Hearts v Aberdeen
Aberdeen hope to turn their season around after the departure of manager Mark McGhee, having taken just 4 points from their last 39.  Nikola Vijadinovic and Peter Pawlett could return after injury but Rory McArdle is suspended.  Hearts have won the last two meetings of the sides - both of them at Pittodrie however Aberdeen won 3-0 on their last visit to Tynecastle.  Hearts duo Andrew Driver and Lee Wallace are nearing fitness but won't be available for a Hearts side who have won their last four games by 2-0.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Rangers
Rangers will be without Kyle Lafferty with a hand injury but Walter Smith is hopeful fellow injury victims Maurice Edu and Sasa Papac are available after missing the Champions League draw in Bursaspor on Tuesday.  Rangers have taken just one point from their last two meetings with Inverness CT, who in turn have lost only one game in their last ten in a run which has seen them rise to fourth spot.

St Mirren v St Johnstone
The home side, who have only lost to the Old Firm in their last seven games, will have Michael Higdon back after suspension but Hugh Murray, Lee Mair and Garry Brady remain sidelined.  St Johnstone are hopeful of having Dave Mackay back but Derek McInnes' preparations have been hindered - a plan to train on Alloa's plastic surface was foiled by the weather and most players have had to train at their local gyms.  Expect it to be tight - six of the last ten meetings of the Saints have ended drawn.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 10 December 2010