SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) takes a look at Sunday's Dundee derby, highlighting his best bets.
Dundee United vs Dundee | Sunday 19th September 2021, 12:00 | Sky Sports
We’re getting spoiled up here, with the third big Sunday derby in quick succession. A bit like the Edinburgh derby, though, I’ve no real appetite to back a winner – as it’s again a tricky match to call.
If it’s as good a game, as last weeks – it should also be a great watch. Whilst I’m loathe to get involved in the 1X2 market, I wouldn’t put anyone of goals and card bets.
John Beaton refs, and he is not averse to flurries of cards usually, when things get a bit feisty in a game.
Both sets of players will be encouraged by the frenzied capacity crowd, to get stuck in, so things, especially in the midfield areas, could get interesting. Prime candidate for a card, is the Tangerines combative midfielder Calum Butcher.
Here are the minutes that Butcher has been booked in, when starting matches, over the last season or so:
82-24-37-10-40-13-45-82-65-37-37-25.
So in 8/12 his card has come in the first. So for that reason a little punt at 8/1 with Bet 365 for Butcher to receive the first half, is perhaps worth a go.
A couple of players who stand out a bit in the goalscorer markets are Leigh Griffiths and Lee Ashcroft. The prolific Griffiths got a crucial 90 minutes under his spell for The ‘Dee last week, and Unibet’s 17/2 for the ex-Scottish international is a tad big.
Likewise the Dark Blues centre back Lee Ashcroft to score first at 40/1 with Bet 365, could be value. The big defender got 7 goals last term, and is a big threat in the air at set plays.
I’m looking forward to this one, should be a lively encounter.
Best Bets
Dundee United vs Dundee – Calum Butcher to receive the first card (8/1 Bet365)
Dundee United vs Dundee – Leigh Griffiths to score first (17/2 Unibet)
Dundee United vs Dundee – Lee Ashcroft to score (40/1 Bet365)
