Saturday 31st March 2018 Kick off 1500hrs Celtic v Ross County Football – Scotland – Scottish Premiership Celtic dropped points in their latest game before the international break but still have a healthy lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and look well on course to clinch what will be a seventh straight league title in Scotland. They can take another step towards that when facing off against bottom club Ross County at home on Saturday. Ross County have endured a disastrous season to date and face an uphill battle to preserve their top flight status with the games fast running out. It’s top v bottom in the East End of Glasgow – could their be a massive shock on the cards.
Celtic’s win over Rangers earlier this month was a massive step forward for Brendan Rodger’s men in their quest to win the league yet again. The gap between be top two is 10 points and the Hoops also have a game in hand over their rivals. It looks all but sealed and with a Scottish Cup semi-final to come against Rangers, a historic ‘double’ treble is on the cards following Celtic cleaning up the domestic trophies 12 months ago. It’s fair to say that Rodgers’ men have not been at the same level as last season, as often, and that was the case last time out when they could only manage a draw away to 10 man Motherwell. A host of their players have been away on international duty this past week but all have appeared to come back unharmed which will be music to the ears for Rodgers who has had to contend with a number of injuries to key players already this season. He’ll be looking to use the squad for a very strong and successful end to the season.
Ross County have lurked from one disappointment to another this season. Following their highest ever finish in the top flight 12 months ago, when reaching the top six after the split, expectations were high that they could maintain that level of performance and aim for similar again. In truth, they have never really got going and it resulted in Jim McIntyre losing his job. He was replaced by Owen Coyle whom there was much excitement considering he has experience of managing in the Premier League. Again, the appointment failed to work and Coyle left his job shortly before the international break and has been replaced with Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell who have limited experience in management. Their job is a simple one and difficult at the same time as they have to at least get off the bottom and possibly out of the bottom two. Currently three points adrift of second bottom Partick Thistle, County are a further three points behind Dundee. They’re certainly up against it but there is at least some hope. Anything gained from Saturday’s game would be an undoubted bonus.
Celtic v Ross County Betting Tip
Celtic were far too good for Ross County when the two clubs met in Glasgow as they ran out 4-0 winners. They found things much more difficult up in the Highlands as a superb strike from Leigh Griffiths late on was required to secure all three points. It’s only their second home game of the month and they will be looking to continue what is an excellent home run that stretches back will over a year. County have actually picked up more points on the road than they have at home this season but this looks a task that is beyond them all things considered. Celtic will be refreshed from the break and determined to clinch this league as soon as possible and in style.
With many of their attacking players now returning to fitness and form, it’s only a matter of time before they inflict a heavy defeat on an opponent and this looks like the perfect opportunity to do that.
Celtic -2 8/5 @ Paddy Power
