Kilmarnock v Celtic: Betting Preview & Tips

Scottish Cup | selectabet | March 12, 2010 at 10:59 pm

Kilmarnock v Celtic
Scottish Cup 6th Round. Live on Sky Sports 2.

Robbie Keane returns to the scene of his instantly forgettable Celtic debut in this lunchtime kick-off on Sky Sports 2. The Hoops were humbled by a goal to nil when they visited Rugby Park at the beginning of February. It was a result that all but killed off the SPL challenge for the season and tomorrow is another must-win game in the short and inglorious reign of Tony Mowbray.

The Scottish Cup represents Celtic’s only realistic chance of silverware and defeat tomorrow could be the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back as far as the patience of the Hoops fans goes. For Killie to make it two wins on the trot against Celtic it’s 8/1 at Betfair, whilst the draw, which would force a replay is 7/2 at Betfair. Mowbray’s men are just 4/9 (Blue Sq) to win in the 90 minutes.

Celtic will be relieved to hear that Kevin Kyle looks set to miss out for Killie as he bossed the front line last time round. His absence compounds the fact that Killie haven’t scored in the last three and goals have been a struggle all season – they’re the joint second lowest scorers in the SPL. A clean sheet for Celtic is 1/1 (Paddy Power) and although they’ve been few and far between this term one shiny light in the last few weeks has been apparent return to form of Polish number one Artur Boruc. A Celtic win to nil is priced at 13/10.

Robbie Keane will be …ahem.. keen to banish the demons of his debut and he’s 7/2 (Bet365, Paddy Power) to net first. He’s now scored 5 in 6 for the Bhoys and is 1/1 (Boylesports) to score anytime. Keane could be partnered by one one from Fortune, Rasmussen and Samaras so either of those bets could be a decent option.

With this looking like last-chance-saloon for Mowbray and his side I can’t see them taking this game lightly. Kilmarnock’s poor run of form doesn’t suggest they can cause an upset either. With the Hoops too short at 4/9, the win to nil looks the best value at 13/10 (Paddy Power).