Mr Fixit’s Mate says… Livi Look Most Likely

SPL | selectabet | April 16, 2010 at 9:30 pm

mRfixitsays Our resident guest tipster, Mr Fixit is off on holiday so this week’s Scottish Football column, in association with McBookie.com comes from his colleague Joe Wallace…

IT’S the time of the season where clubs are looking to crack open the champagne – and this weekend could see an amazing three Scottish sides crowned champions.

Rangers and Livingston had the chance to win the SPL and Third Division titles respectively in midweek. But Walter Smith’s side needed a defeat for Celtic against Motherwell, combined with a win for them at Tannadice, to start the party. And Livingston’s 1-1 draw at Shielfield against Berwick Rangers on Tuesday robbed them of the chance to crack open the bubbly.

But McBookie.com are offering 20-1 on Rangers and Livi winning their titles as well as Inverness taking the First Division crown. For Rangers to triumph they need to beat Hearts and hope Celtic slip up against Hibs, with the Ibrox men 5-2 to land the silverware this weekend.

Inverness can make their return to the SPL – but only if they beat Dunfermline and Morton are victorious over Dundee. An Inverness party pays 9-2 but it looks as though the Highlanders’ champagne will remain on ice for another week.

The most likely side to lift a trophy this weekend are Livingston, who have already passed up two opportunities to be crowned Third Division champions. Gary Bollan’s men simply need to avoid defeat against Berwick – with McBookie pricing them at 1-9 to do just that and earn their place in the Second Division.

Several clubs are embroiled in a battle to beat the drop in the SPL but I reckon Aberdeen, who have been on a dreadful run of form, can all but secure their top-flight status. Under-pressure boss Mark McGhee tore into his side after last week’s 3-1 defeat at home to St Johnstone and McBookie make them evens to bounce back with a win at home to Falkirk.

Celtic got back to winning ways against Motherwell in midweek and face a Hibs side who are really struggling for form. I don’t expect a classic at Parkhead but am taking Neil Lennon’s men to edge out the Hibees (2-5).

Hamilton have enjoyed a decent season and reckon their good form will continue when they entertain Kilmarnock. Jimmy Calderwood’s side are battling for the SPL survival but Billy Reid’s men can increase their misery by taking all three points (evens).

St Johnstone have taken the SPL by storm and can keep on the right track by beating St Mirren (5-6).

Elsewhere in the SPL I reckon Motherwell and Dundee United will fight out a draw on the dodgy surface at Fir Park (21-10).

Stirling were in sensational form in midweek, hitting six in against Brechin and look good to continue their form when they pitch up at Stenhousemuir. Allan Moore’s side are evens with McBookie to finish up with all three points.

Montrose find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Third Division and second-placed Forfar will fancy their chances of a home win, they are priced at 4-9 with McBookie.