to Stoke on the final day following the Hammers clash.

Roberto Martinez’s side have drawn too many games at home and won just four times at the DW Stadium and failed to build on the recent victory over fellow strugglers Blackpool.

But they secured an excellent point at Aston Villa on Saturday and will be full of confidence going into the West Ham game knowing that three points could be all they need to stay up.

A point on Sunday will ensure that a tense season goes right to the final game but defeat could spell the end of their stay in the top flight.

Their final game is a trip to the Britannia Stadium to face the Potters, who may have one eye on their holidays by then as they sit comfortably in mid table.

Blackpool

It seemed inconceivable that Blackpool would be embroiled in a survival battle after the first half of the season but the pre-season prophets of doom appear to have been correct as Ian Holloway’s men look in real trouble of making just a brief stay in the Premier League.

They are level on points with Wigan and have a winnable game against Bolton on the horizon.

However, they have reserved their hardest test right until the end of the season as they conclude proceedings with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

It is true that the Red Devils will probably have won the title by the time the Tangerines come calling but professional pride means that Sir Alex Ferguson will likely play a decent side, even with the Champions League final on his mind.

Saturday’s derby with Bolton is, therefore, a must-win match-up but it does not look promising for the Premier League entertainers.

Wolves

Four points from their last two games has seen the Midlanders move out of the relegation zone and they sit on 37 points – just one more than Blackpool and Wigan.

But that could be significant, with nobody seemingly capable of winning a game at the foot of the table.

Mick McCarthy has always maintained that his charges would beat the drop and he may be proved right as they travel to the Stadium of Light at the weekend before welcoming Blackburn to Molineux for the final match of the campaign.

Sunderland are safe but have been in free-fall for a while and Steve Bruce’s side is currently decimated with injuries and so Wolves have a real chance of putting daylight between themselves and the bottom three.

They face Blackburn at home on the last day of the season and will be confident of getting the result that they need against a Rovers side who will probably still be looking over their shoulders (Wolves  1/2 to stay up).

Blackburn

Although Steve Kean’s men have 39 points and appear clear of the drop zone, they welcome Manchester United to Ewood Park this weekend and will probably still have 39 points on the final day.

It may be enough and, with a superior goal difference to both Blackpool and Wigan, they are in pole position to keep their top-flight spot.

But it has been a funny old season and they might well have to get something from their final clash with Wolves to make sure of avoiding the drop into the Championship.

Birmingham City

Blues have never quite been able to secure safety and the weekend defeat to Newcastle kept their fans sweating for another week.

Level on points with Blackburn, a win against Fulham would surely be enough to stave off the threat of relegation and they are more than capable of doing it, especially after the Cottagers 5-2 thrashing by Liverpool on Monday night.

If they do need a point on May 22, then what better than a trip to White Hart Lane to play a Spurs side that seem incapable of achieving any other result than a draw at present, and Alex McLeish’s men are looking good to stay in England’s top division for another season.

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Gers set to keep one step ahead

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Rangers will look to move a step closer to the Scottish Premier League title (4/11 Outright) on Tuesday when they play host to Dundee United – but it might not be plain-sailing as the Terrors were the last team to win at Ibrox.

Walter Smith’s Gers have been left in pole position to retain the title after Celtic lost 3-2 at Inverness in their game in hand last week to keep them a point at the summit.

Rangers showed no signs of nerves at the weekend as they thrashed Hearts 4-0 at Ibrox, while Celtic (2/1 Outright) kept the pressure on with a 2-0 win at Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Rangers will have the advantage of trying to open up a four-point gap this week against Dundee United, before Neil Lennon’s Hoops face a trip to Hearts on Wednesday.

Therefore it is imperative that they don?t blow a big opportunity, but United arrive full of confidence having picked up a shock 3-2 win at the same venue just over a month ago on April 2 (66/1 Dundee United 3-2 Correct Score).

But the Gers exacted revenge with a 4-0 win at Tannadice later in April and have an awesome overall record against their opponents with 56 wins from their 85 meetings so they will no doubt be feeling like they have the upper hand.

Rangers, who are also in an eight-match unbeaten run, will be lifted for the game by the news Craig Whyte has completed his takeover to boost their finances going into the future.

United arrive in buoyant mood following Saturday?s comprehensive 4-0 win against Motherwell and they know a second successive win at Ibrox will keep alive their hopes of pipping Hearts to third place finish and a Europa League spot for next season.

Boss Peter Houston knows that if Rangers win the SPL and Celtic win the Scottish Cup then the Terrors would get European football courtesy of a fourth-placed finish.

But he wants his side to do it for themselves by bouncing back from two straightaway-day defeats and re-enacting their display at Ibrox last month.

“We got rid of some silly mistakes, defensively we were solid,” Houston said.

“In the middle of the park I thought Scott Robertson and Morgaro Gomis bossed it, and Jon Daly scored the perfect hat-trick with left foot, right foot and header.”

Both sides have plenty to play for but Rangers? need for the points is greater and there really can be only one winner at Ibrox on Tuesday.

Prediction: Rangers Home 90 Minutes @ 2/9

Value Bet: Jelavic 1st Goalscorer Rangers Win 2-0 Scorecast @ 12/1

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Mancini to make his point

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The Premier League season is reaching its climax with issues still be sorted out and on Tuesday the race for Champions League qualification could finally be decided when Manchester City host Tottenham at Eastlands.

Roberto Mancini’s men are almost certain of finishing in the top four, holding a six-point cushion over Spurs and seven over Liverpool with three games to go – the Fat Lady is definitely warbling.

By the time the game kicks off, Liverpool could have closed the gap to four points following their clash at Fulham on Monday night but City will seal their berth if they were to win on Tuesday.

Goal difference is also very much with City at the moment and with Spurs also having to travel to Anfield on Sunday, the pressure is very much on the visitors to go for the three points at Eastlands.

History is with Spurs (14/5 in the match betting) going into the match as they have won 19 Premier League matches against City with only Arsenal having won more, while they have won 11 of the last 13 in the top flight and six of their last seven in Manchester.

But City (10/11 favourites to take the three points) are a much different proposition this time around under Roberto Mancini, especially with the money that has been invested in the squad, and Spurs’ season is in very real danger of ending with a whimper.

The Blues have lost only twice at home since Spurs won this fixture almost a year ago – against Arsenal, when down to 10 men, and Everton – and will be difficult to break down with a defence set to be boosted by the return of Micah Richards and Gareth Barry, who have recovered from hamstring injuries.

Spurs, on the other hand, look set to be without potent threat Gareth Bale for the remainder of the season and are in a hugely disappointing run of form.

Harry Redknapp’s men, who have won six times on the road this season, have emerged victorious in  just one of their last 12 matches in all competitions, with six draws in the last eight games.

Rafael van der Vaart remains the club’s top scorer but his early, blistering form has tailed off while Heurelho Gomes is enduring the kind of run that would fill a blooper video all on its own.

City might have one eye on the FA Cup final against Stoke on Saturday but Mancini has made no secret of the fact Champions League football is the long-term aim of the club and is unlikely to let complacency slip in.

The Italian tactician is also likely to be conservative in his approach to the game as a point serves his club more than Spurs, so at 12/5 backing the draw is the best course of action to take.

A goalless affair is a bit of risk with the attacking talent available to both sides, but at 9/1 is certainly worth considering, depending on the team news – and the unpredictable nature of Gomes.

Carlos Tevez is set for a late fitness test to determine his availability for both this match and the Cup final – and has got to be looked at in the goalscoring markets (4/1 First/Last, Evens Anytime goalscorer) if he plays as he has scored more than Roman Pavlyuchenko, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch combined.

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SPL race enters home straight

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Ahead of a potentially pivotal midweek in Scotland, the SPL title race remains very much alive after Celtic kept on Old Firm rivals Rangers’ coat-tails with an important 2-0 victory at Kilmarnock on Sunday (Celtic 2/1 to win the SPL title).

Goals from skipper Scott Brown and Kris Commons were enough to seal the victory for the Bhoys at Rugby Park – a result which closed the gap on Rangers to a solitary point.

The Gers themselves had put in a similarly impressive performance on Saturday, beating third-place Hearts 4-0 at Ibrox, to place them firmly in the driving seat with only two games to go in a season which has seen the top spot in the league switch from club to club on numerous occasions (Rangers now 4/11 to win the title).

Both sides face tough fixtures in the coming week, however, and have both already lost to the respective teams they play earlier in the campaign. Rangers host to Dundee United at Ibrox on Tuesday night – a match they lost 3-2 earlier in the season thanks to two goals from Scotland international striker David Goodwillie.

The Gers have struggled at times this season due to their relatively light squad but are now back to full strength after the return of the likes of Majid Bougherra and Lee McCulloch after injury lay-offs (Rangers 2/9 to beat Dundee United).

Celtic, meanwhile, travel to Tynecastle to face Hearts on Wednesday who themselves will be looking to bounce back after their disappointing result against the champions over the weekend (Celtic 4/9 to claim the victory).

Hearts beat Celtic 2-1 in the same fixture earlier this season in a match that was marred by controversy and saw Neil Lennon receive a touchline ban after a scuffle between both players and officials.

Hearts are always a difficult proposition, especially at home, and with the likes of Rudi Skacel and young winger David Templeton in attack, they have the ability to unlock any side.

Celtic will, of course, be doing all they can to secure the victory as they aim to take the title race to the last day of the season and will be looking to inspirational captain Scott Brown to lead them to victory. Top-scorer Gary Hooper could also be a key man and seems to have a habit of scoring important goals at crucial times for Lennon’s side.

The midweek fixtures look set to be the ones to decide the title race as both look to have relatively easy matches on the final day of the season – Celtic host Motherwell while Rangers, in what will be Walter Smith’s last game in charge before Ally McCoist takes over, travel to Kilmarnock.

If both sides win their midweek games, which is likely, it will undoubtedly mean an exciting last-day climax to what has certainly been a thrilling battle between the old foes at the top once again.

But Rangers, with the point advantage, have the upper hand and we expect them to end the season on top with two wins out of their final two games while Celtic, who should also take a maximum six points from the available six, look set for heartache and appear destined to miss out by just the single point when the season draws to a close in a weeks’ time.

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Liverpool continue push for Europe

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Bet on the Premier LeagueThere is just one Premier League fixture on Monday night as Fulham host Liverpool, with the visitors in line to move into fifth spot as long as they don’t lose.

Liverpool trail Spurs by just one point but the Reds have a superior goal difference and a point at Craven Cottage would see them move into fifth, the only spot that comes with a Europa League place as a result of Birmingham’s Carling Cup win and Stoke’s upcoming FA Cup final appearance.

European football seemed beyond Liverpool just a few weeks ago but Spurs’ poor form has seen the Merseyside outfit close the gap and they will be desperate to bring European football to Anfield next season, even if it is not in the Champions League.

However, Fulham, who are 19/10 to secure the win, are a strong side on home soil and have enjoyed a return to form of late. The Cottagers have lost just three games at Craven Cottage this season and Liverpool will face a battle to take all three points on Monday night.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes is hopeful that Clint Dempsey, who has been struggling with a hamstring strain, will be fit to face the Reds. The American midfielder, who is 6/1 to score the first goal, is the Cottagers’ top scorer this season and Hughes will be eager for Dempsey to shrug off his injury complaint and take a place in the starting line up.

Brede Hangeland missed Fulham’s 3-0 win at Sunderland last time out through illness but is available to face Liverpool. Reds striker Andy Carroll is now fit following a knee problem and Hangeland’s aerial presence could be crucial in keeping the £35million January buy at bay during the showdown. Carroll is 13/8 to score at any time, while Fulham are 12/5 to keep a clean sheet.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has reported no new injury concerns but the visitors will again be without Steven Gerrard, who has a groin problem, and Daniel Agger, who has a knee injury.

Both teams head into the fixture on Monday in decent form and Fulham, who are safe from the drop, will be keen to break into the top eight as they seek to finish the season strongly.

Liverpool have lost just once in their last six league fixtures, while Fulham have won their last two in a row and have been beaten just twice in their last eleven games.

It should be a tight affair but Liverpool’s need for points and the possibility of a place in Europe should inspire them to another victory under Dalglish, with Liverpool 7/5 to take all three points.

Champions League football may elude Liverpool this season but the signs look encouraging for next year with Messrs Carroll and Luis Suarez leading the attack. Dalglish is expected to become the club’s permanent manager following his successful temporary stint, and a spot in next season’s Europa League would be just reward for the Reds’ efforts since the Scottish manager took control.

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Drogba can haunt United again

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There are key battles at the top and bottom of the Premier League on Sunday with Arsenal’s trip to Stoke sandwiched between the Black Country derby and the title showdown at Old Trafford.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (23/20)  v West Bromwich Albion (23/10)

Wolves need to make a good start in front of their own supporters at Molineux, but they also must find a way to hold onto a lead after Fulham’s late equaliser denied them two vital points a fortnight ago.

Mick McCarthy’s side were blown away by Stoke City after that when the FA Cup finalists ensured their own safety, but there were encouraging signs in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s.

Steven Fletcher (5/1 in First Goalscorer) has found the back of the net twice recently, but no-one in the Wolves line-up can match the goalscoring run that West Brom’s Peter Odemwingie is on.

The Nigerian (7/1 to score 2 or more) has scored in each of his last four appearances and his goal against Aston Villa last week made it five in six since the start of March.

Odemwingie’s pace will give McCarthy’s back four kittens and could lead to Wolves not finishing the match with eleven men on the field, although the intense derby atmosphere itself may contribute to that.

Back Odemwingie (5/1) to be the last goalscorer and West Brom (7/2) to score in both halves.

Stoke City (18/5) v Arsenal (8/11)

This is a great time for Arsenal to be playing Stoke City, just a week before Tony Pulis’s side walk out at Wembley for the FA Cup final.

The Gunners will have gained a lot of confidence in beating Manchester United without their captain Cesc Fabregas last week. And they will have to do without him at the Britannia Stadium too, although Aaron Ramsey stepped into the breach admirably on his return to the side.

Ramsey’s memories of breaking his leg on this ground could spur him and his teammates on to another big performance and with Stoke now safe and more concerned with the Cup, Arsenal should win.

The Gunners should still expect a tough match from Pulis’ side, whether he rests a few players or not, and with Arsenal not having kept an away clean sheet since mid-January and Stoke’s record of scoring 19 in their last eight home games – both teams to score looks like a certain outcome.

Back both teams to score (3/4) and Arsenal minus one goal in the Handicap (15/8).

Manchester United (5/4) v Chelsea (11/5)

Chelsea’s recent form is impressive enough to suggest they can make it an away treble on Sunday – if Carlo Ancelotti opts to play Didier Drogba through the middle in a 4-3-3 formation.

All the scribes believe he simply has to drop the misfiring Fernando Torres and return to the formula that has enabled Chelsea to boast a proud recent record at Old Trafford (three wins, two draws and four defeats in the last nine visits).

Last year’s win may have owed a lot to Drogba’s offside winner, but Manchester United were already set-up to be picked off on the counter-attack by Ancelotti’s tacical masterplan.

Wayne Rooney will give hope to the home fans, and Javier hernandez has shown he can trouble the Blues’ ponderous centre backs, but Chelsea’s midfield is stronger and should be good enough to keep the title race going to the finish.

Back Chelsea to win (11/5) and Chelsea 2-1 in the correct score market (10/1).

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Bhoys out to keep title race alive

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Glasgow giants Celtic are now having to play catch up in the Scottish Premier League and will have to pick up all three points against Kilmarnock on Sunday to stand any real chance of beating Old Firm rivals Rangers to the title (Kilmarnock 9/1, draw 21/5, Celtic 3/10).

The Hoops suffered a huge blow to their hopes of lifting the SPL trophy in the week when they went down 3-2 to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Caley have been a bogie team for Celtic in recent seasons but this most recent upset could cost manager Neil Lennon and his players the title.

The defeat was not the only bad news for Lennon, as he will now have to do without Beram Kayal for the rest of the season after the talented midfielder fractured his wrist in the second half at the Caledonian Stadium.

Kayal has been an outstanding addition to the Celtic squad this season and has been praised for his performances by Lennon this term.

The Bhoys have further absentees for their trip to Kilmarnock on Sunday, as strikers Georgios Samaras and Anthony Stokes are both suspended.

Their absence will certainly be a loss for Celtic up front and they will have to rely on the likes of Kris Commons and Gary Hooper (5/2 to score the first goal) for their goalscoring options.

At the back there are more injury concerns, with Glenn Loovens out with a strain whilst Charlie Mulgrew and Mark Wilson are both doubtful for the clash at Rugby Park.

Midfielder Joe Ledley remains out of action after he picked up a hamstring injury in the Old Firm clash against Rangers which ended 0-0 at Ibrox.

Samaras had a crucial late penalty saved by Rangers keeper Alan McGregor which could be a huge turning point in the SPL title race.

Celtic cannot think of what might have been when they face Kilmarnock, who have some injury woes of their own.

Jamie Hamill is out with a hamstring problem whilst Frazer Wright and Ryan O’Leary remain out of action.

The home side will be without James Fowler who is suspended for the clash against the Old Firm giants.

Kilmarnock have not picked up a win in their last five games but did battle out a hard fought 2-2 draw with Hearts in their last outing.

The Ayrshire club remain in fifth spot in the SPL table and will be pleased with their season so far.

With Celtic suffering a host of injuries and suspensions, it will be a tough ask to go to Rugby Park and pick up three points.

However, with the likes of Hooper and Commons still available the Hoops should still secure the win and keep the SPL title race alive.

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Gers look to break Hearts

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Following Celtic’s surprise defeat at the hands of Inverness Caledonian Thistle in midweek, Rangers have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the SPL table, when they face Hearts on Saturday.

Gers can go four points clear of their arch rivals before Celtic make their trip to Kilmarnock in Sunday’s only game in the SPL.

The Ibrox club are on an unbeaten run of seven games in the league and go into Saturday’s game against Hearts (Match Betting – Rangers 1/3, draw 7/2, Hearts 8/1) on the back of a 5-0 thrashing of Motherwell last weekend.

Kyle Lafferty, Steven Naismith and Nikica Jelavic were all amongst the goals against ‘Well, as the trio continue to cause problems for defences north of the border.

As for Hearts, they have struggled to pick up wins in recent weeks as they have drawn their last five games in the SPL.

The Edinburgh club have had an impressive season, and have looked like the only side that can really challenge the Old Firm.

Manager Jim Jeffries has worked wonders at Tynecastle and his side will have a big say in where the SPL title will be heading, as they face both the Glasgow giants before the end of the campaign.

Despite the great strides Hearts have made this season, Rangers are full of confidence and should pick up all three points at Ibrox this weekend.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen have endured a disappointing season and they will want to end with a flourish, starting with their game against St Johnstone (Match Betting – Aberdeen 23/20, draw 9/4, St Johnstone 9/4).

The Dons pulled off a narrow 1-0 victory over Inverness in their last outing, which has eased and worries of being drawn into a relegation battle.

Saints sit just two points above Aberdeen in the table and they were relieved to finally break their goal drought in the 2-1 win over Hibernian last Saturday. The Perth side had failed to score since early March but goals from Liam Craig and Kevin Moon against Hibs put an end to the embarrassing goalless streak.

This should be a fairly even game between these two sides and a draw would not be a surprise result.

Dundee United host Motherwell on Saturday as the visitors look to bounce back from that heavy defeat to Rangers (Match Betting – Dundee Utd 4/5, draw 13/5, Motherwell 3/1).

Motherwell came out 2-1 victors in this fixture at Fir Park back in April and look like they will complete a quick-fire double over United, who have been inconsistent in recent weeks.

Hamilton will be looking to keep their slight hopes of avoiding the drop alive, when they host Hibernian on Saturday (Match Betting – Hamilton 17/10, draw 12/5, Hibernian 6/4).

The Accies are making a good fight of it at the bottom of the table, with Hamilton currently on a three-game unbeaten run. With Hibs struggling for results in recent weeks, Hamilton could bag another three points and keep their hopes of survival alive.

Finally, Inverness will still be on a high after their victory over the Bhoys in the week, as they look towards their clash with St Mirren (Match Betting – Inverness 10/11, draw 12/5, St Mirren 11/4).

Saints have not won in their last four games and will find life difficult at the gateway to the Highlands, with Inverness strong favourites to collect maximum points.

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