SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) continues his new column, sharing his NAP, next best and long shot ahead of the weekend action.
NAP – Kilmarnock to win (7/4 Unibet)
The hosts have appointed Tommy Wright as their new manager. On the face of it, it looks a good appointment. The ex-St Johnstone boss knows the league inside out and in the short term should be able to ensure Killie's top league status.
The hard work starts on Wednesday night at Rugby Park, against Graham Alexander's Motherwell. Providing he gets a couple of his injured players back in the starting line-up, Wright’s arrival should be able to get the necessary improvement from the underperforming Ayrshire side.
When the teams last met six weeks ago, Killie won 2-0 at Fir Park, so I’m happy to back the new manager bounce here at 7/4 with Unibet.
Next best – St Mirren Double Chance (7/4 SkyBet)
The Buddies are improving nicely this term under Jim Goodwin, already with wins against the likes of Rangers, Aberdeen and Wednesday's opponents Celtic. The recent 2-1 win at Celtic Park was well deserved, and has contributed to a nice run of: W7 D4 L4, pushing them into the top six.
The Hoops themselves are: W8 D5 L2 for the same period, but that run has seen them slip well behind in the title race. Based on the progress of both sides, win odds of 6/1 for the Saints, and 4/9 for Neil Lennon’s men, there does seem to be a bit of disparity. Hence the Double Chance for the Paisley side at Skybet's 7/4, is perhaps worth an interest in a game that could be tight one.
Long shot – Hamilton to win (15/2 William Hill)
Bit of a price play this one. Livingston's long unbeaten bubble was finally burst at the Tony Macaroni on Saturday. The 2-1 defeat in the league, came at the hands of their League cup final opponents St Johnstone. The hosts have actually lost 6/14 now at home this term.
The Accies in contrast, put up an excellent performance against the champions-elect Rangers, in a well deserved 1-1 draw. The Lanarkshire side have already won on the road in West Lothian earlier in the season, and are scrapping for points in the relegation battle at the bottom.
On the other hand, David Martindale's Livi have had problems with four players having injuries or with covid issues, all said, they could be forgiven for having one eye on the chance of silverware in the next 10 days or so. So the 15/2 on offer at William Hill on the Accies win, does seem just too big given all the circumstances.
Best Bets
Kilmarnock vs Motherwell – Kilmarnock to win (7/4 Unibet)
St Mirren vs Celtic – St Mirren Double Chance (7/4 SkyBet)
Livingston vs Hamilton – Hamilton to win (15/2 William Hill)
