Tuesday 26th January

Hamilton v Kilmarnock
Even though Kevin Kyle scored a debut double when the sides met at Rugby Park in August, the omens don't look good for Killie as they search for their first Clydesdale Bank Premier League win under Jimmy Calderwood. They've lost on each of their last three visits to Hamilton and haven't won in their last six league games. But Hamilton have scored only one goal in their last four matches.

Killie defender Frazer Wright could be out for six weeks as he struggles with an ankle injury – he will discover the extent of the problem next week. Ryan O'Leary is also out with a knee injury while Accies' James Wesolowski is still missing with a hamstring injury, and James Gibson and Derek Lyle (both knee) are long-term casualties.

Wednesday 27th January

Celtic v Hibernian
Hibs haven't won in any of their last eight visits to Parkhead and had won only one of their previous five SPL games before their win over Hamilton on Saturday. Georgios Samaras scored the only goal of game when the sides met in August.

Celtic closed the gap at the top of the table to seven points on Sunday and haven't lost at home in the league since August 2008 – but they have drawn their last two home games, against Rangers and Falkirk. They could be forced to call on new signing Jos Hooiveld after Glenn Loovens suffered a head knock against St Johnstone on Sunday.

Dundee United v St Johnstone
It's a win apiece for the sides this season – Damian Casalinuovo scored the winner for United in the league in September but Saints knocked United out of the League Cup the following month. St Johnstone had won their previous three games before Sunday's match against Celtic and will have Graham Gartland suspended after his red card in that match. United have won four games and lost only one goal since losing to Aberdeen on January 2.

Falkirk v Motherwell
Although on-loan Everton striker Lukas Jutkiewicz' goal separated the sides when they met at Fir Park in October, Falkirk have had the upper hand in recent meetings – Motherwell have won only two of the last nine encounters. Falkirk hadn't conceded more than a goal in a game since losing to Rangers on December 5 until Dundee United put four past them on Sunday. 'Well have won their last two Clydesdale Bank Premier League games, but Jutkiewicz is likely to miss out after getting 12 stitches in his leg during Saturday's win over St Mirren.

Hearts v Aberdeen
Hearts have won only one of the last six meetings with Aberdeen and the Dons knocked them out of the Scottish Cup earlier this month but Csaba Laszlo's team are unbeaten in seven Clydesdale Bank Premier League games. That said, the Edinburgh outfit have scored just two goals in their last five league games and will be without suspended Christian Nade on Saturday. Aberdeen will have Lee Miller back from suspension, while Hearts will have Ruben Palazuelos available after a ban. But Jose Goncalves (thigh), David Templeton (ankle), Gary Glen (stomach), Craig Thomson, Johnny Stewart, Calum Elliot, Andrew Driver (all knee) are all out, as are Dawid Kucharski, Arvydas Novikovas, and Jamie MacDonald (all ankle).

St Mirren v Rangers
Rangers have won eight of the last nine meetings of the sides – Stephen McGinn, who's moved to Watford, scored Saints' last winner in this fixture back in October 2008. Saints are unbeaten in their last five games at New St Mirren Park. Rangers have won four of their last five away games in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, and are unbeaten in 11 domestic games. Saints' Mo Camara, who's been suffering from a virus, Chris Smith and Tom Brighton and unavailable, while Kris Boyd is recovering from a hernia op and Kenny Miller is recovering from a hamstring injury. But Pedro Mendes could feature after returning to the bench on Saturday.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 08 February 2010