Saints odds versus Killie

Apr 1 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE SPL returns this weekend and St Johnstone host Kilmarnock at McDiarmid Park, a match in which Stan James make the hosts their 13/8 jollies to land all three points, and where the draw is a 9/4 shot with Coral.

The Saints may be five competitive matches unbeaten, but they face a tough task in overcoming a Kilmarnock side who were in decent form prior to the international break with three wins from four games. However, a victory for the hosts here would put them nearer to finishing amongst the crucial top six and punters can get 3/1 courtesy of bet365 about winning their seventh game of the season by a one-goal margin.

The fact Derek McInnes' men conceded one goal or less at home in 10 of their 14 matches may see them emerge 1-0 winners at 13/2 via Betfred, although Paddy Power chalk up 16/5 about them winning 'to nil'.

The Saints' tight defence also led to their home matches producing the least number of goals in the SPL at an average of 1.57 per game, adding appeal to Sportingbet's 3/5 for two goals or less tomorrow. Additionally, Ladbrokes offer a tempting 7/2 for the home side to land a maximum haul combined with two goals or less in the match.

St Johnstone will have to be quick away from the kick-off, however, as only Celtic and Rangers boast a better first-half record than Kilmarnock, which may see a drawn first half at evens via Partybets. Meanwhile, Stan James flag up 7/4 for a goalless first period, with Betdaq posting 5.5 (9/2) for the hosts to win following a drawn first half. Victor Chandler go 15/8 for them to win the second half alone.

Should St Johnstone get on top in the second-half, then William Hill's 13/2 for Colin Samuel to score the final goal of the match is worth a look, with Totesport going 15/8 about him netting at any stage.

Odds supplied by www.betrescue.com

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