talkSPORT betting tips – Best football bets and expert advice for Thursday 2 January

What better way to ring in the New Year than with a trio of huge derbies in Scotland where the Old Firm renewal at Ibrox is the stand-out fixture.

We've got a tip from the Rangers-Celtic clash, one of three selections to see you through Thursday.

GET £40 IN BONUSES WITH TALKSPORT BET

Bet of the day

Celtic to win at Rangers - 6/5

Celtic have enjoyed the perfect holiday season so far with a pair of 4-0 drubbings over Motherwell and St Johnstone and with a 14-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, you may as well hand them the trophy now.

In second place now are Rangers after Aberdeen's fast start ground to a halt, but the Gers look some way off Celtic's pace as they prepare to welcome their bitter rivals to Ibrox.

Indeed, Rangers had to dig deeper than ever on Sunday to come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Motherwell, just the latest disappointing result in an increasingly frustrating campaign.

The dropped points at Fir Park came just three days after a 2-1 loss at St Mirren and they look some way short of the standard being set by Celtic.

They have to be heartened by the fact that they drew 3-3 with Celtic in last month's League Cup final (losing on penalties) but that's seven games in a row in which they have failed to beat Brendan Rodgers' team.

Special of the day

Under 2.5 Goals Double: Aberdeen v Ross County & Gillingham v Bromley - 39/20

Fans braving the weather to cheer their sides into 2025 may not get the fun and games they want from a couple of tough local derbies from either end of the British Isles.

Highland rivals Aberdeen and Ross County clash at Pittodrie in a match between two out-of-form sides.

After their flying start the Dons are without a win in eight and without a goal in their last two while Ross are the lowest scorers in the Premiership.

Down in Kent in League Two, local rivals Gillingham and Bromley square off at Priestfield for the first time as League Two sides and everything points to the Gills trying to hang on.

Expect plenty of tension at both games but a shortage of goals with the Under 2.5 double working out at 39/20.

Long shot of the day

Newport to beat AFC Wimbledon - 17/5

AFC Wimbledon moved up to second in League Two with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Gillingham on Monday night.

The win was more than a little fortunate - Matty Stevens' winner came off his hand - and the Dons are still suffering with injuries.

That makes their achievement remarkable though the busy schedule doesn't do them any favours and they face a quick turnaround for this assignment across the Severn Bridge at Newport.

And while the league table suggests the Dons ought to be too good for 18th-placed County, the truth is the Exiles are rock solid at Rodney Parade.

They are in a false position in the table having played only nine home fixtures of their 22 completed - indeed they have had just three home league fixtures in the last two-and-a-half months, winning the last one 6-3 against Milton Keynes Dons.

GET £40 IN BONUSES WITH TALKSPORT BET

Odds correct at time of publish and subject to change*

---

18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile and bet £10+ on sports at odds 2.00+ by 10:00am on 02/01/25. Get 3x£10 in Free Bets & £10 in slot bonus on selected games, 40x wagering, max redeem £250. Bonuses expire in 14 days. Click for T&Cs | GambleAware.org

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamCare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

---

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org