Champs ... but the bookies still favour the Diamonds

May 8 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

ST Johnstone may have been crowned First Division champions and scored seven times against Airdrie this term but bookmakers have not let a league title and undefeated record against tomorrow's opponents change their collective view that Kenny Black's side should start as favourites.

Airdrie's home record accounts for their even money favouritism (bet365) to collect three points, whereas St Johnstone, the First Division draw kings, start as Betfred's 9/4 outsiders.

The Saints have drawn the majority (nine) of their away fixtures, adding considerable appeal to the 11/4 offered by Jaxx.com against it finishing all square.

Elsewhere, Coral's 11/10 for it to be level at half time is worth a look, as is the chunky 7/1 (Blue Square) for the score to be 1-1 at 45 minutes. In other markets, bet365's seductive-looking 7/1 for St Johnstone to emerge victorious following a level first period appears a little overdone, which could be excellent news for punters.

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