Mcnamara’s band can give bookies the Terrors

The suits behind the newlyformed Scottish Premiership would have us believe that a football revolution is upon us, but betting-wise I’m afraid it’s the same old same old, with Celtic unbackable at 1-40 for another title.

That’s not to say we can’t make money from the alternative markets. I feel that Dundee United with a 34-point start with Betfred is a fantastic eachway bet. The departure of Johnny Russell and Jon Daly has of course been factored in to this generous handicap mark, but in Jackie McNamara they have a fresh and progressive manager who may get the best out of David Goodwillie on his loan return to Tannadice, and with the fit-again Gary Mackay-Steven back in action, the Terrors could have a really decent season.

This column always strives to source the best value for its readers and it is a small independent that is putting the high Street bookies to shame with some cracking value bets. Leith-based Lothian Racing quote hearts’ odds of surviving the drop at 2-1, while Celtic to win the league by 21-30 points is chalked up at a generous 13-8. Finally my idea of a great bet is Aberdeen (without Celtic) at 3-1.

In the Scottish Championship, Dundee are 15-8 favourites with Coral to make a quick return to the top flight, though I think a better bet could be hamilton each-way at 11-1 (Bet365). In League 1, Brechin at 7-2 look a decent bet in the market without Rangers, while in League 2 Peterhead at 15-8 (Corals) can win the title this time without Rangers standing in their way.

As usual a watching brief is advised on the first week of the season, but I have selected four teams you may want to take a punt on, based on good preseason and squad investment: Watford to win at Birmingham (6-4); Chesterfield to win at Bury (13-8 hills), Millwall at home to Yeovil (11-10) and Peterborough to beat Swindon (21-20).