Goal.com

29/11/2012 2:54:00 PM

It will be some time before Rangers rise again to the Scottish Premier League, but they are nonetheless rated a superb chance to claim the 2012-12 Scottish Cup

By PAUL GOUGH

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Rangers might be playing in the lowest of Scotland's four professional divisions this season following their much-publicised demotion from the Scottish Premier League, but the punters are certainly treating the Glasgow giants with respect when it comes to this season's Scottish Cup.

The big guns of the SPL enter the competition in this weekend's fourth round, with the Scottish Cup having added interest this season because it represents the only way that Rangers and their arch Glasgow rivals Celtic can lock horns.

Despite being divisions below, Rangers are exactly the same price at Betfair to win their fourth-round tie as Celtic, who once again are leading the Scottish Premier League as well competing admirably in the UEFA Champions League.

And while Celtic are favourites overall to win the competition for a 36th time, Rangers - winners on 33 occasions - are on the equal-third line of betting.

Celtic are the $1.83 favourites with sportsbet.com.au to win the Scottish Cup this season ahead of 2010 winners Dundee United at $8.50, followed by fourth-tier Rangers and defending cup holders Hearts both at $13.

And Rangers are at the prohibitive odds of $1.10 with Betfair to win their fourth-round tie on Sunday Elgin City [$16].

Celtic are also at $1.10 to win their fourth round tie at home against Division Two outfit Arbroath [$24] on Saturday.

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The two other big Scottish Cup ties on the weekend see Edinburgh rivals Hibernian host Hearts on Sunday in a re-match of last year's final - won 5-1 by the latter.

And Hibs look great value [$2.24] with Betfair to reverse that result at home against Hearts [$1.94], particularly as they are six points and six places better off than Hearts on the SPL table.

On Saturday, the stand-out game is the all-SPL tie between fourth-placed Aberdeen and fifth-placed Motherwell.

Both are priced at $17 at sportsbet.com.au to win the cup this season, with Aberdeen [$2.22] favourites with Betfair to account for Motherwell [$3.65].

If you are looking for an upset bet, Livingston [$3.20] and Queen of the South [$6.60] could be the two teams to back with Betfair.

The former are at home to Dundee, while Queen of the South are preparing for their trip to Kilmarnock.

Livingston are fifth in Division One and will fancy their chances to upset Dundee [$2.22], who are last in the SPL and facing relegation.

And Queen of the South, who are top of Division Two, are at juicy odds to beat struggling SPL side Kilmarnock [$1.52].

*Note prices subject to change