Bookies make the Saints favourites for the SPL climb

Apr 3 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE phrase “title decider” has been much in evidence during the run-up to St Johnstone's duel with second-placed Partick.

But the bookies are in no doubt that Saints are heading back to the SPL, irrespective of tomorrow's outcome at McDiarmid Park.

Granted, the visitors are playing well (they've lost just twice in their last 11 outings), but not only are St Johnstone three points clear of their rivals with a game in hand, they have a good record in this fixture, having won nine and drawn four of their last 15 league meetings with Partick.

Given such a convincing record, punters might be a little surprised to see the home team quoted at a generous-looking even money (Betdaq) to take maximum points.

The sides drew 0-0 at Firhill in December, thus maintaining a trend which now covers their last five meetings - not once in those fixtures have both teams managed to score: online firm Jaxx.com price another 0-0 at 17/2.

The visitors have managed six away victories this term, an impressive record bettered only by Dunfermline and which accounts for Victor

Elsewhere, bet365 mark St Johnstone at 15/8 to win when kicking off with a one goal deficit; should they overcome this artificial hurdle and beat Dunfermline next Tuesday, they will surely have one foot back in Scotland's top flight.

Odds supplied by Betrescue.com