SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) continues his new column, sharing his NAP, next best and long shot ahead of the weekend action.
NAP – BTTS in Alloa vs Arbroath (5/6 Bet365)
This promises to be a lively encounter at the Innodrill Stadium, with both teams desperate for the three points to benefit them in the basement of the Championship.
Alloa have the likes of Robert Thomson, and the two veterans Alan Trouten and Kevin Cawley to chip in with their goals this season. whilst it's no coincidence that the Red Lichties results have took an upturn since acquiring striker Jack Hamilton on loan.
The young attacker has scored 10 goals in the equivalent of 12-and-a-half games for his parent club Livingston, on-loan at East Fife and now with Arbroath.
The Wasps last nine matches have seen Both Teams To Score bank, add to that the visitors have scored in 7/8 games recently, hence Bet365’s 5/6 for BTTS is this weekend's NAP.
Next best – Under 3 Goals, BTTS ‘No' in Aberdeen vs St Mirren (21/20 Bet365)
Aberdeen continue to be badly out of sorts with a current recent win record of 2/10, and failing to score in the last four games. New signing Fraser Hornby is a doubt, whilst Greg Leigh has joined the injured list.
The Buddies are in better nick than the Dons, but did take a pasting (4-0), in midweek as hosts to Celtic. They are also missing several attacking players with injuries: Eamon Brophy and Jamie McGrath are out long term, and Collin Quaner and Kristian Dennis wont make this one either.
This match screams low-scorer to me. The hosts have only seen both teams to score in 3/12 recently, whilst the Paisley side are 5/12 for BTTS too of late.
Bet365’s Bet Builder of Under 3 Goals, Both Teams To Score ‘No' at 21/20 makes some appeal given both teams current plights.
Long shot – Kilmarnock to win (18/1 William Hill)
It's fair to say the hosts performances recently have slipped a bit from the impressive early to mid-season form. This was highlighted with their 1-1 draw with Hamilton Accies last weekend.
The absence due to suspension of the main strikers Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe also further weakens the Teddy Bears for this one.
Killie played pretty well in Tommy Wright's first game in midweek, although ultimately losing 1-0 to Motherwell. Ex-Ger Kyle Lafferty has been added to the visitors squad, to add some more attacking threat.
The Ayrshire men will look to keep things tight, and the 18/1 that William Hill are offering on an away win, could be a wee bit big taking everything into consideration.
Best Bets
Alloa vs Arbroath – Both Teams To Score (5/6 Bet365)
Aberdeen vs St Mirren – Under 3 Goals, Both Teams To Score ‘No' (21/20 Bet365)
Rangers vs Kilmarnock – Kilmarnock to win (18/1 William Hill)
