Showing posts with label Celtic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Celtic. Show all posts

Friday, 9 April 2010

Celtic v Ross County, Saturday 10th April

Part 4 of the Grand National Preview will follow tonight

My Thoughts
For Celtic, the Scottish Cup represents their only realistic chance of a trophy this season, and (the final Old Firm derby of the season aside) perhaps the only chance for Neil Lennon to stake his claim for the manager's job on a permanent basis. For Derek Adams' fine young Ross County side, this is surely the biggest game in their 81-year history. County are probably now just too far back to realistically be in with a chance of winning the 1st Division this season, but this has still been a memorable campaign for the Staggies, with the quarter-final victory over Hibs among the highlights. For Celtic, this has been a miserable campaign, with only the temporary signing of Robbie Keane providing them with any joy (and, no doubt, some healthy merchandise sales)

The Verdict
Now, the verdict in this one has been causing this writer much trepidation. Despite Celtic being in a higher league than County, recently their performances have been poor- they were unconvincing in victories over Kilmarnock and Hibs, and then there's the results "achieved" under Tony Mowbray. County's recent form has generally been not bad, not great- of their last 4 games, they've won 1, lost 1 and drawn 2. It should be noted, though, that County's form going into the games against Hibs wasn't brilliant, and yet the Staggies progressed (with a few late goals thrown in. Bear that in mind after 75 minutes). Celtic's Scottish Cup record is good (they've won it 4 times this millennium, and plenty of times before then), especially when compared with County, who before this season had never been beyond the last 16, but their defence has been particularly unconvincing of late, with Robbie Keane being relied on to get them out of trouble. This could be a close one

The Bet
90 minutes at Easter Road couldn't separate County and Hibs, and it took until the 90th minute for Scott Boyd to score the winner in the replay- it's not beyond County to force extra time here. Therefore, the draw at 11/2 with William Hill looks great value. The same bookmakers also offer odds on County's free-kick expert left-back Scott Morrison to score anytime of 66/1, as well as a wee special double with the Grand National: County to win and Beat the Boys to win the Grand National: £5 would net you £5,555. Tempting

Friday, 2 October 2009

You're the man, eh?

Here's Graeme's Silly Bet for the weekend:

It's Fifa 10 Friday so been slow in getting the post out.

No pumping occurred for Rangers last week, made me look foolish and silly. Still, I think Aberdeen are a really poor side and fully expect Kilmarnock to cause them problems. Tasty low scoring draw methinks.

1-1 draw available at 5/1 wth William Hill

Hawick to lose is a bet I wouldn't touch at the moment for fear of police investigation

OLD FIRM MADNESS!!!!

Ranger are still abject, mind you so are Celtic
3-0 Celtic available at 28/1 with William Hill

Premiership: Man Utd v Sunderland (Shifty will be attending this game. K Stand Tier 2)
Any goal scored in injury time, 15/4. Amidst the recent controversy (what controversy? Ed) could be worth a fateful cheeky punt

Good luck over the weekend, whatever market you bet in
xxxxxxx

Rangers v Celtic, Sunday 4th October

My Thoughts

A mixed week in European competition for these two sides: Rangers were taught a lesson in counterattacking football from Master Manolo Jimenez and his grade-A students from Sevilla, while Celtic will be pleased that they didn't lose their game. Both teams also have mixed news on the injury front: after their midweek result, Rangers have doubts over Madjid Bougherra (who is lost somewhere in last Tuesday), Davie Weir (as discussed in a previous entry on here), Sasa Papac (who has blurred vision) and Jerome Rothen, who was found in the Sevilla laundry room last night, still in the shorts pocket of their right-back, Abdoulay Konko. The NHS have also been in contact with Rangers regarding Allan McGregor's goalkeeping jersey, requesting that it come with a health warning, due to the likelihood of it causing seizures. Celtic, on the other hand, look set to have Andreas Hinkel and Paddy McCourt (Old Firm side in signing Irish player shocker) back in contention, after both players missed their 1-1 draw with Rapid Vienna.

The Verdict
Last season's Old Firm games were as tight as ever, save for Rangers' 4-2 win at Celtic Park last August. The last 4 meetings between the 2 sides have produced just 4 goals, so we're certainly due a few. Given the horsing that Rangers back line took at the hands of Sevilla, Tony Mowbray must be optimistic for his first Old Firm derby as a manager. Celtic to edge it, perhaps by the odd goal in 5

The Bet
Of course, my talking up of the possibility of goals could turn out to be a load of rubbish. If so, 1-0 Rangers is available at 7/1 with totesport, with 1-0 Celtic 15-2 at Skybet. However, over 3.5 goals is also worth a look, currently available at 10/3 with Extrabet. The same bookie also offers 5/2 on Scott McDonald to score anytime, following his goal in midweek and after scoring at Ibrox last season. For Rangers, Nacho Novo has been the scourge of Celtic in the past- he's available at 3/1 with Skybet to score anytime