Football Bet of the Day: Miserly Hearts to jam up Cowdenbeath attack

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has crafted a rock-solid defence

After a run of one losing bet in nine, Kevin Hatchard's looking for more profit from the second tier of Scottish football...

Cowdenbeath v Hearts
Tuesday December 23, 19:45 

This morning's advent choccie tasted extra sweet, after Sporting Braga gave us a winning start to the week with a 3-0 victory against Pacos de Ferreira. The Minho Warriors were 3-0 up by half-time, which meant we could relax for the rest of the evening, and concentrate on wrapping presents.

We're making a rare trip to Scotland this evening, and a Championship clash between Cowdenbeath and the leaders Hearts. 

The Blue Brazil (I'm serious, look it up) have played more like Dunga's achingly dull Brazil that the 1970 or 1982 versions this season. Cowdenbeath have netted just seven goals in seven home games this term, and they are just two points above the bottom two. Goalscoring has been a big problem for Jimmy Nicholl's men - they have drawn a blank in five of their last nine Championship outings.

Heart of Midlothian - or The Jam Tarts if you prefer (and who doesn't prefer jam tarts?) - are top of the second tier after a fine start to the campaign. Of the three Scottish football giants who came into the Championship this season, Hearts have adapted the best, as they are nine points ahead of Rangers and 16 clear of their Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.

Inexperienced manager Robbie Neilson is doing an excellent job. Hearts have won 14 and drawn two of their 16 league games, and they are exceptionally solid defensively. They have shipped just eight goals, and only three of those have been conceded on the road.

Although I fully expect Hearts to win this one, I can't really recommend the away win at a prohibitively short 1.331/3. I do however like the look of backing No in the Both Teams To Score market at 2.01/1. Hearts are keeping plenty of clean sheets, while Cowdenbeath are fluffing their lines in front of goal.

Recommended Bet
Back No in the Both Teams To Score market at 2.01/1

2014 P/L (1pt per bet)

Points Staked: 71

Points Returned: 68.26

P/L: -2.74 points