Scottish Premier League title-hopefuls Celtic have an excellent chance to close the gap on arch-rivals Rangers when they take on Motherwell at Parkhead on Wednesday (Celtic 1/3, draw 19/5, Motherwell 17/2 – match betting).
‘Gers have had their midweek game at St Johnstone postponed because of the snow, which means the Hoops have the opportunity to go top of the table before the small matter of the Old Firm derby on Sunday.
Celtic won’t yet have the services of former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg, who looks likely to sign in the New Year.
However, the Bhoys will go into this game looking to avoid dropping yet more points as they have drawn three of their last four games – at home against Dundee United, Inverness CT and Kilmarnock – in the SPL
Managerless Motherwell have struggled since the departure of Craig Brown to Aberdeen earlier in the month.
‘Well have lost their last two games which have been at Fir Park against Hearts and Rangers which are by no means easy fixtures.
Celtic will be favourites to make it three defeats on the trot for Motherwell and it’s doubtful that they will scupper their chance to go top of the table.
Hearts have played some excellent football in recent months with boss Jim Jeffries picking up the manager of the month award for November.
The Edinburgh club are undefeated in their last seven games in the SPL and will fancy their chances on Wednesday when they take on St Mirren (3/1 – match betting).
Hearts ran out 3-0 winners when these sides met earlier in the season at the Tynecastle Stadium and they will be confident of beating St Mirren who currently sit six points above the relegation zone.
The biggest game of the midweek fixtures is at the bottom of the table as Hamilton take on Aberdeen.
This match is crucial for both sides as the Dons sit just three points ahead of Hamilton who are rock bottom of the SPL (Hamilton 6/4, draw 23/10, Aberdeen 9/5 – match betting).
Even at this relatively early stage of the season if Aberdeen can pull of an away win at New Douglas Park, the Accies will be in serious trouble at six points adrift from safety with wins hard to come by.
Despite not being able to win in their last five outings, Hamilton have been hit badly by the weather in recent weeks and do have two games in hand over Aberdeen.
It’s going to be a real tight game in Hamilton but the home side could pull off the win against Brown’s men because it could be relegation for the Accies if they don’t.
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