Reading

Adam Federici guaranteed himself an appearance on a Christmas blooper DVD when he gifted the Potters the lead but Adam Le Fondre spared his blushes with a late penalty.

It was a fair result and no more than Brian McDermott’s newcomers deserved for a late onslaught, while Tony Pulis must have felt he’d had his pocket picked.

Stoke had been the better side for the majority of the game but nerves may have got the better of Reading. They will need to improve for a tough assignment in west London, and difficult first road trip against Chelsea, who are quoted by Totesport the 9/2 third favourites in the Premier League outright betting.

Roberto Di Matteo’s men pulled off a job-done, 2-0 away win at Wigan at the weekend in which they mustered just three shots on target, while new signing Eden Hazard caught the eye.

The DW Stadium encounter highlighted potential flaws at the back and suggestions Chelsea’s defenders do not enjoy players running at them, while Fernando Torres might have made the game more comfortable.

The last time the two sides met was in 2008 when the Blues pulled off a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to a Michael Ballack goal, so there is little to go on here in terms of recent history and the personnel have changed markedly for both sides.

Chelsea will be confident of a first win on home soil this season and this is reflected in the price of 1/4 in the match betting, with the draw quoted 9/2 and the Royals priced up the 12/1 rags.

Torres had an effort cleared off the line at Wigan and might have won his side a penalty on another day. The Spain striker is the 3/1 favourite in the First and Last Goalscorer market and 8/11 Anytime to open his account for the season.

Another option here would be to go split stakes on the 1-0 (13/2) and 2-0 (11/2) correct score outcomes, working on the theory McDermott might look to flood his midfield and stifle Chelsea.

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Hibernian v Celtic

Celtic were held to a surprising 1-1 draw at Hamilton last time out, but it is only a couple of weeks since they beat Rangers, so confidence in the squad should still be high. They are top of the table by five points, but have played three games more than their Glasgow rivals. Hibs have won only twice at home all season, scoring just nine goals and surely the Bhoys will have far too much ammunition.

Odds: Celtic 4/9 to win
Value bet: Celtic Evens to keep a clean sheet

Aberdeen v St Mirren

The Dons have rescued their season to a certain extent with seven points out of a possible nine, including two away wins and they should have too much for a St Mirren side, who are just one point below them in the table. The Buddies are struggling at the moment and have won just once in five top-flight games, with three defeats and a draw, and this has the makings of a tight affair at Pittodrie. Goals may be at a premium but the home side are tipped to sneak this one.

Odds: Aberdeen 4/5 to win
Value bet: Aberdeen 7/4 to win to nil

Dundee United v Hearts

United finally managed to take all three points last time out against Motherwell after four successive draws and they are comfortably in mid-table at present, but face the in-form team north of the Border. Hearts have won eight of their last nine SPL games, with one draw, but they lost last time out in the Scottish Cup. However, that was surely just a blip and the Jambos should take this one comfortably by at least two goals.

Odds: Hearts 6/4 to win
Value bet: Hearts to score in both halves 11/4

Kilmarnock v St Johnstone

Killie are on an excellent run at present and have won four out of their last five top-flight games with a draw against Celtic, preventing their chances of a perfect five. Rugby Park has not exactly been a fortress this term, however, with four wins and five defeats, and it is their away form that has seen them reach fourth place in the table. St Johnstone are also on a decent run with three wins, a draw and a defeat in their past five matches and this one has draw written all over it.

Odds: Draw 5/2
Value bet: Correct Score 1-1 11/2

Motherwell v Inverness CT

This one sees fifth take on sixth in the table and it should be a competitive affair at Fir Park. ‘Well have lost four of their last five league contests with just one draw for their troubles, but they have faced the top three and so not too much should be read into their results. Caley have also suffered of late and have taken just two points from a possible 15, but they too have faced the top sides. Inverness are better away from home and are tipped to take this one by the odd goal.

Odds: ICT 23/10 to win
Value bet: Inverness 8/1 to win 1-0

Rangers v Hamilton

The Ibrox club will be annoyed to have slipped five points behind Celtic and will want to make sure they do not fall further behind, despite having three games in hand. A home clash with the bottom side would seem the perfect way to bounce back following the Old Firm defeat and it would be a brave man to back against Walter Smith’s men, when they play Accies at home. The visitors have scored just six away goals all season and it would be a major surprise to see them add to that tally on Saturday.

Odds: Rangers 1/7 to win
Value bet: Two or more goals at half time 6/5.

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