SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) takes a look at Tuesday night's tussle between Kilmarnock and Celtic in the Premiership.
Kilmarnock vs Celtic | Tuesday 2nd February 2021, 19:45 | Sky Sports
Almost inevitably, after watching his team give up a two-goal lead to collapse and lose to St Johnstone, Alex Dyer left Kilmarnock by mutual consent after the game at the weekend. Whilst being a popular figure around the club and an excellent number two to Steve Clarke when the Rugby Park men reached the heady heights of third in the league, sadly Alex couldn't quite cut it in the hot seat as manager.
There are some similarities with Celtic, with fans also looking for a change of manager sooner rather than later. The latest debacle for Neil Lennon and the players was an abject 2-1 defeat to St Mirren at Parkhead. Expect Lennon to make changes, with Johnjo Kenny has being added to the squad on loan from Everton, to replace Jeremie Frimpong who joined Leverkusen last week.
James Fowler and Andy Millen will take temporary charge for this one for the hosts, club captain Gary Dicker could make a return to the starting line-up. Killie have also signed forward Brandon Pierrick on loan from Crystal Palace, and the giant, young centre back Zechariah Medley from Arsenal.
In their current form, and their relatively poor recent record at Rugby Park (W2 D1 L2), the 1/3 quotes on Celtic make little appeal. Also with Kilmarnock right now, you're not 100% sure what kind of reaction they will give after losing their manager. But traditionally, they tend to always give the Hoops a decent game in Ayrshire, so for that reason the draw at 9/2 with Bet365 could be a bit on the big side.
Power surge
The referee for this one is Kevin Clancy. The official will be under major TV scrutiny for the second midweek in a row. He managed to let Alfredo Morelos off with a clear stamp on a Hibs player, despite having an excellent view of the incident. Rangers have since accepted a three match ban for Alfredo.
So Clancy will, in my opinion, not want to let anything naughty go unpunished. Hence the 11/2 for a red card in the match with William Hill is maybe worth a punt. (Killie have received 5 red cards already this season, 4 of them at home)
Some stats for you on the hosts no-nonsense, uncompromising Irishman Alan Power:
- The 33-year-old has been booked in 12/21 games this season.
- Last season he picked up a red card – against Celtic.
- The midfielder has received a yellow card in 5/11 matches against the ‘Tic.
- He's also been booked in big games when in opposition to Rangers – 9/14.
- Out of his 12 yellow cards, he has been the first player carded on five occasions. Amazingly, these have been his five most recent cautions.
So, William Hill's 15/8 for Power to receive a card looks more than fair, as does a speculative wager on their 9/1 on him to be the first player carded. With his previous record, and with all eyes being on the arbiter in this one – a red card for Power at 33/1 with Skybet, is maybe worth throwing a pound or two at too.
Best Bets
Kilmarnock vs Celtic – Draw (9/2 Bet365)
Kilmarnock vs Celtic – Red Card (11/2 William Hill)
Kilmarnock vs Celtic – Alan Power to be carded (15/8 William Hill)
Kilmarnock vs Celtic – Alan Power to receive the first card (9/1 William Hill)
Kilmarnock vs Celtic – Alan Power to be sent off (33/1 SkyBet)
