Scottish League
2013-01-22 - Celtic vs Dundee United
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : Scotland : SPL
Tuesday, 22nd January 2013 - Kickoff 7:45pm GMT
BETTING PREVIEW
Celtic and Dundee United were both involved in 5 goal matches on Saturday. Dundee United leapfrogged Kilmarnock by winning 3-2 at theirs and now sit 7th with 29 points, but Celtic's 4-1 demolition of Hearts takes their total to 46 points, extending their lead at the top of the SPL to 9 points.
Dundee United held Celtic to a draw in the last meeting, where they were home. It finished 2-2 but that was 2.5 months ago, and Celtic have not just been on a tear recently offensively, but playing fine defence too. Add to that home advantage and I feel the low odds on the Celtic win are totally fair value.
Let's not forget the previous 4 meetings prior to that draw were Celtic wins. The last 2 games here have ended 2-1 and 5-1 to Celtic, so there is potential to score a bunch. Indeed, their recent games have seen them beat opponents by more than a goal quite frequently, with a fair number of 2-0 results and some where they click and score 4, like their last game.
The Celtic offence have scored 44 goals this season, 8 more than Dundee United have managed, but the defence is what has really grabbed my attention. Through 22 games, they have only conceded 16 goals. In contrast, Dundee United have conceded 36!
The big news for Celtic surrounds Gary Cooper, who scored twice against Hearts on Saturday to take his tally for the club to 20. Norwich seem to want to sign the striker during the January window, but I don't think that will affect his play here, as I don't think he will move, most probably wanting to stay and win the SPL with his club.
THE BETTING VERDICT
On to a bet. This is the only SPL game on this evening. There is a chance to go 12 clear of Inverness and I think Celtic do it.
I had thought about taking them to score at least 3 goals, which is priced at 2.20 but I think the defence can do a job here and keep a clean sheet, so shall go the AH route as I feel a win by at least 2 goals is very possible.
The Pick :
Celtic 3-0 Dundee United
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Celtic -1.5AH @ 1.96 (Pinnacle)
