Aberdeen v Hearts
The Dons have lost only one of the last seven meetings with Hearts but go into the game after manager Mark McGhee had a lengthy heart-to-heart with his players following last week’s defeat at Falkirk. They haven’t won in any of the seven games they’ve played since winning 3-0 at Tynecastle last month.  Hearts have skipper Michael Stewart available again after suspension.

Dundee United v Falkirk
United have won the last four meetings of the clubs but will have to improve on home form which has seen them win only one of their last six games at Tannadice. They have striker Francisco Sandaza returning to training next week but he’s still several weeks away from playing after undergoing a hernia op last summer. Falkirk manager Steven Pressley, meanwhile, has called on his players to show the bravery demonstrated by defender Brian McLean, who played against Aberdeen last week with a broken cheekbone.

Hibernian v St Johnstone
Hibs will be without suspended Liam Miller after his red card at Motherwell last weekend as John Hughes’ side seeks to arrest a slide which has seen them lose three games in succession. Hughes will be hoping his players need no more motivation that than the chance to avenge their 5-1 thumping at Perth earlier this month.  Saints defender Kevin Rutkiewicz has moved to Perth from the west of Scotland to get more treatment on his knee ligament injury.

Motherwell v Kilmarnock
Motherwell have won both meetings of the sides this season but Kilmarnock are unbeaten in seven games. ‘Well’s on-loan Lukas Jutkiewicz could return after missing out on last week’s win over Hibs. Killie have Simon Ford struggling with injury and could recall Frazer Wright, who’s missed their last eight games because of an ankle operation.

St Mirren v Hamilton
Saints are struggling for defenders with Jack Ross sidelined and are sweating on the fitness of John Potter, Chris Innes, Lee Mair and David Barron. Accies have won on three of their last four visits to Paisley and have Dougie Imrie back after suspension – but Mickael Antoine-Curier is still out.

Rangers v Celtic (Sun)
Rangers will make a late decision on ‘keeper Allan McGregor who’s been kept away from contact training for much of this week after being injured in an alleged assault in Glasgow city centre last weekend. Celtic are set to continue with youngster Thomas Rogne at the heart of defence in what will only be his second Celts start. Loan striker Robbie Keane will also relish his first taste of Old Firm action and Celts have his countrymen Aiden McGeady and Darren O’Dea available against after suspension. Rangers haven’t lost to Celtic in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League since Scott McDonald’s Ibrox winner in December 2008 – Celtic’s only win in the last six league meetings of the sides. Rangers haven’t lost at home in the League since Ian Black’s last-minute penalty for Inverness in March 2009.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 26 February 2010