Celtic v Inverness C.T.
The 21st league meeting of the sides and Caley Thistle have won just twice, while on-form Celtic have the chance to make it 15 Clydesdale Bank Premier League wins in succession. Caley Thistle are unbeaten in their last five league games but lost to Celtic in the Scottish Cup last weekend. Transfer window loan signings Steve Williams, Sam Winnall and Claude Gnakpa could all figure for Inverness CT. Celtic have won all three meetings of the sides this season by 2-0.
Dunfermline Athletic v Rangers
Lee McCulloch could come in for Rangers after last week’s home defeat by Dundee United. Dunfermline have a doubt over on-loan keeper Iain Turner after he hurt his back in the warm-up before the midweek draw with Kilmarnock. Chris Smith could again deputise. Rangers have won 76 of the 100 league meetings between the sides.
Hibernian v Aberdeen
Hibernian have won only one of the last seven meetings of the sides and have won only one game in twelve in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. Aberdeen have lost only one of their last eleven games. Nigerian Danny Uchechi has signed until the end of the season but Fraser Fyvie has turned down the offer of a new contract. Chris Clark is doubtful after limping off during last weekend’s Scottish Cup draw against Queen of the South and Isaac Osborne is out for a month with a hamstring injury but Gavin Rae could make his Dons debut. Garry O’Connor returns after Clydesdale Bank Premier League suspension but strike partner Leigh Griffiths is banned along with defenders James McPake and Paul Hanlon. Victor Palsson, David Crawford, Matt Thornhill, Junior Agogo, Michael Hart and Akpo Sodje have all been freed by Hibernian.
Kilmarnock v Hearts
Hearts saw Eggert Jonsson, Janos Balogh, Calum Elliot, Ryan Stevenson, Rob Ogelby, Evaldas Razulis and Conrad Balatoni leave during the transfer window, while Marian Kello is not being selected for not agreeing to a move to Austria Vienna or re-signing. They’ve won only one of the last six meetings of the sides but have Ian Black back after suspension. Kilmarnock’s Dean Shiels scored the only goal in the two meetings of the sides this season, at Tynecastle in October. Kilmarnock have won only one of their last seven league games.
St Johnstone v Dundee United
Dundee United are likely to stick with the side which won against Rangers in the Scottish Cup, but they’ve won only one of their last five Clydesdale Bank Premier League games. Saints have won four of their last seven games, while three of the last four meetings of the sides have ended drawn. Saints brought in Jack Compton, Lee Croft , Kudus Oyenuga and James Keatings during the transfer window.
St Mirren v Motherwell
Skipper Stephen Craigan returns after suspension for Motherwell while striker Michael Higdon is back to face his former club after his Clydesdale Bank Premier League ban. Home defender Tim Clancy is available after suffering a knee knock during the Scottish Cup win over Morton. Estonian Henrik Ojamaa has scored four goals in his last three games for Motherwell, who’ve won their last three fixtures. They won the game at St Mirren Park in August thanks to Tom Hateley’s last-minute free-kick.
By cbfootball.co.uk Last updated:
09 February 2012