Scottish League
2009-12-12 - Rangers vs St Johnstone
A Sports Betting Pick by Stephen
Football: Scottish Premier League
Saturday 12th December Kick Off 3pm
Rangers (2nd) Home Record W5 D2 L0
St Johnstone (8th) Away Record W2 D1 L4
Rangers come into this game against St Johnstone on the back of a disastrous Champions league campaign which saw them get just 2 points. Their home form was shocking and cost them badly with 3 defeats. However in the SPL their home form has been excellent with 5 wins and 2 draws including a 2-1 victory in the Old Firm derby.
Although it hasnt been too pretty from the Gers this season their recent league form has been good with 4 wins from 5 and just the one defeat at Aberdeen. But like their old firm counterparts they definitely are not the side they were a few seasons back and face competition from Hibs and Dundee United in the title race. Rangers will have to go to both them grounds aswell as Celtic in the coming weeks so this is certainly a game they must win.
Kris Boyd as ever has been on top form with 10 SPL goals including 2 at Falkirk last week. However the Striker suffered a thigh strain in that game and faces a race to be fit in time for Saturdays clash. Walter Smith will also be hoping to have Steven Naismith fit with a leg injury that has kept him out of action in recent weeks.
St Johnstone have given a good account of themselves in their first season back in the top flight. But they will be disappointed with the 1 point from their last 2 home games. They were beaten 1-0 against Kilmarnock last week, but it was a game they should have won as they created the better chances throughout.
It was the first time this season that the Saints have failed to score at home. They have not had problems scoring goals as they have the best strike rate of a team outside the top 4. But defensively its where they have had big problems with 26 goals conceded and it being the worst defense in the SPL. There recent record reads 3 wins in 10 with just 1 draw and the rest defeats
This could be a tough afternoon for the Saints. If Kris Boyd is fit a defence that has leaked too many goals this season will have its work cut out.
ST JOHNSTONE LAST 5
St Johnstone 0-1 Kilmarnock
St Johnstone 1-1 Hamilton
Hearts 1-2 St Johnstone
Aberdeen 2-1 St Johnstone
St Johnstone 0-0 Falkirk
RANGERS LAST 5
Sevilla 1-0 Rangers (Champions League)
Falkirk 1-3 Rangers
Aberdeen 1-0 Rangers
Rangers 0-2 Stuttgart (Champions League)
Rangers 3-0 Kilmarnock
VERDICT
Take RANGERS TO WIN (3/10) this one. They have some tough away games coming up and this is one they must win and should do comfortably.
Also definitely look at the -1 Handicap at 4/5 and RANGERS HALF TIME/FULL TIME which is available at 5/6 in Paddy Power.
The Pick :
Rangers 3-1 St Johnstone
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take RANGERS TO WIN
