Aberdeen v Inverness CT
This is the twentieth league meeting of the sides who occupy the two bottom spots in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and both are looking for their first wins of the season. Caley Thistleâs Ross Tokely could miss out through suspension after his red card against Rangers last weekend, although Inverness C.T. have appealed his ban. Aberdeen, who are still searching for their first league goal of the season, have Dutch striker Maceo Rigters on trial, and are also taking a look at Algerian under-23 international Mohamed Chalali, who's been released by Greek side Panionios. There were two wins apiece in the meetings last season and expect a decisive result again - there hasn't been a draw in the last eleven games between the sides.
Dundee United v Dunfermline Athletic
Both sides are on five points, though United have played a game more. Dunfermline defender John Potter could miss out through suspension after his red card against St Johnstone last weekend, although Dunfermline have appealed the decision. United will have new signing Gavin Gunning available for his home debut after his move from Blackburn. In the last sixteen meetings of the sides, there hasn't been more than a goal between them - with United winning only twice in the last 13 games.
Hibernian v St Mirren
Both sides aim to bounce back after defeats last weekend. St Mirren frontman Nigel Hasselbaink sits the game out while serving the second match of a two-game ban after being sent off against Dundee United at Tannadice. Hibs have full-back Michael Hart sidelined but new loan signing Phil Airey, who's joined on a six-month deal from Newcastle, is available. Saints have won only one of the last eleven games against the Edinburgh side.
Celtic v St Johnstone
Beram Kayal is out after spraining his ankle playing for Israel against Ivory Coast while Glenn Loovens is missing with a hamstring injury. Gary Hooper is also doubtful after missing the Europa League game against Sion with an ankle knock. Saints' Chris Millar is out for three weeks with a groin injury but striker Sam Parkin is approaching fitness after being out for six months with a broken ankle. Saints have lost their last fifteen games against Celts and have yet to score this season.
Kilmarnock v Hearts
Hearts midfielder Ian Black serves the second game of a two-match ban. Kilmarnock will be without frontman David Silva for the next two months with medial ligament damage but have signed Slovenian defender Leon Panikvar. Hearts have won six of the last nine meetings of the sides - and are undefeated in their last five trips to Rugby Park.
Motherwell v Rangers
Clydesdale Bank Premier League table-toppers Motherwell welcome back Keith Lasley after he missed last week's win against St Mirren through suspension but defender Steven Saunders is out long-term after being crocked playing for Scotland's under-21 side. Rangers' Sasa Papac is likely to be back after missing last week's trip to Inverness with a bug, Skipper Davie Weir could also return after a hamstring injury saw him miss the midweek Europa League trip to Maribor. Kyle Bartley also missed the tie but should return after his groin strain and striker Kyle Lafferty is also approaching fitness but Maurice Edu misses out after his red card at Inverness last week. Rangers have also turned down a £400,000 bid from Bolton for winger Gregg Wylde while the club have targeted USA skipper Carlos Bocanegra. Motherwell have gone 34 games without a win over Rangers - including all five meetings last season - their last win was on Boxing Day 2002.
By
cbfootball.co.uk
Last updated: 17 August 2011