SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) continues his new column, sharing his NAP, next best and long shot ahead of the weekend action.
NAP – Inverness to win and Both Teams To Score (12/5 Bet365)
Caley Thistle are generally pretty solid at home and their last 12 in Inverness reads: W7-D4-L1.
The Wasps, on the other hand, on the road this season are W1-D0-L4, having only won against lowly Arbroath.
The angle I like in this one, is for John Robertson's hosts to win and Both Teams To Score. The Highlanders have scored in every league match this season (nine), with BTTS landing in seven.
With Alloa having netted in their last five outings, and given the hosts strong home record, I'm suggesting a wager on Bet365’s 12/5 for a home win alongside both sides scoring.
Next best – Ross County +3 handicap (5/6 Gentingbet)
Ross County are W2-D1-L1 under new manager John Hughes. Whilst there was no disgrace in the defeat, away to an on-fire Livingston, the two victories were extremely eye-catching. Both comfortable wins against the two teams that most likely will finish third and fourth in the league this season – Aberdeen and Hibs. So it's fair to say Big Yogi will take his side in a confident frame of mind to Govan.
The Gers are off the back of an average performance, gaining a point in a 1-1 draw at Fir Park. Steven Gerrard’s hosts are so far ahead of Celtic, and with no sign of the Hoops bridging the gap, it would be understandable if the Teddy Bears took there foot of the gas here and there, before cruising to the title.
Hence Gentingbet's 5/6 giving the Staggies a three-goal start appeals.
Long shot – Motherwell to win (3/1 Paddy Power)
Aberdeen come into this after a shock 4-1 drubbing in Dingwall. Derek McInnes, on the back of that, has been coming in for a bit of criticism from the fans. There are also some injury issues for the Reds too, including missing two of their better players, Jonny Hayes and Ross McCrorie.
Motherwell are in better nick. New boss Graham Alexander has overseen a draw on the road to St Mirren, and a decent performance, sharing the spoils with Rangers at Fir Park. The obvious difference I noticed with the Steelmen was their organisation and work-rate.
Visiting the Granite City has been a pleasurable experience for the Lanarkshire men most recently, winning 3-0 and 1-0 on their most recent trips up the A90. In a tight game to call and with question marks over the Dons current form, Motherwell at the prices are worth a tickle.
Best Bets
Inverness vs Alloa – Inverness to win and Both Teams To Score (12/5 Bet365)
Rangers vs Ross County – Ross County +3 handicap (5/6 Gentingbet)
Aberdeen vs Motherwell – Motherwell to win (3/1 Paddy Power)
