We’re gearing up for Round 14 of the Scottish Premier League, kicking off on Saturday 18 November.
With the international break behind us, it’s time to turn our focus back to the action-up north in the Scottish Premier League.
This round promises plenty of drama with a full slate of fixtures, including a crucial relegation showdown between Dundee and Kilmarnock – arguably the highlight of the weekend’s matches.
Saturday 18 November
Ross County 10/1 | Draw 5/1 | Celtic 2/9
Ross County face a tough task hosting Celtic at Victoria Park in the early kickoff. The Staggies have struggled for consistency this season, yet a 3-2 victory over Motherwell before the break offers some encouragement before this stern test.
Celtic should sail through this match comfortably, although they’ve dropped points twice in their last three home fixtures. However, their form on the road is impeccable with six consecutive wins. Back Celtic to make it seven straight away wins this weekend – take the (-1) handicap at 6/10.
Rangers 3/10 | Draw 17/4 | Hamilton 15/4
Over at Ibrox, Rangers have found new life since Pedro Caixinha’s departure. Under Graeme Murty, they’ve enjoyed solid wins including back-to-back victories against Hearts and Partick Thistle. Hamilton come into this game with only one win in their last six league outings.
The Accies have struggled for consistency and risk dropping into a relegation battle if this continues. Despite a shock 2-2 draw with Aberdeen recently, it looks unlikely they’ll halt a rejuvenated Rangers. Back the home side on the (-1) handicap at 8/10.
Aberdeen 13/20 | Draw 28/10 | Motherwell 15/4
Aberdeen must stop slipping up if they’re to challenge Celtic’s dominance. A narrow 2-1 win over Ross County was sandwiched between a 3-0 loss to Celtic and a home draw with Hamilton. This weekend’s game is a must-win for the Dons to stay in touch.
Motherwell had a good run with three straight league wins before the break but have recently suffered defeats against Hibernian and Ross County, dropping to fifth in the table. Neither side has been at their best lately, but Aberdeen, with the stronger squad, should edge this one.
Hibernian 11/20 | Draw 28/10 | St. Johnstone 9/2
Hibernian are flying, currently on a four-match winning streak and closing the gap on Aberdeen who sit just two points ahead. Neil Lennon will expect nothing less than a win against a struggling St Johnstone side that has earned just one point in their last six games.
The Saints haven’t scored in those six matches, conceding 12 goals – a worrying stat for such a well-regarded club. Backing both teams to score: no at 15/20 is the smart play given St Johnstone’s goal drought.
Dundee 5/4 | Draw 9/4 | Kilmarnock 2/1
Down at the banks of the River Tay, Dundee face Kilmarnock in what could already be a crucial relegation clash. Dundee have lost their last five games and sit bottom of the table, just two points behind 11th-placed Partick Thistle. Most of their defeats have been narrow, so there’s hope they’re close to a breakthrough.
Kilmarnock have been more consistent, losing only once in their last five matches, a 3-0 defeat at Hibernian. They bounced back well with a 2-1 win against Hearts. This match is tough to call, but Kilmarnock’s odds on a win or draw at 11/20 look the safer bet.
Sunday 19 November
Hearts 8/10 | Draw 24/10 | Partick Thistle 33/10
The weekend’s finale sees Partick Thistle visit Hearts at Murrayfield. Hearts have been poor recently, losing four of their last six games, sliding to sixth place. They do have the quality to bounce back against a struggling Partick Thistle side.
The Jags are perilously close to the bottom, needing a turnaround fast or else face dropping to the Championship. As the league’s joint lowest scorers, it’s a tough ask. Backing a home win looks best here.
Treble tipped at 4.18/1
Celtic (-1) 6/10
Rangers (-1) 8/10
Hearts win 8/10
