SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) begins a brand new column, sharing his NAP, next best and long shot ahead of the weekend's action.
NAP – Queen's Park to win (21/20 BetVictor)
The Spiders were long odds on ante-post favourites for League Two, and they are most definitely looking the part so far. Their opening gambit was a disappointing 0-0 draw at Stirling Albion, however since then they have won six on the bounce – only conceding a solitary goal in that sequence.
Edinburgh City are the visitors this weekend to Hampden Park. It's fair to say that City have been one of the stronger teams in League Two over the last couple of seasons, however they have been a bit more inconsistent so far this term. From their seven fixtures they are: W4 L3. The capital club have lost to Stranraer, Stenhousemuir and Cowdenbeath already.
Whilst their goal threat is there for all to see (scored 15), City have only have kept two clean sheets in those seven games – shipping two goals in a home victory over perennial strugglers Albion Rovers last weekend.
Ray McKinnon’s hosts will be a completely different proposition to what the Ainslie Park side have faced thus far. The hosts have a squad full of players who could be playing two divisions higher.
Guys like Peter Grant and Lee Kilday have been making sure the defence is really solid. For attacking options, the Spiders have an embarrassment of riches at this level – Jai Quitongo, Will Baynham, Louis Longridge, Bob McHugh and the prolific Simon Murray. The bad news for the rest of the division, is that Queen's Park can probably step up another gear or two yet.
Yes, Edinburgh City are decent opponents, but the current odds-against quote of 21/20 with Bet Victor for Queens Park to win seems generous.
Next best – Hearts to score 3+ goals (6/5 SkyBet)
The Hearts performances this season so far, in truth, have been a bit of a mixed bag. However, they have been infinitely better at Tynecastle (100% so far) – winning two league cup matches and three league matches as hosts. In those three home league games, they have scored 6-2-3 goals against Dundee, Inverness and Alloa respectively.
Their opponents this Saturday are Queen of the South. The Doonhamers haven't been great on their travels in recent times – only keeping a clean sheet in 3/27. Their defence looked very pedestrian in their most recent 3-0 defeat to Inverness, with Caley missing a few decent chances to add to their tally.
With Robbie Neilson looking for his players to challenge for a Scottish Cup final starting place, you would expect the Jambos to be way too good for Alan Johnston's side. With their quality in attack the 3+ goals threshold is more than achievable against a side who I expect to really struggle this season.
6/5 with Skybet seems worth taking.
Long shot – Inverness to score 3+ goals (11/2 SkyBet)
Inverness, it's fair to say, are on a decent run at the moment. Their last four matches reads well: W3-D1-L0 and even more eye-catching is their home form this calendar year: W7-D3-L0.
John Robertson remains a canny operator at this level, despite losing half a dozen players to Premiership clubs over the last year, he has been able to once again replenish his playing staff more than adequately. This was seen to good effect last Friday evening in a very comfortable 3-0 away win against Queen of the South.
Robbo looks to have a nice mix of youth and experience, with the youngsters in particular coming to the fore – lads like Roddy McGregor and the diminutive winger Kai Kennedy (on-loan from Rangers) have been stand-outs.
Dundee, on the other hand, have started the season quite poorly, Particularly away from Dens Park, were they have only gained 1/9 points. In fact, they have only won twp of their last 11 aways.
Dee boss James McPake is coming under a bit of pressure as they are already seven points below top of the table Hearts. In those matches on the road, they have conceded 6-3-2 goals to Hearts, Alloa and Ayr.
With doubts surrounding Dundee’s defensive capabilities I will take a speculative punt on the enthusiastic Caley Thistle hosts netting at least three goals.
Best Bets
Queen's Park vs Edinburgh City – Queen's Park to win (21/20 BetVictor)
Hearts vs Queen of the South – Hearts to score 3+ goals (6/5 SkyBet)
Inverness vs Dundee – Inverness to score 3+ goals (11/2 SkyBet)
