Scottish League
2010-02-20 - St Johnstone vs Rangers
A Sports Betting Pick by Stephen
Football: Scottish Premier League
Saturday 20th February Kick Off 12.45pm
St Johnstone 8th - Home Record W4 D3 L4
Rangers 1st - Away Record W7 D4 1
St Johnstone come into this game after a stunning midweek performance with a 5-1 win over third place Hibernian. It will be a huge boost to Derek Mcinness side as they aim to reach the top 6 before the split and are certainly looking good for survival in their first season back in the top flight.
The Saints haven't had too many problems finding the net in the SPL although they have conceded too many and have the worst defence in the league but are the best scorers outside the top 3.
The last time Rangers visited Mcdiarmid Park they won 2-1 but it took a late goal and indeed the Saints had led early in the game. St Johnstone do have plenty of firepower and indeed a good physical presence in their side with the likes of Michael Dubberry, Cillian Sheridan and Murray Davidson who got a call up to the Scotland Under 21 side this week. They certainly can make it difficult for the champions. Since that 2-1 defeat the Saints have only lost 1 from 6 home games and won 4 of the others.
Rangers got an impressive 3-0 win over Hibs last Sunday in what was a test and they were made to work for it as Hibs played well and had chances before 2 late goals sealed the victory. Kris Boyd saved the day yet again on Wednesday night as his late goal against St Mirren got them through to the Quarter Final of the Scottish Cup.
Between them Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd have 34 goals in the SPL and you feel Rangers can always score a few when they play. Walter Smith's side have lost only once this season but have been fortunate in recent weeks in some games. After a brilliant December, Rangers have struggled by Hamilton in both league and cup and drew with both Hearts and Motherwell in games they could well have lost and were taken to a replay by St Mirren in the cup. This game may not be as straight forward as it looks.
ST JOHNSTONE LAST 5
St Johnstone 5-1 Hibernian
Kilmarnock 3-2 St Johnstone
St Mirren 1-1 St Johnstone
St Johnstone 0-1 Dundee United ( Scottish Cup )
Rangers 2-0 St Johnstone ( CIS Cup )
RANGERS LAST 5
Rangers 1-0 St Mirren ( Scottish Cup Replay )
Rangers 3-0 Hibernian
Motherwell 1-1 Rangers
St Mirren 0-0 Rangers ( Scottish Cup )
Rangers 2-0 St Johnstone (CIS Cup Semi Final)
BETTING VERDICT
Rangers haven't been all too convincing in recent weeks, again they should snatch victory but St Johnstone have proved this season and earlier in the week that on their day, they dont have too many problems finding the net.
The value bet for me is OVER 2.5 GOALS
The Pick :
St Johnstone 1-2 Rangers or 2-2
