SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) continues his new column, sharing his NAP, next best and long shot ahead of the weekend action.
NAP – St Johnstone to win (13/10 Unibet)
The Saints are looking to go 3/3 for league wins against the beleaguered hosts this season, whilst Killie are on a very poor run – W3-D1-L10.
Indeed Alex Dyer is coming under a lot of pressure, with fans looking for a change of manager. Selection-wise, he doesn't have his troubles to seek with a few key central defenders doubtful, alongside two new covid issues within the squad.
With this in mind, Calum Davidson's Saints, who are six games undefeated, are the NAP this weekend at 13/10 with Unibet.
Next best – Over 3.5 Goals in Raith vs Dundee (2/1 BetVictor)
Both these sides have been involved in plenty of goal-laden games this season. Raith's 11 matches have seen 41 goals, whilst Dundee have delivered whopping 44 goals in total in their 12 matches.
Dundee have been adding to their attacking options, signing Paul McMullan from their neighbours across the road, and Jason Cummings from Shrewsbury.
I've spotted a nice price for Over 3.5 Goals in this match, you will find 2/1 on the BetVictor bet boost.
Long shot – Hearts to score Over 3.5 Goals (4/1 Betfred)
The Jambos haven't found goals hard to come by this season – scoring an impressive 39 in 13 matches. They added another two excellent signings for this level in the last week or so – Gary Mackay Steven and Armand Gnanduillet. Indeed, the latter came off the bench in a 4-0 win in midweek away to Raith, and bagged a debut brace.
The Pars, after a fine start to the campaign in October and November, have found winning more elusive of late – one victory in their last eight starts.
With Liam Boyce and Steven Naismith always hungry for a goal, along with new recruit big Armand – I'm going to take a punt on the Jam Tarts letting loose here, hence Hearts to score Over 3.5 Goals is perhaps worth a poke at a nice 4/1 at Betfred.
Long shot – Darren McGregor to be carded in Dundee United vs Hibs (9/2 Paddy Power)
Darren McGregor has only played 160 minutes in the league for the Hibees this season, and has already been booked twice.
The centre back was a 4/1 chance to be carded in midweek against Rangers, and true to form with a rash challenge on Glen Kamara, the bet copped.
We're getting a slightly better price of 9/2 with Paddy Power, for him to be carded. Hopefully the 35-year-old veteran will start, as Ryan Porteous came off early the other night and has been the subject of transfer speculation.
Best Bets
Kilmarnock vs St Johnstone – St Johnstone to win (13/10 Unibet)
Raith vs Dundee – Over 3.5 Goals (2/1 BetVictor)
Hearts vs Dunfermline – Hearts to score Over 3.5 Goals (4/1 Betfred)
Dundee United vs Hibs – Darren McGregor to be carded (9/2 Paddy Power)
