Celtic v Hearts
Hearts are the form side in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League having taken 31 points from their last 33 but they face their biggest test over the next week as they visit both halves of the Old Firm as well as facing a tricky home game against St Johnstone.  Hearts haven't won at Celtic Park in their last seven visits – their last being a 3-1 victory in April 2007 - with Marius Zaliukas and Lee Wallace the only survivors of that win likely to be involved on Wednesday.  Celtic will be without defender Daniel Majstorovic after he limped off against Aberdeen on Saturday but James Forrest is available after suspension.  Hearts hope to have striker Kevin Kyle back amongst their ranks after he missed Saturday's win over Rangers. Hearts will be hoping he makes it as they look to breach a Celtic defence which has conceded just one goal in their last 667 minutes of football.

Hibernian v Rangers
Hibs are on a poor run – without a win in their last ten games and without a goal in their last five.  Although they won 3-0 at Ibrox in November, Hibs haven't beaten Rangers in any of the last eleven Easter Road meetings – Chris Killen scored the winner the last time they beat Rangers at home, in September 2006.  Rangers' Nikica Jelavic could be handed a start after impressing in two substitute appearances against Inverness CT and Hearts.  Hibs will have Liam Miller available after suspension and new signing Matt Thornhill and on loan Richard Towell could make their debuts although fellow new recruit Martin Scott is suspended.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Aberdeen
Caley Thistle have won both their previous meetings with Aberdeen this season – with Adam Rooney scoring in both - but their home win in October was their first ever victory against the Dons at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.  Rui Sanchez's goal on Saturday was Inverness CT’s first in four Clydesdale Bank Premier League games and they've now gone nine SPL games without a win.  Dons hope to have David McNamee available after he missed Saturday's defeat at Celtic Park with a groin problem but Yoann Folly (ankle), Darren Mackie and Fraser Fyvie (both knee) remain on the sidelines.

St Johnstone v Motherwell
Motherwell, who are trailing Rotherham midfielder Nicky Law, have won the last three meetings of the sides and haven't conceded a goal in the two previous games this season.  St Johnstone however approach the game in good form having lost only one game in their last eight.  Motherwell have kept clean sheets in four of their last five games but midfielder Keith Lasley is struggling with a hamstring problem.  Saints have Kevin Moon back in training after almost a year on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury but the game comes too soon for him.

St Mirren v Dundee United
St Mirren haven't beaten United at home in any of their last eight meetings but they did win at Tannadice in November.  United will be without suspended duo Jon Daly and Scott Robertson, who were both red-carded at Kilmarnock on Saturday.  United's Danny Swanson (back) and Mihael Kovacevic (knee) have returned to training, but defender Paul Dixon is still out.  Nick Hegarty, Garry Brady and Gareth Wardlaw remain on the sidelines for the Paisley side, who haven't scored in any of their last five Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 26 January 2011