SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) shares his verdict on Tuesday night's tussle between Hearts and Raith in the Scottish League Cup.
Hearts vs Raith | Tuesday 13th October 2020, 19:45 | Premier Sports
Hearts have thus far ground out two narrow 1-0 wins in the League Cup, the first at home to Inverness, and then on Saturday away to Cowdenbeath. Raith opened up for the season in Group A with a 2-1 victory in a Fife derby against East Fife.
Goal threat
Centre-half Craig Halkett scored the winner for the Jambos against Cowdenbeath at the weekend, whilst Jamie Walker saw a late penalty saved. Halkett actually has a ridiculously- impressive goalscoring record in the League Cup – scoring five times in only seven matches across last season and this. He is also one goal in three Scottish Cup games.
I wouldn't normally put up a centre-back at Bet365’s 12/1 price, but on his fondness for a goal in this competition, it is maybe worth a tickle. Whilst Walker will be hoping to remain the penalty taker, being one from 2yeofrom the spot. Even if he isn't, the Bet365 price of 7/1 to score first seems decent enough to me.
Raith will rely on Manny Duko (who got the winner at the weekend) to try and unsettle the Hearts defence. The big journeyman striker has until now mainly plied his trade in the lower reaches in England's League Two and non-league. He may find it tough against the Jambos back-line who have yet to concede.
Newly-promoted to the Championship, Rovers will be minus their manager tonight, ex-Hearts coach John McGlynn is absent as he recovers from an operation. His assistant Paul Smith will deputise.
One eye on league opener
Robbie Neilson, whilst being satisfied with the two wins so far, will know his team can play better, especially when the likes of Michael Smith and Liam Boyce return from the International break later in the week. The crunch league opener on Friday evening (against their expected rivals Dundee) will be on the back of everyone’s mind at Gorgie, so they will be just satisfied just to get a win and move on.
With everything we know about the current meanness of the Jam Tarts defence, and as they await the return of the prolific Boyce, I’m going to replicate a bet that's already landed in their first match against Inverness by also backing Hearts to win and Under 4.5 Goals (5/6 BetVictor).
Best Bets
Hearts vs Raith – Hearts to win and Under 4.5 Goals (5/6 BetVictor)
Hearts vs Raith – Craig Halkett First Goalscorer (12/1 Bet365)
Hearts vs Raith – Jamie Walker 7/1 First Goalscorer (7/1 Bet365)
