SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) continues his new column, sharing his NAP, next best and long shot ahead of the weekend action.
NAP – Alloa +2 handicap (21/20 Bet365)
Alloa have already defeated Hearts at the Innodrill Stadium this season, knocking them out of the League Cup in extra time, thanks to an Alan Trouten goal.
It's been noticeable that Robbie Neilson's Jambos have been excellent at Tynecastle this term, but not as convincing on the road. Defeats have came at Dundee and Dunfermline, alongside an unconvincing narrow win at Arbroath. Only a 2-0 victory in Greenock, has been comfortable.
Peter Grant's hosts always seem to put up a good showing when the bigger teams come to visit Clackmannanshire. Both the big Edinburgh clubs and the Dundee sides have found it difficult on the tight artificial pitch here in the last season or two.
The Gorgie visitors would no doubt be delighted to win this, even narrowly. For that reason, Bet365’s 21/20 on Alloa +2 handicap appeals as this weekend's NAP.
Next best – Draw in Morton vs Dunfermline (13/5 Bet365)
This ones very much a price play based on draw stats:
- Dunfermline have drawn 4/5 of their away league fixtures.
- The Pars are actually 6/7 draws on the road, from the end of last term into this.
- The Fifers have only lost 2/17 in the last calendar year.
- Morton have finished all square in 8/18 in their league matches in the last 12 months.
- The ‘Ton have drawn their last two league matches.
- The Cappielow men have only lost 4/18 in the championship.
For these reasons, and with both teams hard to beat, the draw at 13/5 for Friday evenings BBCScotland match is perhaps worth an interest.
Long shot – Conor Shields First Goalscorer (4/1 McBookie)
It's fair to say Queen of the South have turned a bit of a corner, an away win in Kirkcaldy against Raith, was followed by a home victory against Ayr Utd. More recently their current well being was further further advertised with a professional 3-0 drubbing of Queens Park in the Scottish Cup at Hampden.
The standout Doonhamers player in this recent run has undoubtedly been Connor Shields. The pacy front man has flourished in veteran Stephen Dobbie's absence – bagging 5 goals in his last 4 matches. So for the longshot this week I'm suggesting a dabble on him to score first at 4/1 with McBookie.
Best Bets
Alloa vs Hearts – Alloa +2 handicap (21/20 Bet365)
Morton vs Dunfermline – Draw (13/5 Bet365)
Queen of the South vs Arbroath – Conor Shields First Goalscorer (4/1 McBookie)
