Aberdeen v Hearts
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has started his rebuilding at Pittodrie by releasing a group of players, including Gavin Rae, Rory Fallon and Gary Naysmith. Fallon and Peter Pawlett miss out through suspension. Hearts are hopeful skipper Marius Zaliukas will be able to play a few minutes on what will be his last appearance for the club. There have been 250 league meetings of the clubs, with Hearts winning 101 of them. Honours have been even this season – a 2-0 win apiece and a goalless draw.
Hibernian v Dundee
Dundee’s Nicky Riley returns after suspension and the relegated club are interested in bringing freed Aberdeen midfielder Gavin Rae back to Dens Park. Hibs are unbeaten in five games but manager Pat Fenlon may continue to rest some players with the Scottish Cup Final in mind. Former Dundee striker Leigh Griffiths – who’s likely to be one of the players left out - has scored for Hibs in all three meetings of the sides this season.
Kilmarnock v St Mirren
Kenny McLean returns after suspension for Saints but goalkeeper Craig Samson and midfielder Paul McGowan are likely to play their last games for the club. Home youngster Ross Barbour is a doubt with an ankle injury sustained in the midweek defeat to Hibs. Kilmarnock haven’t won any of their last six home games while St Mirren haven’t won any of their last nine Clydesdale Bank Premier League games.
Dundee United v Celtic (Sunday)
Home defender Barry Douglas returns after suspension while Celtic manager Neil Lennon may reshuffle his pack with the Scottish Cup Final in mind. There have been 23 goals in the four meetings of the sides this season. United though have won only one of their last five home games – but Celtic haven’t won any of their last six away from home in the league.
Ross County v Inverness Caledonian Thistle (Sunday 12.45pm, Live on Sky Sports)
The Highland derby will decide the final Europa League place. If Caley Thistle win, they will finish third. If they draw, they will lose out if St Johnstone beat Motherwell. Caley Thistle duo Richie Foran and Ross Draper miss out through suspension and although home skipper Richard Brittain is out after being stretchered off against Motherwell last weekend, his injury isn’t as bad as was first feared. The omens are good for Inverness CT – they’re unbeaten in all five meetings of the teams this season.
St Johnstone v Motherwell (Sunday)
Saints will snatch the final Europa League place if they win and Inverness CT fail to beat Ross County. Defender Frazer Wright has been offered a two-game ban by the SFA’s Judicial Panel and will miss out through suspension if his appeal against it fails – which would give Steve Lomas a defensive problem as David McCracken remains out with a knee injury. Striker Henrik Ojamaa is back after suspension for Motherwell, while goalkeeper Darren Randolph has agreed a deal to join Birmingham City. Midfielder Nicky Law will also make his last appearance for the Fir Park men. Motherwell haven’t lost to Saints this season – but St Johnstone haven’t lost any of their last ten home games.