Rangers vs. Celtic and Pick to Win
Date:Sunday, March 12th, 2017
Where: Scottish Premier League Celtic Park – Glasgow, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Rangers 15/2, Celtic 2/5, Draw +350
Moneyline:Rangers +750, Celtic -250, Draw +350
Over/Under Best Market: OVER 3.5 17/10 (+170)
Arguably, there is no fiercer rivalry in all of world soccer than that of Celtics and Rangers. The Celtics and Rangers have had such acrimony that the rivalry was suspended at one point due to escalations between both sides. The two Glaswegian soccer clubs have often been the two teams that have fought nip and tuck for the Scottish Premier League crown on an annual basis. However, Celtic has it all but wrapped up at this point with a commanding 27 point lead in the Scottish Premier League table. Now for Celtic, its more about preparing itself for Champions League play and all the international accolades they can acquire. The two teams met earlier this season when Rangers went out in front with a 1-0 lead before Celtic would come from behind and up-end their arch rivals on Rangers pitch.
The Celts have been in exceptional form to say the least. This team has put up numbers that are absolutely staggering. Celtic has not lost a game yet this season and in 27 total outings, Celtic has won 26 of those 27 games with just one draw. In fact, Celtic has won 22 straight games and have already clinched a position in Europa at this point in the season. Barring something catastrophic, Moussa Dembele and company are well on their way to repeating as Scottish Premier League champions. The Hoops are currently under the captainship of skipper Brendan Rodgers who went belly up in his efforts at Liverpool in the English Premier League.
For Rangers, they have to be enthusiastic about their overall outlook on the season. Rangers currently stand in third place with the rest of the pack. Rangers have an opportunity to oust Aberdeen from the second position but ultimately they are well in contention for Champions League qualification alongside their arch rivals. In essence, Rangers need this game more than Celtic do because Celtic has everything more or less wrapped up. However, Celtic has a lot to play for in the sense this fixture is at home and this outfit prides itself on being very dangerous on its own pitch. Celtic would love nothing more than to destroy their arch nemesis at home with all their fanatical supporters in attendance. The question remains how motivated Celtic is when they enter this contest. Given the juice here, it is an ill-advised practice. Nevertheless, given the price overall, Celtic is not terribly priced to cents on the dollar like we normally see them at.
Regardless, we will always steer clear of juice and given the fact so many are banking on Celtic in this one, we will stay clear as the Hoops are just one bad day away from a catastrophic let-down from a betting perspective. However, a large majority have actually fancied the Rangers and when markets offer a lofty takeback and the public smothers it as a result, that is often a sign that it has a lower
probability of success. A small fraction of the public are in on the draw which again offers tremendous upside. For Rangers, a draw at Celtic park would be classed as a moral victory be that they ended Celtics 22-game winning streak. For Celtic, if they come in for some reason less motivated than usual, they can protect their lead over the SPL while never losing a game to their hated foe. While Celtic winning is a value play in the sense of high probability, the juice always make it risky as one poor result can submarine a bankroll. In terms of Over/Unders, both teams love to score and the best suggestion would be going where there is a profitable return if one party ignites. The OVER 3.5 offers that at the price of 17/10. This potential two unit play can end with a yield of 5.2 units if both are successful.
Rangers Recent Form
W Hamilton Academical 6-0
W St. Johnstone 3-2
L Inverness County 1-2
L Dundee 1-2
W Morton 2-1
Celtic Recent Form
W St. Mirren 4-1
W Inverness County 4-0
W Hamilton Academical 2-0
W Motherwell 2-0
W Inverness County 6-0
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: DRAW 7/2 (+350) and OVER 3.5 17/10 (+170)
BET YOUR RANGERS/CELTIC PREDICTION USING YOUR CREDIT CARD
AND GET A 50% BONUS AT BOVADA
SPORTSBOOK