Ayr United vs Hearts
3 February 1945hrs
Football – Scotland – Championship
Pick Under 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Paddypower
Odds: 7/4 odds taken 2000 GMT, Wednesday 3 February
League leaders Hearts will be hoping to continue their push to an automatic and immediate return to the top-flight when travelling to face Ayr United on Friday evening.
Table of Contents
- 1 Ayr United Preview – Will Ayr build on their first win in seven matches to boost hopes of a top four finish?
- 2 Hearts Preview – Are Hearts set to make it a third straight league win and preserve lead at top of the table?
- 3 Ayr United vs Hearts Betting Advice
- 4 Best Betting Odds for Ayr United vs Hearts
Ayr United Preview – Will Ayr build on their first win in seven matches to boost hopes of a top four finish?
This is Mark Kerr’s first full season in charge at Somerset but having played and coached at this level for a number of years – as well as half a season in his current role – he knows the challenges of the Scottish Championship. His team have had to enduring a really challenging period of late going six games without a win before recording a much needed victory when beating Alloa 4-1 at home on Saturday.
Interestingly, it was their first victory since defeating the same opponent at the start of December. Kerr will hope it’s a catalyst for a good run of form which would see them move into the top four and occupy a playoff spot.
Hearts Preview – Are Hearts set to make it a third straight league win and preserve lead at top of the table?
Seeing Hearts on top of the table at the beginning of February will not be a surprise, neither is the size of the lead over the chasing pack. Robbie Neilson’s men are 12 clear of second place Raith Rovers, albeit they have played a couple of games more. Still, it looks likely they will bounce straight back to the Premiership following their relegation last season.
The Tynecastle club have not always been impressive in their performances but 11 wins in 14 matches in this league is decent going and as they are past the halfway point in terms of matches (27-game Championship season) they know a few more wins will see them very close.
Don’t miss out on other Betting Tips & Predictions
Click here for more Betting Tips
Hearts have won four of their six away games in the Championship with defeats coming against Dunfermilne and Dundee. Goals on their travels have been harder to come by as well with 12 in six matches compared to 28 in eight home games.
One man signed to help with that is former Blackpool striker Armand Gnanduillet. The Frenchmen made his debut in the 4-0 win away to Raith Rovers where he scored two and provides a different threat to the forwards already at the club.
Ayr United vs Hearts Betting Advice
If this game is anything like the last meeting between the sides then we are in for a treat. Unfortunately, the circumstances coming into this game may mean we don’t see a repeat of the 5-3 thriller at Tynecastle on Boxing Day. Hearts came back from two goals down that day to get the points and they may have to show battling qualities again to prevail.
Ayr are very dogged at home and have conceded only three goals in six games. Hearts are not as prolific on their travels either so I expect this to be a low-scoring affair in contrast to what we seen back in December.
Key Facts – Ayr United vs Hearts Betting Tip
- Ayr sit fifth coming into this game and three points adrift of the playoff zone
- Hearts have won 11 of their 14 Championship games and have a 12 points lead at the top
- The teams played out an eight goal thriller when meeting on Boxing Day – Hearts prevailing 5-3
Four of Ayr’s six home matches have went under 2.5 goals and they play to their surroundings well on what is a compact pitch. Take the under 2.5 goals here.
