GOALS were at a premium in the Petrofac Training Cup last night – apart from Falkirk-Peterhead – but I can see plenty in tonight’s two ties.
Let’s start with Ayr v Rangers and the way the Glasgow side’s matches have gone under Mark Warburton there could be any number of goals. Their matches have averaged over five this season and League One Ayr could be on the end of a doing at Somerset Park.
Two things make me more cautious than I’d usually be – the fact it’s a Challenge Cup clash and with Rangers facing a vital Championship clash at Hibs on Sunday. However, Warburton’s named a full squad and even if he makes a couple of changes the players who come in will be keen to impress as he continues to add quality.
Over 3.5 goals pays 1-1 at Paddy Power but for this treble I’m happy to take over 2.5 at 2-5.
Last season’s beaten Challenge Cup finalists Alloa can see off Elgin but over 2.5 goals or both to score are the bests bet. Elgin’s last six competitive matches have totalled 30 goals with all going over 2.5.
Complete the treble with btts at Rapid Vienna v Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Rapid drew 2-2 with Ajax at home then beat them 3-2 away in the last round so it’s clear the can attack but concede too.
Shakhtar haven’t started the season well but floored Fenerbahce 3-0 at home after a 0-0 draw in the previous round. They’ve lost Fernando, Luiz Adriano and Douglas Costa so are weaker than last year but are still capable of scoring.
1pt Goals Treble
Rapid Vienna v Shakhtar Donetsk btts (7.45pm)
Alloa v Elgin btts (7.35pm)
Ayr v Rangers over 2.5 goals (7.45pm)
(3-1, Betway, 10bet)