Scottish Premier League: Weekend Preview

By Andrew Southwick

Falkirk v Hamilton

Falkirk surprised everyone last time out, with the struggling Bairns looking likely to take a skelping off Celtic. Instead, they battled back from two goals down, conceded another, but still took a point out of a six-goal thriller.

Hamilton themselves had a decent result, drawing 2-2 with bitter rivals Motherwell. After the season these sides are having, a break just as they were building momentum was the last thing they needed.

Falkirk have seven players missing but new signing Pedro Pele will be on the bench. Alex MacDonald (groin), Sean Lynch (hamstring) and Mark Stewart (stomach) have been added to the injury list. They join Jackie McNamara, Kjartan Finnbogason (both knee), Burton O'Brien (hernia) and Tam Scobbie (pelvis).

Hamilton manager Billy Reid has no fresh injury worries but he will be without the suspended Guillaume Beuzelin. Alex Neil will be in the squad after completing 45 minutes of a reserves match earlier in the week. Long-term casualties Derek Lyle and James Gibson both remain on the sidelines.

A tricky one, but despite Falkirk's heroics against Celtic, they are still conceding goals too frequently, and with so many players out its hard to see them picking up form.

Prediction: Falkirk 1-2 Hamilton

Hearts v St. Johnstone

The season just refuses to light up for the Jambos, however last time out they boxed clever against Edinburgh rivals Hibernian and should probably have been the victors.

A draw was all they got though, and they continue to struggle to get out of the bottom six.

St. Johnstone were less than ten minutes away from a draw away to Aberdeen, but learned a harsh lesson about the difference between the Scottish Premier League and the First Division, where last season the Saints were the draw specialists.

A similarly tricky away trip this time promises to be just as unforgiving.

Hearts will be without Andrew Driver (knee) and Jamie Mole (ankle). Calum Elliot is finally back from a knee operation, while Eggert Jonsson returns from suspension. Marius Zaliukas (ankle), Suso Santana (hernia) and David Templeton (foot) remain out, and Laryea Kingston (hamstring) is still building up to full fitness.

St. Johnstone midfielder Martin Hardie will miss out with a knee ligament injury. Striker Steven Milne is still recovering from an ankle injury, while doubts remain over Graham Gartland (shoulder), Steven Anderson (back), Danny Grainger (thigh) and Kenny Deuchar (groin).

St. Johnstone will aim to make it tough for Hearts, and they might just have enough in them to nick a point.

Prediction: Hearts 1-1 St. Johnstone

Motherwell v Aberdeen

This promises to be one of the games of the week.

Mark McGhee - Motherwell manager for the last two seasons - returns to his old stomping ground as manager of Aberdeen.

The 'Well support have been crowing all season that their club are better off without him, with new boss Jim Gannon currently steering the club four points ahead of the Dons.

Any Aberdeen fan will tell you that they are delighted to have McGhee on board due to his commitment to bringing through the youth players, which the men from the north-east appear to have in abundance this season.

Motherwell winger Chris Humphrey will miss out with an ankle injury, but Stevie Hammell (hamstring), Yassin Moutaouakil and goalkeeper John Ruddy (both groin) should return. Shaun Hutchinson (hamstring) remains out while Darren Smith, Paul Slane and Marc Fitzpatrick continue their rehabilitation following surgery.

Chris Maguire is banned for the visitors, and team-mate Sone Aluko has not overcome a stomach problem. Zander Diamond (ankle) remains on the sidelines but Maurice Ross comes back after a ban and Fraser Fyvie may return sooner than expected from an ankle injury.

Likely to be tight and hard fought, Motherwell haven't squandered too many points at home this season and Aberdeen will need to be on their game to take home a point.

Prediction: Motherwell 1-1 Aberdeen

Rangers v Kilmarnock

Walter Smith says he's staying. Rangers closed the gap at the top on Celtic last time out. They won their last game. They are still technically in the Champions League. It must be a good news week down Edminston Drive.

We'll ignore the fact they got rejected by the English Premier League, this is a happy week for Rangers. God bless George Burley too for ensuring all the headlines are about him this week.

Madjid Bougherra is unlikely to be involved though, arriving late from Algeria's World Cup qualifier and DaMarcus Beasley is struggling with a hamstring strain. Steven Whittaker has recovered from a hamstring injury but Pedro Mendes is still sidelined with a knee problem.

Kilmarnock's injury worries are clearing up with Mark Burchill and Allan Russell set for action. Defender Simon Ford is back in training following a knee operation but the game has come too early for him.

Rangers at home, it is very rare for an away team to be tipped.  Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies is amongst the favourites for the Scotland job though, and a result here would not harm his chances but it is likely to be the toughest of tasks.

Prediction: Rangers 2-1 Kilmarnock

St. Mirren v Hibernian

Hibs continue to ride high near the SPL summit, but they have failed to produce their sparkling early season form in their last two games.

Nine man Aberdeen were desperately unlucky not to take something from Easter Road, then Hearts were much the better team in the Edinburgh derby.

John Hughes side are surviving though, but how long will their luck hold?

St. Mirren defender Lee Mair returns from suspension. Striker Craig Dargo returns, as does Allan Johnston. Mo Camara is over his injury but isn't fit enough to make this game.

For the first time in weeks, Hibs have some injury problems. They hope Liam Miller (calf) and Merouane Zemmama (groin) will recover from injuries after they were forced to miss crucial qualifying matches for the Republic of Ireland and Morocco respectively. Hibs boss John Hughes will assess the fitness of defender Sol Bamba and Anthony Stokes, who were on international duty in midweek, while Kevin McCann's troublesome hamstring problem is set to keep him out.

Having already beaten Hearts at home in the league, and Motherwell in the cup, St. Mirren are starting to get the hang of winning at home. With Hibs not playing particularly well, there's a chance for a coupon buster here.

Prediction: St. Mirren 2-1 Hibernian

Dundee United v Celtic

All eyes are on Craig Levein, with the United boss the favourite to be the new Scotland manager. One man who will welcome the change of media focus is Celtic manager Tony Mowbray, who is not having the best of it at the moment, despite leading the table.

Dundee United could have defender Garry Kenneth back. The former Scotland Under-21 man was ruled out for up to eight weeks with a groin problem only 10 days ago but has made rapid progress and returned to light training yesterday so could make the bench. Long-term injury absentees Jon Daly (knee), Francisco Sandaza (groin), Kevin Smith (ankle), Lee Wilkie (knee) and Scott Robertson (groin) are all missing.

Celtic could have five players missing; Stephen McManus, Glenn Loovens, Arthur Boruc, Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney.

An intriguing one as always, and only a few weeks ago Dundee United were dominating at home to Rangers before the game was called off.  Promises to be a tough one for the visitors, but Celtic are now starting to score goals and should edge a tight encounter.

Prediction: Dundee United 1-2 Celtic