Hibernian

Neil Lennon’s Celtic start off with an away fixture at Easter Road Stadium, as they look to form a solid start to their campaign, bringing into play, Hibernian v Celtic betting. Celtic will be missing their captain Scott Brown for the trip to Hibernian, but summer signing Victor Wanyama, who chose Celtic over Villas, could be in line for a start. There are a few injury concerns for Neil Lennon, but by and large, this is a winnable game for the Hoops and they will want to send Rangers a big message. This is a vitally important match for Neil Lennon, as Celtic’s youthful side need to show signs of maturity and experience right from the off. A home start would have been a little bit more comfortable for them, but against Hibs, who finished third from bottom last year, Celtic should get the opportunity to cut lose and get some confidence boosting goals under their belts. They are unlikely to have to work as hard for their win, as Rangers will against Heart of Midlothian. Neil Lennon has been another who has voiced criticism over the early start to the Scottish Premier League, but they look to be in a little bit better shape than rivals Rangers. As for your Hibernian v Celtic betting, well, no reason not back the favourites. Celtic will bring some consistency over from last season as well with them, and as for this fixture, would expect to see a first half of settling in, but with Celtic taking the lions share of the initiative.

Hibs v Celtic Betting Odds

Hibernian: 9/1 at Totesport
Draw: 15/4 at Victor Chandler
Celtic: 4/9 at William Hill

If Celtic’s main man, Gary Hooper scores the last goal of the Hibernian v Celtic game, then popular online bookmaker Boylesports will refund all losing First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer, Anytime Goalscorer, Score 2 or more, Hattrick and Scorecast bets! So there is some extremely good coverage on these markets at Boylesports. New customers registering an account with the bookie, can get a free £40 bet, when they place a first bet of £20. This is a great welcome offer, and a great way to start your Scottish Premier League betting season.

See our full 2011/12 Scottish Premier League preview here

Saturday 18^th December

English Championship

Millwall v Barnsley

Both Millwall and Barnsley comfortably sit in mid-table as they prepare to clash at the New Den tomorrow afternoon.

Millwall started the season very well and looked as though they took the transformation from League One to the Championship in their stride. However it’s never as easy as it looks and there is bound to be some sticky patches along the way. The Lions have suffered one of those already as they went on a run of seven games without a win in September and October. Since then, they have suffered from a lack of consistency as they have won four, lost four and drawn three from their most recent run of fixtures. Kenny Jackett will have probably expected this kind of form at this stage in the season as they have a number of players who have never played at this level before. Of course it’s going to take time to adjust and mistakes will be made. Without a doubt, their biggest disappointment would have been the 6-1 mauling at home to London rivals Watford. It was humiliating and embarrassing but if the younger players learn from it then there will be a positive to take from it.

Barnsley seem to have been around the Championship for years. Mark Robins men have flirted with relegation more often than not in recent seasons but they have that knack of being able to accumulate just enough points to survive. This time around, however, they look to have enough about them to produce a comfortable enough campaign, with the small possibility of even challenging for a play-off position. They currently sit 10^th in the Championship, just four points behind 6^th placed Norwich City. It’s testament to the hard work and discipline that has been instilled in the side by Robins since he took charge in 2009. Aside from some senior strikers, it’s another pretty young squad which has resulted in an almost identical season. Thankfully for Barnsley however, they’re on a very good run of form at the moment after a slow start. Having won four of their last 5, undefeated in all, they head into tomorrow’s game full of confidence, especially as they have won their last two away games.

Without a doubt, Millwall’s star man of the season to date has been Steve Morison. The man who was playing league football for the first time last season, is the club’s top scorer and talisman on their return to the Championship. Now a Welsh internationalist, Morison has led the line superbly well and is catching the eye of some Premier League clubs heading into January. After notching a brace in his side’s last home game, he’s in decent form and will certainly be a pest for the visitors defence tomorrow.

Barnsley will do well to hold on to Adam Hammill as the tricky winger is the subject of some firm interest from England’s top flight. It’s no surprise really as the former Liverpool youth has seven goals from out wide and is thriving at present. When you consider the quality of player plucked from this league in the past, Hammill may well be plying his trade elsewhere next month.

Millwall’s home record has been in and out all season which will be frustrating for Jackett as they normally are so strong at the New Den. Barnsley have had a couple of good wins on the road of late, but they have been against sides struggling for form and even then, they were lucky to grab all three points. I like Millwall’s intensity and style of play at home and because of that, I believe they can triumph tomorrow.

My selection: Millwall to beat Barnsley

Best odds available: EVENS available with Coral  

English League Two

Northampton v Morecambe

Northampton host Morecambe at Sixfields tomorrow knowing a victory could hoist them as high as eighth in the table.

The Cobblers have had an indifferent season to date but things seem to be picking up heading into the festive period. A run of six straight defeats in the league earlier this season was a real shocker for everyone at the club but they have picked themselves up and managed to put a decent run together which has seen them lose just one league match since October. The last time they lost a match at home in the league was over eight weeks ago which proves that they have turned a corner. At the heart of this recovery has been veteran striker Leon McKenzie. The forward has scored six goals in his last ten matches including a hat trick over Hereford. His experience and ability to put the ball in the net is there for all to see and should prove to be a shrewd acquisition in the coming months.

Morecambe have had a real fall from grace this season after their exploits last term. Sammy McIlroy guided his side to the play-off’s last season, only to be thrashed by eventual winners, Dagenham. This time around, however, has been surprising for all the wrong reasons as they are currently languishing in 20^th place, just a couple of points away from the relegation zone. Their dire form may be partly due to their change in stadium as they made the move over the summer. It can have either a positive or negative effect on clubs, for Morecambe, it certainly seems to be the latter. Just two wins from their last nine games in all competitions has resulted in them plummeting to the lower ebbs of the division and very much in a dogfight to stay up.

For all of Northampton’s problems in the early part of the season, they have still only lost two games at home. With two wins and a draw from their last three games, Ian Sampson’s men will be in buoyant mood, especially as tomorrow’s visitors have not tasted success on the road in the same number of matches.

Form is everything in these kind of matches and it makes sense to side with the team on a good run of it. That being the case, I expect Northampton to claim all three points.

My selection: Northampton to beat Morecambe

Best odds available: EVENS available with Victor Chandler  

Scottish Premier League

Kilmarnock v Hibernian

Neither Kilmarnock or Hibernian have played in December due to the big freeze in Scotland so both will be desperate to get back into action at Rugby Park tomorrow.

I have previewed a couple of Kilmarnock games this season and explained that the difference between Killie this season to last is night and day. The style of football, the make up the squad and the entertainment value have all benefited from the change in management. Tomorrow’s match against Hibs represents a different challenge though as they have been inactive for a couple of weeks and unable to train properly because of the weather. With it being a pretty young squad, it will be interesting to see how they cope with not only expectation with the form they’re in, but also the lack of competitive action of late.

Hibs are on to their second manager of the season after John Hughes was sacked for a poor run of results. Colin Calderwood is now tasked with the challenge of toppling city neighbours Hearts from third position. Anything other than that would be considered failure by the Hibee faithful who have grown disillusioned with the club of late. Their recent form has been anything but consistent as they have mixed disaster with delight. A derby day trouncing by Hearts was followed with an excellent success away to Rangers. The quality is at the club but it needs to be focused and channelled in the right direction in order for it to flourish.

Five points separate the clubs heading into tomorrow’s match with Killie looking for a win to close the gap on Motherwell above them. In recent times, Hibs have a terrible record in Ayrshire which doesn’t bode well for them tomorrow. I like trends in the SPL and I believe that Kilmarnock were on too good a run of form before the enforced break for Hibs to gain anything tomorrow.

My Selection: Kilmarnock to beat Hibernian

Best odds available: 6/5 available with Betfred

Saturday 25^th September

English Premier League

Birmingham v Wigan

Both Birmingham and Wigan only have one win apiece this season so neither side will be lacking in fight or desire at St Andrews tomorrow.

Alex McLeish has recently signed a new long term contract with the midlands club which is a sign of intent as he has done a fantastic job and transformed the club into an established Premier League outfit. He will be satisfied with his start to this season but frustrated nonetheless. An opening day draw at Sunderland was followed up with a home win over Blackburn. Since then, they have suffered their first defeat of the season in the derby against West Brom last week. Their most impressive display was arguably their home draw with Liverpool. But for Pepe Reina, the Blues would have easily won the game.

Wigan have been this season’s whipping boys, especially at home. Blackpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have all comfortably won at the DW Stadium already. Roberto Martinez’s side did spring a surprise on the road when they held on for a 1-0 success against Spurs at White Hart Lane. That, to date, is their only away match of the season thus far so Martinez will be hoping his side can replicate that form at St Andrews tomorrow. The biggest problem for Wigan has been their defence as they have conceded 13 goals already, the joint worst record in the Premier League along with West Ham. Add to that the fact they’ve only scored two goals all season (the worst in the league) then it’s fair to say that drastic improvement is needed if they are to survive this season.

Birmingham have a fantastic home record which they will be looking to preserve for as long as they can. The last side to take three points from St Andrews was Bolton Wanderers just under a year ago. It’s testament to how hard they are to beat and the belief that McLeish has instilled to the club. Wigan, on the other hand, have only won twice in 12 away games in England’s top division.

Alexander Hleb surprisingly moved to Birmingham on loan from Barcelona at the end of August. But it’s another midfielder who has caught the eye already – Craig Gardener. The former Villa player has been in scintillating form and has three goals already to his name.

Wigan are an unknown quantity away from home as they have only played the one match on the road and Spurs were particularly poor that day. However, you cannot get away from how strong the home side are on their own patch and I’m taking them to enhance their fantastic run at their ground with their second 3 points of the season.

My selection: Birmingham to beat Wigan

Best odds available: 5/6 available with several bookmakers including Betfred

English Championship

Norwich City v Hull City

These sides were separated by two divisions this time last year but both Norwich and Hull are both vying for wins in the Championship, at opposite ends of the table.

Paul Lambert has been in charge of Norwich for little over a year but what a year it’s been. The club were propping up the League 1 table before Lambert joined but the Scot got them playing attacking, winning football, and before long, they were well clear and won the League 1 Championship. This season has been much of a continuation and they find themselves in the Play-off places after half a dozen matches. Despite losing their first match of the season, at home to Watford, they have surprised many with such a young, and small squad.

Hull City have had a complete opposite start to the season.  An opening day win at home has been their sole success of a terrible season thus far. Nigel Pearson knew what he was inheriting when he took over in the summer – an ageing squad which needed trimmed due to massive financial problems. He has had to deal in free transfers as well as loans from the EPL in order to try and build a squad capable of staying in the division let alone being promoted. From their three away matches this term, they have zero points, conceded nine and scored one, it doesn’t bode well for their trip to Carrow Road.

Norwich have defeated Swansea and Barnsley already at home and will be looking for their third consecutive win to carry on their momentum. Key to their fortunes will be Grant Holt who is their main source of goals and their captain. He is the experienced head in amongst the youngsters around him and will be pivotal to anything that Norwich which to do this season. Hull have recalled Jimmy Bullard lately despite the fact he looked destined to leave due to his high wages. He could prove a talisman but you have to question how much desire he has at this level.

I watched Hull’s last game at home to Nottingham Forest and it was such a poor match, low in chances, low in entertainment and low in quality. Norwich can take advantage of the disarray tomorrow’s opponents find themselves in and add to their already decent tally at this stage of the season.

My selection: Norwich to beat Hull

Best price available: Evens available with several bookmakers including William Hill

Scottish Premier League

 Celtic v Hibernian

Celtic will be looking to maintain their 100% domestic record as Hibs travel to Parkhead tomorrow afternoon.

Neil Lennon is still boasting a 100% record in the SPL since taking over in March and it shows no signs of stopping soon. Since they were last previewed, Celtic have defeated Hearts and Kilmarnock in the league before destroying Inverness 6-0 in the league cup during the week. Lennon will be hoping that the run can continue with the first Old Firm game of the season creeping ever closer with the 24^th of October looming. He will also know that Rangers are doing just as well as his own side and will want to keep the pressure on their arch rivals as they play on Sunday this week.

Hibs have had a dreadful run since winning on the opening day of the season away to Motherwell. Two defeats at St Mirren and at home to Rangers have been in amongst a couple of poor home draws with Hamilton and Inverness. Boss John Hughes will feel the pressure even more now since his side crashed out of the League Cup away to Kilmarnock despite taking the lead. On top of all that, they lost their star striker, Anthony Stokes, to tomorrow’s opponents.

Celtic are a different proposition at home than they are on the road. Three narrow away wins have kept their run going but it’s at Celtic Park where they have been most impressive. A 4-0 thumping of St Mirren was followed up with a 3-0 success against Hearts and as already mentioned, the 6-0 win over Inverness means from three domestic home games, they have scored 13 and conceded zero.

With the form Hibs are on at the moment and the fact confidence is low within the Easter Road camp, you fear for them when they travel to Glasgow. They look toothless upfront and very leaky at the back so it probably won’t come as a surprise to note I am siding with the home side for a very comfortable win.

Also, Stokes has scored 3 in 2 for his new club and should start against his old club. It would be typical if he notched another against his former employee’s so it would be negligent not to side with him

My selections: Celtic (-2) to beat Hibernian at best priced 12/5 available with Paddypower

                            Anthony Stokes to score at anytime at a best priced 10/11 available with Bet365

Saturday 19^th September

Preston North End v Coventry City         

PNE entertain Chris Coleman’s Coventry on Saturday looking to maintain their above average start to the season.

I’ve tipped Preston twice already this season and find myself bored of repeating the reasons as to why I’m tipping them. They’re direct, aggressive approach to the game is very affective, especially against lesser sides in the Championship. Rather than repeat myself, regular readers are able to look back at why I like Alan Irvine’s side and why his tactics will be successful in such a league.

I’ve yet to comment on the away side this season so let’s look a bit more closely at them. Coventry have started the season reasonably well with 11 points from their opening 7 matches. It may not sound or look impressive, but their points haul find themselves in 10^th position just a solitary point outside of the play-off’s. What should be noted is that Coventry have managed to accumulate 8 goals from their first 7 matches. What is even more interesting is the fact that Leon Best and Clinton Morrison have notched 7 of those 8 goals between them, with Martin Crainie getting the other.

Preston’s impressive home record (2 wins and 1 draw from 3) will be halted at some point but I can’t see it being on Saturday. Jon Parkin, Chris Brown and Neil Mellor are very effective at this level and will pose numerous problems for any defence. Coventry have shipped 8 goals thus far and I can see that being added to come Saturday evening.

My selection: Preston to beat Coventry City

Best odds available: 5/6 with several bookmakers including Coral

English Championship

Barnsley v Swansea

Both these sides find themselves at the bottom end of the table after poor starts which has even resulted in Barnsley appointing a new manager in Mark Robins.

Barnsley had a total of 1 point after 6 games under former manager Simon Davey. Their single point came away to Sheffield Wednesday at the beginning of August. As they lost every other game, they sacked Davey and brought in Robins as his replacement. His appointment had an immediate effect on Tuesday night as the Oakwell side notched their maiden victory of the season with a 3-2 success at Derby.

Paulo Sousa’s Swansea are struggling to emulate Roberto Martinez’s Swansea. He may have the same philosophy and thoughts on the game but he has unable, as yet, to translate them on to the park. Sousa has had to contend with injuries and suspension to key players but will have the likes of Gary Monk, Ferrie Bodde and Angel back this week, whether it is enough to stop the slide is another matter. The Swans are suffering a massive hangover after such a good first season in the Championship. The loss of Martinez, as well as Jordi Gomez and Jason Scotland, to Wigan has been monumental.

I highlighted Swansea’s shortcomings last weekend when they face Preston and I feel they’ll fall short once again with a weak backline up against the likes of Andy Gray and Jon Macken. Both strikers are proven at this level and have simply been lacking confidence in recent weeks. Their strength and direct style of play is very similar to North End’s attackers who Swansea failed to deal with. As a result, I think Robins will continue his successful start by guiding his new club to their 2^nd successive 3 points haul.

My Selection: Barnsley to beat Swansea

Best odds available: 6/4 with several bookmakers including  Skybet

Scottish Premier League

Hibernian v St Johnstone

The home side will be looking to make up for a dismal performance last  time out against Hamilton by taking all 3 points at home to newly promoted St Johnstone.

John Hughes had a bright start to his reign as Hibs manager, taking 6 points from his first two matches before being narrowly beaten by Celtic. This makes last Sunday’s defeat at New Douglas park all the more surprising. They were very poor all over the park and never looked liked getting anything from the game.

St Johnstone have started the season in a positive manner with their only defeat coming against the green and white half of Glasgow on the 2^nd day of the season. They may, however, consider themselves to be unfortunate as they have only picked up 3 points. Without a win, their impressive performances against Motherwell, Hearts and St Mirren have all resulted in stalemates which may prove to be their downfall in the long run.

Hibs have talent and quality in abundance. The likes of Derek Riordan, Anthony Stokes and Liam Miller are excellent players at this level. This is highlighted even further by the fact Celtic have had two of them on their books and offered £2m for Stokes 3 years ago. The problem they have, however, is they lack real leadership since the departure of Rob Jones in the summer.

Derek McInnes has adopted an expansive style of football in his first season as SPL manager. If he chooses to go this way on Saturday I can see a home win. The ability of Miller and Riordan allied with Stokes’ pace and strikers instinct should see the home side prevail in an entertaining and attacking match.

My selection: Hibernian to beat St Johnstone

Best odds available: 4/5 with  Bet365

Saturday 20^th February

Reading v Bristol City

Bristol City visit the Madejski stadium on Saturday looking to get back on track after losing their first league match since the end of December whilst the host’s will look to continue their very impressive home record.

Reading have been nothing short of sensational when playing at home this season. From 16 matches at the Madejski in the Championship this season, they have picked up maximum points on 12 occasions, losing only once – a 2-1 defeat to lowly Southampton. The key to their success at home has been their ability to hold on to nearly all their big players from last season’s relegation from the EPL. Kevin Doyle, Stephen Hunt and James Harper have been key to their lofty position and are all Premiership class players. Stephen Hunt’s brother, Noel, has been an inspirational signing as well for Steve Coppell. The striker has already bagged 10 goals despite starting on the bench for most of the first half of the season. As well as quality going forward, Reading also have the best home defensive record in the league, conceding just 8 all season.

Bristol City suffered their first defeat, since losing at home to Burnley in December, against Doncaster on Tuesday night. By all accounts they were poor that night, and also lucky against Southampton last weekend, despite picking up 3 points. Their recent good run has found them just outside the promotion places and credit must go to manager Gary Johnson who stuck by his philosophy of playing good football. Their overall away record has been more than decent. They have been victorious seven times on the road, losing 6. Those statistics may not tell the whole story however. All 7 of their wins have come against sides currently in the bottom half of the table whilst 4 of their 6 defeats have come against teams currently above them in the table.

Reading are currently 4 points off top spot with a couple of games in hand over the teams who occupy the automatic promotion places and know that these kind of games are crucial if they want to go straight back into the top flight. Wolves and Birmingham have been stuttering of late and Reading can put the pressure on them big time. Bristol City may prove stubborn tomorrow afternoon but I expect them to lose for the 4^th time in 5 matches at the Madejski.

My Selection: Reading to beat Bristol City

Best odds available: 8/11 with betfred

Plymouth v Sheffield United

Plymouth manager, Paul Sturrock has been under huge pressure following a run of 7 defeats from 9 games with the other 2 ending in stalemates. It could be argued that the visit of a side who have not tasted defeat in 13 away games, is not what he would have wanted.

Argyle have put up little resistance to the likes of Derby, Crystal Palace and Charlton in the last fortnight. They have conceded a total of 8 and scored just the once in the trio of games preceding tomorrow’s match. There were calls from the Plymouth fans for Sturrock to be sacked following Tuesday’s home match against Palace but the board have given the Scot a bit more time to get it sorted and Sturrock himself has come out fighting.

Sheffield United have had to contend with the loss of star man and top goalscorer, James Beattie, who was sold to Premiership side, Stoke City. Since his sale, the steel city side have struggled to win matches – they have only managed to pick up maximum points once. Having said that they are still proving stubborn to beat and their derby reverse at home to Wednesday, was the only time they have come away with nothing.

Plymouth, as you would expect from a team lying 19^th, have struggled to pick up points at Home Park this season. At what is normally a tough place to visit, they have only managed to take 18 points from a total of 16 matches, losing a staggering 8 of these (incidentally the joint worst in the division). Sheffield United on the other hand are one of the stronger sides on the road. They have won 7 of their 16 games losing just four. They have conceded the least amount of goals when playing away as well, losing just 13 all season.

You can usually tell when a team is not playing for their manager and it looks increasingly like that this is the case with Plymouth Argyle. Just 3 points outside of the relegation zone having played more games than everybody else, they are really up against it. United sit in 6^th place, the last play-off position, but know they must keep on winning to stay there. They will be looking for a repeat of their 1-0 victory in the corresponding fixture last term and I fancy them to get it.

My selection: Sheffield United to beat Plymouth

Best odds available: 5/4 with totesport

Inverness Caley Thistle v Hibs

Since Terry Butcher’s arrival as manager of ICT, Caley have held both Celtic and Dundee United in the league whilst defeating Kilmarnock at home in the last round of the Scottish cup. Hibs have had an indifferent season thus far and find themselves well off the pace for the coveted 3^rd spot behind the Old Firm pair.

Before Butcher took the reins, Inverness were on an abysmal run of 9 defeats in 10 league matches. They looked like a team in desperate need of a change and thankfully for the club, they got just that. They look much more solid and compact as a team, whilst also carrying more of a threat going forward. Dougie Imrie has been a key player for the Highlanders in the last month and he is just the type of player they need to have any chance of survival. Richie Foran has also been signed on loan, as has Filipe Morais, and both have these have added a bit more variety in the final third.

Hibs have struggled for consistency all season long and it shows in their recent results. From their last 6 matches, they have won 1, drawn 3, and lost 2. Derek Riordan is beginning to look more like the player he was 3 years ago when he was first at the club whilst Steven Fletcher and Rob Jones are both set to return to the side. The capital club will be disappointed with last week’s 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock considering their opponents barely had a fit striker. They will be determined to get back on the winning trail this week to salvage any sort of push for a European place.

Hibs’ record in Inverness is nothing short of disastrous. Not only have they failed to win at the Caledonian stadium, they have managed just a solitary goal on their trips through. They have managed an away win over ICT, but that match took place at Pittodrie which was the Highlanders home in their very first season in the SPL. Due to the feel good factor around Caley at the moment added to the mediocrity that has blighted Hibs all season long, I can’t see the home side getting beat tomorrow.

I would urge slight caution in backing ICT outright tomorrow as they have not won in the league for a long time. Instead, I’d advise backing ICT on a ‘draw no bet’. This bet means that if the game ends in a draw, your stake will be refunded or if part of a multiple, it will be declared a non-runner.

My Selection: ICT ‘Draw no bet’

Odds available:  ICT ‘Draw no bet’ = 5/6 with Bluesquare