SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) continues his new column, sharing his NAP, next best and long shot ahead of the weekend action.
NAP – Kelty Hearts to win (13/10 Bet365)
It's fair to say that Barry Ferguson’s charges dominated the first leg of this second division play-off at Dudgeon Park. Winning 2-0 in midweek in the Highlands, whilst also remarkably missing two penalties early in the proceedings.
Brora boss Steven Mackay was disappointed with his team's first leg showing, and labelled it ‘unacceptable’, especially after their previous heroics, knocking out Hearts in the Scottish Cup in March.
The Fife hosts are a team laden with players who have operated at Championship and League One level previously in the SPFL. Guys like Kallum Higginbotham, Nathan Austin, Michael Tidser and Dylan Easton, will be desperate to finish the job here, to get one step closer to League Two.
Yes, Kelty don't necessarily have to win here, but my gut feeling is that they will go for the jugular early, and put this play-off well and truly out of Brora's reach. If that scenario unfolds, the visitors heads would drop quite quickly.
Given that realistically, Kelty could have racked up 5 goals in the Highlands, and given that Bet365 are offering an enticing 13/10 for a home win, I will select Kelty as this weekend's NAP.
Next best – St Johnstone Double Chance and Under 3 Goals (11/10 Bet365)
This Scottish Cup semi-final promises to be a tight affair at Hampden on Sunday. St Johnstone were clear favourites for this, until it was announced that four players will be missing due to COVID issues. As a result their has been a slight drift on their price.
St Mirren have already visited Hampden this season for a semi-final, but lost out in the League Cup to Livingston. In contrast Callum Davidson's outfit went onto win the competition, taking the silverware back to the Fair City.
Jim Goodwin's Buddies scraped through on penalties at Rugby Park in the quarter finals. If truth be told though, they never impressed against a badly weakened Kilmarnock side. The Perth side, on the other hand, showed bundles of character and self-belief to despatch the champions Rangers in their own back yard.
Goals, I feel will be at a premium here, especially given both clubs Under 2.5 Goals league match record:
- St Johnstone 29/36
- St Mirren 23/36
So, as my next best bet – I like the look of the Bet Builder of St Johnstone Double Chance and Under 3 Goals which pays 11/10 with Bet365.
Long shot – Four draws (four trebles and a four-fold at 128/1 Bet365)
It's play-off weekend in Scotland, and it's quite possible that their could be some cagey match-ups.
I’m suggesting a play on the following four draws, perming the four trebles and the fourfold. (Five bets in total):
- Raith v Dunfermline
- Montrose v Morton
- Cove Rangers v Airdrie
- Elgin v Edinburgh City
Best Bets
Kelty Hearts v Brora Rangers – Kelty Hearts to win (13/10 Bet365)
St Mirren vs St Johnstone – St Johnstone Double Chance and Under 3 Goals (11/10 Bet365)
Raith vs Dunfermline, Montrose vs Mortose, Cove Rangers vs Airdrie and Elgin vs Edinburgh City (four draw trebles and a draw four-fold 128/1 Bet365)
