Aberdeen v Dundee United
There have been two draws and two away wins in the last four Pittodrie meetings of the sides but Craig Brown will go into his first home game as Aberdeen manager in optimistic mood.  Although the Dons haven't won at home in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League since October 23, they'll be heartened by back-to-back wins over Hibs and Hamilton.  United will have Garry Kenneth back after suspension but Danny Swanson sits it out after his red card against Hibs.

Hamilton Academical v Motherwell
A tight Lanarkshire derby looks inevitable between two sides struggling for form - there have been two 1-0 wins and two draws in the last four meetings.  Accies won 1-0 at Motherwell in the last meeting of the sides in October thanks to Nigel Hasselbaink's goal but haven't won since.  Motherwell - who hope to have new manager Stuart McCall in place for the game - will be without Steve Jennings, who's still suspended.  They're without a win in five games after back-to-back Old Firm defeats.

Hearts v Hibernian (12.30)
There have been only two home wins in the last ten Edinburgh derbies, but Hibs haven't won any of the last five and lost 2-0 at Easter Road in the only previous meeting this season, in November.  Hearts have won all three Edinburgh derbies since Jim Jefferies returned to the club in January and have won seven of their last eight games.  Hibs could recall Daryl Duffy and Merouane Zemmama after both made the bench against Dundee United on Wednesday.  There have been seven red cards in the last eight games between the sides.

St Johnstone v Inverness CT (2 Jan)
The meeting of these sides in October, which finished 1-1, was their first-ever in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.  Caley Thistle are unbeaten in nine games away from home this season but haven't won any of their last five SPL games.  Saints' Jamie Adams misses out through suspension while Inverness Caley's Jonny Hayes is doutbtul after missing the midweek defeat against Kilmarnock.

Rangers v Celtic (2 Jan)
Celtic have won only one of their last seven Old Firm SPL games - the 2-1 win at the end of last season - and lost the first meeting of the season 3-1 at Celtic Park in October.  Celtic's last five games have all been at home, only two of which they've won.  Rangers, who haven't had a home league game since November 13, have lost just one of their last 31 league games at home, but Celtic have lost only four goals in seven away SPL games this season.  Chief danger to them will be Kenny Miller, who's scored five goals in his last five games against Celtic.  Neil Lennon will have skipper Scott Brown out after his red card against Motherwell in midweek, while Olivier Kapo (hamstring) and Daryl Murphy (achilles) are doubtful.  Stiker Georgios Samaras could return after injury.

St Mirren v Kilmarnock (3 Jan)
Kilmarnock have Manuel Pascali suspended for the trip to Paisley, while Saints' John Potter is also sidelined after his midweek red card against Hearts.  Gareth Wardlaw is available again after suspension but Paul McGowan is doubtful after being injured against the Edinburgh side.  Kilmarnock are up to fourth after just one defeat in nine Clydesdale Bank Premier League games.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 30 December 2010