Celtic v Aberdeen
Celtic will be without the suspended James Forrest after he lost his appeal against his red card at Hamilton last week, while defender Jos Hooiveld has joined Danish side FC Copenhagen on loan.  Dons skipper Paul Hartley is available again after suspension but David McNamee is an injury doubt.  The visitors are unbeaten in five games since Craig Brown’s arrival in December and also have loan signing Nick Blackman available after recovering from a virus.  Yoann Folly, Darren Mackie and Fraser Fyvie remain out injured.  Celtic have won the last 12 SPL meetings of the sides at Parkhead – including the record 9-0 win in November.

Hearts v Rangers
Madjid Bougherra is available again after missing the midweek win over Inverness CT through suspension, while Sasa Papac is doubtful with a groin strain.  Steven Naismith is nearing fitness after a hamstring problem and Nikica Jelavic could make his first start since being injured at Tynecastle in October.  For the home side, Kevin Kyle will be back in contention after missing the midweek win at Kilmarnock.  Hearts have won nine of their last ten Clydesdale Bank Premier League games.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Hamilton Academical
Accies have doubts over defenders Mark McLaughlin and Martin Canning, while skipper Alex Neil and Gary McDonald are still out.  Bottom club Accies are without a win in nine but have Simon Mensing and Jim McAlister available again after suspension.  Caley Thistle start a run of four home games aiming to end a recent record of eight SPL games without a victory.

Kilmarnock v Dundee United
United are unbeaten in the last six meetings of the sides – and have won on two of their last three visits to Rugby Park.  Killie have Jamie Hamill available again after suspension and striker Conor Sammon could return but Craig Bryson is out injured. United’s Scott Severin, Mihael Kovacevic, Danny Swanson and Darren Dods are all out while Paul Dixon is doubtful after being injured in the Scottish Cup win at Ross County on Tuesday.  Six of United’s last seven games have finished in draws – though they won against Ross County on penalties on Tuesday.

Motherwell v Hibs
Liam Miller serves the second game of his two-match SPL suspension for Hibs.  Motherwell’s defender Steven Saunders remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.  Hibs have won both games against Motherwell this season – but haven’t won in the nine games since they beat ‘Well in November.  Stuart McCall’s side haven’t won in their last eight Clydesdale Bank Premier League games and have failed to score in their last four.

St Johnstone v St Mirren
Patrick Cregg is available after being suspended for last week’s visit to Aberdeen. The Perth Saints haven’t lost in the last eleven meetings of the sides, including wins in both meetings so far this season – with Sam Parkin scoring in both games.  Six of the previous nine meetings ended drawn.  St Mirren scored six in midweek against Peterhead – after failing to score in their four previous games.  St Johnstone’s only loss in their last seven games was at Celtic Park on Boxing Day.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 21 January 2011