SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) continues his new column, sharing his NAP, next best and long shot ahead of the weekend action.
NAP – Draw in Hibs vs Aberdeen (9/4 BetVictor)
Both of these two haven't been in great form of late – Hibs slightly the better of the two (W3 D1 L5), with the Dons W2 D4 L3. T
he visitors have seen big changes with their attacking options, with Cosgrove, Main and Wright all leaving the club, Fraser Hornby and Flo Kamberi have been brought in. Ryan Hedges being out with injury is another blow for the reds.
Jack Ross has had a recent transfer request from striker Kevin Nisbet to deal with, which led to him being on the bench for the last two games.
A lot of fan pressure is on Derek McInnes to get a win here, but I'm anticipating a very tight match up here, so Del may have to make do with only a point. The draw is 9/4 with Bet Victor.
Next best – Ross County (29/20 Betfair)
John Hughes' appointment has undoubtedly seen an upturn in the Staggies results (W3 D1 L3), whereas they had lost six in a row before Stuart Kettlewell was sacked. Meanwhile, the Tangerines started the season pretty well, finding themselves in the top six, however recent results have been poor to say the least, with only one win in their last twelve.
Oli Shaw has been the hosts main man for goals recently, now on eight goals for the season. Big Yogi also called on Jordan White and Billy McKay in midweek to ultimately turn a defeat into a win at Hamilton. Micky Mellon’s front men, Lawrence Shankland and Mark McNulty, haven’t really been scoring enough goals at this moment in time, to ensure Utd don’t slip into a relegation scrap.
So with the current form of these two, the 29/20 with Betfair for a Staggies win looks a decent price.
Long shot – Bevis Mugabe to score at anytime (24/1 Unibet)
Having watched the Hoops comfortable win in midweek against an out of form and understrength Kilmarnock, there was still some defensive frailties on show in Neil Lennon's back line.
Whilst never being in danger from a powder-puff Killie, the chances that the ‘Tic gave up at corners were quite galling. Young centre back for the Ayrshire men, Zeno Rossi passed up three clear headers from corners, each with a better contact would have punished the Celts.
The defending or lack of it from set plays has been a problem all season for the hosts. Scott Bain doesn't exude confidence either, glued to his goal line and flapping at balls fizzed across the goal.
If the Motherwell centre backs get the type of space that was offered in midweek, then there is a fair chance they will be a bit more ruthless.
Bevis Mugabe has already bagged two away goals in his last eight appearances on the road, whilst Declan Gallagher(doubtful with injury) helped himself to a headed goal from a corner last time out against Celtic. Mugabe is available at 24/1 to score anytime with Unibet.
Best Bets
Hibs vs Aberdeen – Draw (9/4 BetVictor)
Ross County vs Dundee United – Ross County to win (29/20 Betfair)
Celtic vs Motherwell – Bevis Mugabe to score at anytime (24/1 Unibet)
