Hamilton Academical v Celtic: Value in backing narrow Hoops win
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With 16 wins and a draw in their 17 Ladbrokes Premiership games this season, it’s fair to say Celtic have become an unstoppable force under Brendan Rodgers. But they’ll have to really work for the points at New Douglas Park on Christmas Eve.
Despite the fact Hamilton Academical are winless in their last eight games, the Hoops always face a tough test at this venue.
Two of the last six meetings here have ended honours even, with Celtic winning three clashes by a solitary goal.
In fact, they’ve only won by more than a single goal here once since 1988 – with a 2-0 victory back in January 2015.
However, the current Celtic squad are the best crop the club has had for a number of years. And with Hamilton having already lost to Rodgers’ men this month – a 1-0 defeat at Parkhead – a memorable result here is probably beyond them.
But with Celtic priced up at 2/9 in the match betting – with Hamilton 12/1 and 11/2 for the draw – the best value looks to be elsewhere.
Having triumphed by the narrowest of margins on six of their last 11 trips to Accies, the 3/1 for Celtic to win by 1 goal is well worth backing.
Meanwhile, with Martin Canning’s men having netted in 15 of their league games this campaign, and their visitors yet to draw a blank, the 11/10 for Both Teams to Score looks like easy money.
In the player markets, there’s value in one man on each side getting among the goals.
Hamilton’s Ali Crawford has netted nine times from midfield this term, and memorably put away the winner at Celtic Park back in October 2014. He’s 4/1 to get on the scoresheet anytime here.
For the visitors, it’s all about Scott Sinclair. He’s scored in 10 of his 14 Ladbrokes Premiership outings since joining the club, and looks generously priced at Evens to make the net bulge in South Lanarkshire.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
