The festive period has always been a busy one for British football, and this year is no different. The upcoming week will see the football played on Boxing Day, then again over the weekend, and then once again on New Year’s Day – three rounds of fixtures condensed into one action-packed week. This is, of course, a long-standing tradition – Christmas and the New Year just do not feel the same without football. Of course, jam-packed weeks like this one bring the opportunity to ‘earn’ some extra Christmas cheer, if you will. There are a number of online and mobile betting houses, such as bet365, available today. You can find more info about this app, which will allow fans to enjoy the traditional feast of football alongside some betting fun as well.
After years of dominance by Celtic, this year has finally seen a semblance of a rivalry in the Scottish Premier League, as Rangers are giving their Glasgow rivals a chase at the top of the table. The Gers are currently five points behind Celtic, but with a game in hand, a win in which would move them to within two points of the summit. This is the closest title race the Scottish league has had in years, ever since Rangers were placed in administration and demoted to the fourth tier in 2012. Celtic have dominated Scottish football since then due to the vast disparity in resources between them and the rest of the league, but this season, Steven Gerrard has finally got Rangers back towards the top of the table and with a realistic chance of ending the Hoops’ hegemony. Rangers have been led by Alfredo Morelos up front, with the Colombian having already scored 25 goals across all competitions this season. Gerrard also has the veteran England striker Jermain Defoe in reserve; he has proved to be superb backup for Morelos, and has meant that Rangers have had a lethal strikeforce in most games. Gerrard has managed to mould Rangers in his image, as a battling, energetic side, and they look well-placed to challenge Celtic at the top of the table not just this season, but for some years to come.
Punters wanting to take a chance on Rangers’ form should have a look at the odds for their upcoming games as well as for the league and the Europa League. The Gers’ status as favourites against most sides in the league is illustrated by the price of 1.18 being offered by bet365 for their next game against Kilmarnock. They are at 3.00 to win the league, showing just how close they have been running Celtic this season, and this could be excellent value for punters. They are also favourites in their Europa League round of 32 game against Braga of Portugal, being priced at 1.90. Of course, there is the small matter of an Old Firm derby game in less than a week, with the Gers at 3.60 to upset their Glasgow neighbours on their own patch. Rangers’ strong form means that punters can look to back them in these markets and have the prospect of good returns.
