St Johnstone v Rangers betting odds

Apr 18 2008

IF football matches were determined solely on the basis of playing history, there would be little point in St Johnstone turning up for Sunday’s semi-final duel with Rangers.

The Saints have never beaten the Glaswegian giants in the cup and lost 4-0 when they last faced each other in the competition.

Naturally enough, bookies are convinced it will be Rangers, online firm Partybets pricing them at 2/9 to win, whereas St John stone are a staggering 12/1 according to another internet bookie, Canbet.com.

Even the draw, quoted at 9/2 by Betfred, is considered to have only a remote chance of success. But this is a semi-final and Walter Smith’s men are having to contend with a particularly full plate at the moment. Furthermore, they will arrive at Hampden on the back of Wednesday’s bruising Old Firm encounter and just might show a tendency to take their foot off the gas.

Is there hope for St Johnstone? Of course there is and punters who concur could be in for a profitable weekend.

For example, bet365 post 11/1 against them being in front at 45 minutes, while Betdirect chalk a tantalising 11/4 in favour of the First Division side winning when handed the benefit of a one goal start; Sporting bet rate the Saints a 9/2 shot to open the scoring.

Less bullish souls may prefer the 15/8 posted by Coral in favour of the opening half finishing all square or perhaps the mighty 10/1 available at VCBet for the game to end 1-1 at 90 minutes.

Punters who suspect that in a year of Cup upsets St John stone’s time has arrived, may be persuaded to take advantage of Blue Square’s colossal 20/1 posted against a 1-0 Saints victory.

Even longer odds, but equally achievable, is the 33/1 chalked by Betdaq against St Johnstone emerging victorious following a drawn first period.

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Saints are rated as 9/1 outsiders to beat Rangers in 90 minutes at Hampden.

But the Ladbroke’s team in King Edward Street is expecting a rush from Perth fans to back their team over the next 24 hours.

Saints, who are 10/1 to capture the Scottish Cup, are up against cup favourites quoted at 1/4 to win without the need for extra-time.

Anyone fancying a correct score bet can get 14/1 for a 1-0 Saints win, 40/1 for 2-0 and 28/1 for 2-1. Any other win is 100/1.