Dundee United v St Mirren
United found it tough against St Mirren in all three games between the clubs last season - they lost at Tannadice in November and needed last-minute goals to rescue draws in both meetings in Paisley.  United will be without frontman David Goodwillie, whose transfer to Blackburn Rovers has finally been completed.  Danny Lennon's Saints are unbeaten this season and have yet to concede a goal, and Craig Samson could again deputise in goal for the injured Graeme Smith.

Dunfermline Athletic v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
This is the 21st league meeting of the sides - but the first in the SPL since May 2007.  However, Dunfermline have won only once in the last sixteen meetings of the clubs - when current East End Park manager Jim McIntyre scored in a 3-1 win in March 2007.  Caley Thistle are without a goal or a point this season but Terry Butcher has been happy with the performances at Motherwell and at home to Hibs, heading into this game however he has Lee Cox missing with a groin problem.

Aberdeen v Celtic (Sunday) 12.15
Aberdeen manager Craig Brown has warned his side they need to improve after taking just one point from their two opening games to avoid another humiliation by Celtic - who scored 21 goals and conceded just one in five wins over the Dons last season.  Aberdeen have won only one of the last eleven meetings.  Celtic will be without defender Glenn Loovens, who's been sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring strain, while fellow defender Darren O'Dea has joined Leeds United on loan.  Kris Commons - who limped off during Wednesday's friendly defeat at Swansea - and Joe Ledley should be fit for the trip north.  Parkhead skipper Scott Brown serves the second of his two-match ban, as does Aberdeen's Ryan Jack.

Motherwell v Hearts (Sunday)
Motherwell will be without striker Michael Higdon, who has a thigh injury.  Hearts' new coach Paulo Sergio - the club's eleventh manager in six years - will have Jamie Hamill available after he missed the first two Clydesdale Bank SPL games through suspension.  There hasn't been a home winner in the last five games between the clubs - Hearts won 2-1 on their last visit to Fir Park in December.  John Sutton, who's now at Hearts, scored three of the six goals Motherwell scored against Hearts last season.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 05 August 2011