Aberdeen v Hibernian
Aberdeen will look to build on their first away win of the season at St Johnstone in midweek.  Fraser Fyvie serves the second game of his Dons suspension, and Andy Considine is also banned after his red card against Saints on Tuesday.  Hibs' loan striker Leigh Griffiths is also sidelined after accepting a one-game ban for gesturing at Rangers fans during last week's Easter Road defeat.  The Edinburgh side are without a win in six games but have won on two of their last three visits to Aberdeen.

Hearts v Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline haven't won any of the last nine league meetings of the sides and haven't won at Tynecastle in 25 visits.  The Fife side have appealed to the SFA for compensation after the late call-off of last week's game against Kilmarnock.  They're set to be without Joe Cardle who has tendonitis.  Goalkeeper Janos Balogh, striker Calum Elliot and youth player Dale O'Hara are the latest players to be released from their Tynecastle contracts as Hearts' club's cost-cutting continues.  They've won only one game in seven.

Kilmarnock v Dundee United
This is the second in a run of three home games for Killie after the postponement of last weekend's game at Dunfermline and they've won their previous two games at Rugby Park against Rangers and Aberdeen.  This looks like a fixture for punters - six of the last nine games between the sides have been drawn, including the Tannadice meeting in July.  Striker Johnny Russell could return to the United starting line-up after hitting a double when he came on as a substitute in Inverness last week.  Killie have James Fowler suspended.

Motherwell v St Mirren
Motherwell are likely to keep faith with the side who beat St Johnstone comprehensively last weekend.  They're seeking to improve on a record which has seen them win just one of their last seven games at Fir Park.  St Mirren won on their last visit to Motherwell in February thanks to a goal from Michael Higdon - who's now at 'Well. 

Rangers v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
This is the 21st meeting of the clubs and Caley Thistle have won only three - but Rangers have won on only one of Inverness C.T.’s last three visits to Ibrox.  Loan midfielder David Davis is suspended for his side after his red card against Dundee United last weekend and Chris Hogg is out for the remainder of the season after being injured in the same game.  Rangers have Sone Aluko missing as he serves the second of his two-game ban.  They've opened contract talks with Norwegian midfielder Thomas Bendiksen, while they plan meetings with Maurice Edu's representatives in the next week over an extension to his deal.  His fellow American Carlos Bocanegra is doubtful for Gers.

St Johnstone v Celtic (Sunday)
Saints boss Steve Lomas must decide whether to keep faith with keeper Peter Enckleman after his error cost Saints a goal against Aberdeen in midweek.  It's the third consecutive home game for the Saints and they've lost the first two, against Motherwell and Aberdeen.  Lomas may still be without frontmen Fran Sandaza and Cillian Sheridan and Jody Morris is also out.  Celtic are unbeaten in nine Clydesdale Bank Premier League games, and have won on their last eight visits to Perth - but lost to Dave Mackay's goal in the previous meeting of the clubs at Celtic Park in August.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 15 December 2011