Dundee United v Ross County (Friday)
This is the first-ever league meeting and County have won only one of the eight cup clashes - in the League Cup in 1998 when current boss Derek Adams scored both goals in a 2-0 win. The most recent meeting came in the Scottish Cup in January 2011 when United won on penalties after two goalless draws. Dundee United have signed former Rangers defender Gregory Vignal on a short-term deal after his release by Greek side Atromitos but Peter Houston has defender Keith Watson available after he was injured against St Johnstone before the international break.
St Johnstone v Celtic (Live on ESPN 12.30)
Lunchtime kick-off as bottom club St Johnstone host the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions. Striker Georgios Samaras is out for a month after dislocating elbow ligaments playing for Greece against Latvia, while skipper Scott Brown could be rested with the Champions League opener against Benfica in mind. Mikael Lustig is another doubt after spraining a foot on international duty for Sweden against China. Celtic could have transfer window signings Miku Fedor and Lassad Nouioui available but Neil Lennon may have to wait for a work permit for defender Efe Ambrose and Victor Wanyama is doubtful with a dead leg. Saints won the first meeting of the sides last season but lost the other three.
Dundee v Motherwell
Table-topping Motherwell head to Dens Park but Dundee have won three of the last six league meetings of the clubs, including the last one in February 2005 by 2-1. Although Motherwell won 4-0 on their last visit to Dens Park in the Scottish Cup in January 2011. Dundee have taken former Hibs defender Sean O’Hanlon on trial. Stuart McCall’s goalkeeper Darren Randolph won his first cap for the Republic of Ireland in the friendly against Oman in midweek.
Hibernian v Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock have signed former St Johnstone and Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan after he left Bulgarians CSKA Sofia and he goes straight into Kenny Shiels’ squad. Hibs are unbeaten in four Clydesdale Bank Premier League games and go into the game on the back of a draw at Celtic Park. There were two wins apiece and a draw in the five meetings last season. Hibs have appointed former midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin as a coach in their youth academy.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Aberdeen
Meetings of two sides in the bottom half of the table who are still searching for early-season form. Aberdeen have still to score a home goal in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League this season and their last two games have been goalless. Caley Thistle have by contrast scored in all seven of their games this season. There were two wins apiece in the four meetings last season.
St Mirren v Hearts
St Mirren manager Danny Lennon has turned down the chance to re-sign former defender Franco Miranda but has signed Falkirk-born teenager Graeme McGregor after his release by Bolton Wanderers. Saints haven’t won any of the last nine meetings of the sides but Hearts haven’t scored in their last two Clydesdale Bank Premier League games and new signing Ryan Stevenson could make his first start.
By cbfootball.co.uk Last updated:
13 September 2012