Saints outsiders again

Jan 14 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

TWO confidence-boosting victories against Inverness and Hearts in the league and cup was just the tonic St Johnstone needed to kick-start their season – one in which 888sport quote them at 28/1 to win the SPL without the Old Firm.

Saints will have to win away at Kilmarnock tomorrow first, though, in a match Ladbrokes install them as their 14/5 outsiders.

However, it was only in May that the visitors tasted victory at Rugby Park courtesy of a 2-1 outcome – a 14/1 call with Betfred this time around. Less precise investors may take 5/1 with Partybets for them to win by a one-goal margin, although Coral could tempt odds-on players into their 5/6 about the away side coming away unbeaten.

Derek McInnes' men will have to be sharp from the first whistle against Kilmarnock, as only Celtic boast a better record than the hosts for scoring the first goal, which may tempt punters into taking Paddy Power's 18/1 about Saints winning from behind.

And that price is worth considering, as Killie lost three times having broken the deadlock, while odds of 33/1 (Stan James) are on show for the visitors to win after being behind at the break. Saints can also be backed to score the last goal of the 90 minutes at 13/8 (bet365).

Should the away side make the scoresheet, then midweek hero Peter MacDonald is 9/1 with Totesport to open the scoring again. The same firm also shout 11/4 for him to strike at any stage.

Only one goal was required to see St Johnstone victorious in their last two competitive outings, and low-scoring games have been a feature of their last seven games, where six produced a maximum of two strikes – an 8/11 call with Victor Chandler.

Punters looking at a draw being a good result for the visitors can avail themselves to Betdaq's 3.5 (5/2), while both sides to find the scoresheet could interest some at William Hill's 10/11.

Odds supplied by www.betrescue.com