Invincible Celtic set high standard

It might not win many prizes for originality, but there is absolutely nothing to suggest Celtic will relinquish their grip on the Betfred Cup which kicks off in Scotland on Friday night.

The Hoops famously went through the entire domestic season undefeated last term on their way to the treble and the gap between them and the rest of Scottish football was as wide as the Clyde.

Punters can be certain that Brendan Rodgers has his eye on becoming the first manager in Scottish football history to win back-to-back trebles.

And there’s little indication that he will take his eye off the ball when it comes to the least coveted of the three competitions. Last season he tended to pick his best team regardless of opposition.

When Celtic played Ladbrokes League One side Alloa at home in the Betfred Cup, in between a five-game spell where they taking on Barcelona and Manchester City in the Champions League, Rodgers fielded his strongest team, including star striker Moussa Dembele.

If you’re looking for challengers, then Aberdeen could go close again at 8-1. They finished runners-up to the Parkhead club in all three competitions last year and know this is their best chance of silverware.

Rangers will be expected to enjoy a decent run in the competition although their Europa League shame suggests patience will be needed and Hibernian raise their game against better opposition and manager Neil Lennon will want them to go far. They could be worth an each-way nibble at 25-1.

But at 13-8, it’s impossible to avoid the rather dull conclusion that any team who wants to win the cup will have to get past Rodgers’ Celtic. And last season, they were invincible.

Recommendations
Celtic
2pts 13-8 Betfred
Hibernian
0.5pt each-way 25-1 Betfred