Scottish Premier League Preview

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Scottish Premier League logo

Hearts v Hibernian (12.30pm)

One city. Two very different stories.

Hearts last season were 3rd by six clear points, and looked to be returning to the days when they were quite clearly Scotland’s third force – a big deal in a country where the top two places are usually reserved for Rangers and Celtic.

Hibs, on the other hand, were lucky to even make the top six.  Manager Mixi Paateleinen walked out at the end of the season, claiming he had no funds to spend, and without money he said he had no chance of improving the Edinburgh side.

Most observers, therefore, were quite confident in their predictions for this season. Hearts would either be third again, or not too far away, perhaps 5th at worse. 

Hibs, at best they could perhaps be 4th or 5th, but the prospect of them being a bottom six side was not too unrealistic.

However, fast forward to November 7, the first Edinburgh derby of the season, signalling the end of the first round of Scottish Premier League games, and the league table has a strange look to it.

Hearts are in 8th place, a mere one point above second bottom, and even the chance to at least put clear daylight between them and last placed Falkirk was thrown away in a dour 0-0 draw two weeks ago.

Hibs, perhaps unbelievably even to their own supporters, are quite rightly proclaiming to all that they are in a title fight. They currently occupy 2nd spot, splitting the Old Firm, and have done something that the leaders Celtic have not done so far this season; go to Ibrox and escape unbeaten.

Why the change in fortunes? Most significantly, and surprisingly considering the departed Paateleinen’s comments, it comes down to pre-season signings.

Hearts, despite their third place finish last season, lacked a striker. They have not brought in a goal grabber, and are suffering for it badly. The likes of Bruno Aguiar and Christophe Berra have not been replaced, new captain Michael Stewart appears a less than inspired choice with his own support even beginning to boo him, and manager Csaba Laszlo has hinted that he’ll quit if he isn’t given funds in January.

John Hughes was unveiled as Hibs manager in the summer, and rather than have to work with the same squad that failed last season, he’s been able to bring in a glut of inspired signings. Anthony Stokes and Liam Miller are two players who have proven themselves in the SPL before, while Graham Stack appears to be the answer to their problem goalkeeper position.

What will really worry Hearts fans, though, as they prepare to host their capital rivals, is that despite their league advantage last season, Hibs had the upper hand in the derby. Now, with Hibs seemingly brushing aside everyone, confidence isn’t the highest in Gorgie this weekend.

The home side have defender Eggert Jonsson suspended, as well as a number of players missing through injury, including Marius Zaliukas (ankle), Suso Santana (hernia), Laryea Kingston (hamstring), Callum Elliot (knee) and David Templeton (foot).

Typically, no such problem for the Hibees. The visitors expect Merouane Zemmama to be fit, meaning John Hughes should be able to name the same starting line up for the fifth straight game.

Always a passionate affair, this one has the added edge that mathematically Hibs could go top of the table if they were to win by four goals. As unlikely as that is, the Edinburgh derby has been known to throw up some amazing results before.

Hibs are the side on form, Hearts the ones struggling. On paper it should mean an away win, but derbies rarely go the way the form suggests, and in what promises to be a battle to the last, Hearts should take a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Hearts 2-2 Hibs

Aberdeen v St Johnstone

They say the league table doesn’t lie, however Mark McGhee is convinced it is currently telling porkies.

The Dons in their last three games have been anything but poor – yet picked up only one point out of tough encounters with Hearts, Dundee United and Hibs.

Last week their defeat was down mainly to having nine players for the majority of the second half. However the Dons know the real reason for their lack of points; their lack of goals.

The strikers need to start scoring if McGhee’s side are going to start pushing up the table.

St Johnstone have started to find a bit of form though. Victory over Falkirk means they were able to pull five points clear of bottom spot, and with the pressure off a little, especially this week in a game they won’t be expected to win, Derek McInnis’ side can now start to enjoy the honeymoon that newly promoted sides should be having.

Aberdeen pair Chris Maguire and Maurice Ross are both suspended following red cards during last week's 2-0 defeat at Hibernian. Fraser Fyvie could be out for up to six weeks following his injury in that same game, while Zander Diamond is not expected back until Christmas.

St Johnstone have doubts over Steven Anderson (toe) and Collin Samuel (knee). Stuart McCaffrey (groin), Steven Milne (ankle) and Euan McLean (ankle) are out.

Mark McGhee may have a point when he says Aberdeen are playing better than their league position suggests. St Johnstone at home is an excellent opportunity to get three points, and they won’t get many sympathisers should they fail to win this weekend. Don’t expect too many goals, but the home side should do enough to edge it. 

Prediction: Aberdeen 1-0 St Johnstone.

Hamilton Academical v Motherwell

Edinburgh isn’t the only place hosting a derby this weekend, and Hamilton against Motherwell promises to be a keen affair as the Lanarkshire rivals go at it.

Both sides go into it with confidence. Hamilton won against the odds last week when they strolled to a 2-0 win away to St Mirren, while Motherwell were winners over Hearts to move into 4th, just two points behind champions Rangers.

Hamilton captain Alex Neil is unlikely to play due to a lack of fitness. Derek Lyle, James Gibson (both knee) and Gary Gow (broken elbow) are all out.

Motherwell left-back Stevie Hammell is still nursing a hamstring strain, and Paul Slane (calf) is still missing.

Home advantage doesn’t seem to do Hamilton much good these days, and Jim Gannon’s side should continue to be one of the many sides putting pressure on the Old Firm.

Prediction: Hamilton 0-2 Motherwell

Kilmarnock v Dundee United

Every football fan will say it is frustrating watching their side. However, no-one holds a candle to Kilmarnock supporters.

Just when they look to be hurtling towards Division One, they’ll suddenly produce some form. Start thinking that finally their squad will live up to expectations and make a tilt for the top six, back they go hurtling down the table.

In all honesty, they weren’t expecting much from Parkhead last week, but the 3-0 defeat was a tad embarrassing since manager Jim Jefferies had spent the week boasting a side would soon topple the Old Firm in the title race, only to be reminded just how far away his own side were of being the ones to do that.

Dundee United found their game abandoned at half-time last week.  They were trailing 1-0 to Rangers, but appeared unlucky to be behind considering their performance, and having the game re-arranged may just work in their favour should they win the fixture when it comes round in December.

On-loan goalkeeper Mark Brown is available again after being unable to feature against employers Celtic. Striker Allan Russell is back in training after breaking his hand but the game may come too soon for him.

Damian Casalinuovo returns for United. Left-back Paul Dixon should play, but Jon Daly (knee), Francisco Sandaza (groin), Kevin Smith (ankle), Lee Wilkie (knee) and Scott Robertson (groin) are all still missing.

Tough one to call, as United don’t travel too well. Levein’s side do look a better outfit this season though, and look the more likely winner.

Prediction: Kilmarnock 1-2 Dundee United

Rangers v St Mirren

Rangers continue to be average, but still they remain unbeaten. A draw away in Romania midweek could have given the ‘Gers some badly needed good news had it not been overshadowed by the crowd trouble during the match.

St Mirren had looked to be coming on to decent form, only to lose at home to Hamilton, a fixture they should be winning if they ever want to achieve something more than relegation scrappers.

Rangers will have to survive without Kyle Lafferty and Steven Smith, who are suffering from food poisoning. Madjid Bougherra is still missing, meaning teenager Danny Wilson is set to make his home debut after impressing in midweek. Pedro Mendes, Kirk Broadfoot and Maurice Edu remain on the sidelines.

St Mirren midfielder Steven Thomson returns from illness, but Lee Mair is suspended following his red card in the 2-0 defeat by Hamilton last weekend. Saints still have a lengthy injury list, with Allan Johnston, Steven Robb (both groin), Craig Dargo (shoulder), Chris Smith, Tom Brighton and Mo Camara (all knee) out.

As poor as Rangers have been of late, a home game against the likes of St Mirren is generally a banker. Gus McPherson’s side may try to take advantage of some tiredness following the hosts’ European trip, but it is unlikely to save them from defeat.

Prediction: Rangers 4-1 St Mirren.

Falkirk v Celtic

Bottom against top, there looks little chance of a surprise.

The home side’s last game was a poor 3-1 defeat to newly promoted St Johnstone, and a gap between them and the rest is starting to develop.

Celtic, for all their recent troubles, have now pulled off a comfortable 3-0 win over Kilmarnock and a creditable draw in Hamburg in the past week, and should have no problems winning here.

Ex-Celt Jackie McNamara is ruled out for six weeks, while Burton O'Brien, Kjartan Finnbogason and Thomas Scobbie also face lay-offs for Falkirk.

Celtic skipper Stephen McManus is available after suspension. Midfielders Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney both remain on the sidelines with an ankle injury and tendonitis respectively.

Little to predict, will be a major surprise if Falkirk get anything from this one. Should be a canter for the Hoops.

Prediction: Falkirk 0-3 Celtic

Andrew Southwick, Goal.com UK