Aberdeen v Dundee United
Aberdeen hope to have Fraser Fyvie and Isaac Osbourne available after injury while Stephen Hughes and Russell Anderson are both continuing their return to full fitness. Dundee United are the form side in the division and a run of seven wins and two draws in their last nine games has closed them to within five points of third-placed Motherwell. United’s impressive recent form also saw manager Peter Houston and midfielder Gary Mackay-Steven pick up the Clydesdale Bank Premier League Manager and Young Player of Month awards for March. However Aberdeen have won both meetings this season, with Kari Arnason scoring in both games.
Dunfermline Athletic v Hearts
Dunfermline are six points adrift at the foot of the table and they have midfielder Martin Hardie missing through suspension and Andy Barrowman out with a torn calf. Hearts have won the last four meetings of the clubs – and have lost only one of their last six games. Hearts have Mehdi Taouil (back) and Stephen Elliott (hip) doubtful.
Kilmarnock v Celtic (Live on ESPN - 12.00pm)
The final game before the Clydesdale Bank Premier League split and Celtic can win the title with a point at Rugby Park – also the scene of Rangers’ title triumph last season. Celtic will be without Victor Wanyama and Cha Du-Ri through suspension. Wanyama serves the second game of his ban while Cha’s appeal against his red card ban failed. Kilmarnock defender Alex Pursehouse has signed a new three-year contract at the club. Honours are even between the sides in three meetings this season – a win apiece and a draw. Kilmarnock beat Celtic in the League Cup final three weeks ago.
Rangers v St Mirren
Rangers welcome back Carlos Bocanegra after he missed the win at Motherwell through suspension. St Mirren are the only Clydesdale Bank Premier League side Rangers haven’t beaten this season – they lost at Paisley in December and drew at Ibrox in October. Rangers have turned down an offer from Premier League side West Bromwich Albion for forward Steven Naismith. West Brom made an undisclosed bid for the Scotland international, who hasn’t played since October because of knee ligament damage. Rangers have received four bids by interested buyers as they seek a way out of administration. Saints have been boosted by the return of defender Darren McGregor who made his comeback last week after eight months out with a cruciate injury.
St Johnstone v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Saints defender Frazer Wright suffered a horror tongue injury against Celtic last weekend but misses out through suspension anyway. Caley Thistle ‘keeper Ryan Esson remains on the sidelines with a groin injury. There have been fifteen meetings of the sides with seven wins apiece and a draw. Saints have won both games between the sides this season with Fran Sandaza scoring in both games. The Perth side’s defeat at Parkhead last weekend was their first loss in seven matches.
Hibernian v Motherwell (Live on ESPN - Sunday 12.30pm)
This is the 250th league meeting of the sides who specialise in goals when they meet. There hasn’t been a goalless draw between them since 1996 and there have been scorelines of 4-3, 3-2, 2-2 and a Clydesdale Bank Premier League record of 6-6 in the past two years. Hibs are continuing their struggle against relegation and have lost four of their last seven Clydesdale Bank Premier League games. Motherwell will be without Stevie Hammell and Steve Jennings through suspension.
By cbfootball.co.uk Last updated:
06 April 2012