In the Scottish Premier League this weekend, Rangers are looking to close the gap on leaders Celtic, while Hamilton will hope to claw back some ground at the foot of the table. Here is a look ahead to the weekend’s SPL action.

Hamilton v Hearts

Hamilton now find themselves four points adrift at the foot of the table and although they have a game or two in hand on their nearest rivals, they still need a win or two to get themselves into contention of safety. That is something that has eluded them at New Douglas Park and it is hard to see them getting anything against Hearts, who until recently were genuine contenders to the Old Firm.

Having been beaten on their last two trips away from Tynecastle, both came in Glasgow, and the Jambos will be out to prove their lofty position of third is a true reflection of their ability.
Hearts look a good price at 4/5 to come away with the win but with goals and clean sheets a problem for the hosts, 21/10 on the handicap (-1) looks even better.

Hibernian v Kilmarnock

Hibs ended a five-match losing streak and a seven-match scoreless run with a 2-0 against St Mirren last time out but it is hard to see why that should make them 7/5 favourites in this fixture.

Admittedly their form at Rugby Park is a lot better than on their travels bu that is not saying a lot for a side that is 10th in the table, five points clear of the bottom but having played a game more.

Kilmarnock ended a five-match winless run with a 1-0 win at Motherwell but they have been picking up points (three of those matches were drawn) and boast a far better record on their travels, having only been beaten twice on the road.

They are also the second leading scorers away from home, behind only Rangers, and at 7/4 look good value to record the win.

Rangers v Motherwell

Rangers are strong 1/5 favourites for good reason as they are the champions, have lost three times all season (although two of those defeats were at Ibrox) and need the win to close the gap on arch rivals Celtic, who play on Monday.

I can’t see the Gers losing this one but injuries and suspensions, as well as the sale of Kenny Miller do make them vulnerable.

Motherwell’s form has been erratic of late and perhaps they are not a side that would be able to take full advantage, but they can at least give the hosts a game and there looks to be goals in this one – Over 2.5 on offer at 4/6.

St Jonstone v Aberdeen

St Johnstone have only been beaten once in the last six games in the league and that was against third-placed Hearts but they have a patchy record at McDiarmid Park, winning five and losing five.

The Saints have only managed eight goals in front of their home fans and a close encounter looks on the cards when Aberdeen come to town on Saturday, as the Dons have scored only nine on their travels.

Aberdeen have done better on the road this season and look good value at 15/8, although I would take the 13/10 on the home side in what will be a tight affair.

St Mirren v Inverness CT

In stark contrast to the cup competitions, St Mirren have struggled in the league, having not won for six matches in the SPL, and are very much involved in the relegation battle.

The Buddies do have a four-point cushion over Hamilton but have played a game more and the pressure is very much on.

Given that, I would take the 8/5 on offer for Inverness CT (both teams same price) even though they have not won for 10 in the league.

During the winless run, they have drawn with both Rangers and Celtic and boast a far superior away record with just two defeats on their travels, compared to seven at Caledonian Stadium.

Dundee United v Celtic

It may be flippant to suggest that the league leaders are guaranteed a win on Sunday but I am finding it hard to disagree with the 8/13 favourites tag on Celtic.

The Hoops are the form side in the division, and Neil Lennon has got them playing good football at the moment with plenty of goals in the side – they have scored 20 in the last six.

The Terrors are enjoying an unbeaten run of late but have drawn a lot and although they are capable of giving the Bhoys a game (they drew 1-1 at Celtic Park in November), the leaders’ current form should be enough to safeguard the win.

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