SPFL Archives - Page 3 of 17

Is there cause for concern at Hibs?

The January transfer window is never an easy one, but at the time of writing, Hibernian are the only side in the Scottish Premiership yet to make a signing this window, even with key positions such as right- wing back and striker noticeably needing improved. David Gray may also need to strengthen at centre back with on-loan Zach Mitchell being recalled by Charlton as Nathan Jones deemed he wasn’t receiving enough game time for his development. This leaves Hibs with only four recognised centre backs to fill their favoured back three. Hibs fans have largely been devoid of transfer rumours in this window too. They’ve been linked to Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri, but the talks surrounding the Jamaican international have largely gone quiet. German fullback Felix Passlack has also been linked with a move to the capital. Many reports suggest that Passlack will become a Hibs player this window, although the deal is yet to materialise. In a pre-match press conference, Gray was asked about Hibs transfer activity- or lack of. He said: “We’ve still got ten days or so, so I expect there to be movement. I expect there are still things to happen. “In terms of our recruitment strategy and what we want to do, we’re working hard to try to do things, and if it can improve the group and it can be done, we certainly would like to do that. “In an ideal world, you want that done on day one. Every manager and coach around the country, all over the world, would say the same thing – the earlier you can get players in, the better. “It doesn’t always work like that, especially in the January window as well. Sometimes you need to be a little bit reactive. It is a case of when you get to the end of the window, making sure your squad is stronger than when you started. That is the key.” Hibernian will now look towards a hectic end to the window before the February 2nd deadline. Fans will be hoping for more transfer talk than just Cadamarteri and Passlack, who have been the only credible rumours thus far this window.

January 24, 2026

League Leaders, Loan Deals, and Late Winners: SPFL Matchday 23 Breakdown

After a short hiatus for the Scottish Cup, the Premiership returns this weekend. Here is what to watch for in Matchday 23. Game of the Round – Hearts v Celtic Tynecastle prepares for a massive showdown this Sunday as the league’s top two sides meet for the third time. With the title race heating up, a win for either side could provide a catalyst for the remainder of the season. Hearts have enjoyed back-to-back league victories over the Scottish champions, including an impressive away triumph in December. However, with Cammy Devlin, Beni Baningime, and captain Lawrence Shankland unavailable, injuries could pose problems for the Jambos. Manager Derek McInnes stated this week that it is not all “doom and gloom” for the leaders, with a healthy defence, and the attacking qualities of Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga, they could yet stretch their lead to nine points at the summit. Martin O’Neill will be the third Celtic manager this season to oppose Hearts, after predecessors Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy. O’Neill continued his unbeaten domestic record from his early-season interim stint, with victories over Dundee United, Falkirk, and Auchinleck Talbot. His side has also bolstered their attacking options by completing the loan signing of Czech striker Tomas Cvancara, and will fancy a crucial three points against a Hearts side whose spine has been ripped. Sunday afternoon should deliver another telling twist in this fascinating title race. Stay up to date with the game on SNN Sports with Mack Kelly. Player to Watch – Lyall Cameron Lyall Cameron’s arrival looked to be smart business from the Rangers board. The promising midfielder had just helped Dundee survive in the Scottish Premiership, with a crucial double at McDiarmid Park. But after crashing down the Ibrox pecking order with only six appearances, the 23-year-old has made a loan switch to join Aberdeen. His latest move got off to the perfect start, with a standout performance in the Scottish Cup against Raith Rovers. After his SPFL tribunal, the midfielder will be eager to secure regular game time in the North East. With a six-match winless run, Saturday’s visit of Livingston is crucial for the Dons, as they aim to edge closer to the top six. Cameron could play a key role in inspiring Aberdeen’s inconsistent season. Team in the Spotlight – Hibernian A 92nd-minute own goal by Miguel Chaiwa was enough to send Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline through to the Scottish Cup last 16. The late blunder knocked Hibernian out and left the travelling fans furious. After the passive performance, many supporters feel their season is already falling apart. Even though Hibs are 5th in the Scottish Premiership, the gap at the top is the real problem. Their city rivals are currently in first place, sitting 15 points clear. David Gray needs to find answers fast to save their season and continue their climb up the table. Things don’t get any easier from here. Hibs now face a tough trip to the Falkirk Stadium to take on a dangerous Bairns side. They have to bounce back from last Saturday’s disaster immediately. If they don’t get a result, pressure will continue to pile.

January 23, 2026

Scottish Cup biggest shocks in recent times

With the Scottish Cup Fourth round just around the corner, let’s take a look at some of the biggest cup upsets in the competition. Darvel 1-0 Aberdeen, 2023. Aberdeen took the trip to West of Scotland junior side, Darvel and a tie which you’d fully expect the Dons to come away with. Going into the match, no junior outfit was able to get past Premiership opposition since 1967 but Darvel had other ideas. An outstanding evening in Ayrshire as Mick Kennedy defeated Jim Goodwin with a first half strike by Jordan Kirkpatrick sealing the biggest shock in Scottish Cups history. Rangers 0-1 Queens Park, 2025. Last season Scottish Cup campaign was very interesting to say the least. Rangers were by far favourites going into this derby at Ibrox as they were one of the favourites to win the competition. Rangers controlled the early stages but couldn’t get the ball to rattle the net. Into the second 45, Seb Drozd with a calm finish put the spiders in front. Rangers had a last second penalty but an amazing stop by Calum Ferrie to deny James Tavernier to send the Championship side into the next round. Brora Rangers 2-1 Hearts, 2021. At the time Championship big boys Hearts were stunned as Highland League side, Brora Rangers dumped the Edinburgh side out of the Scottish Cup. Brora man, Jordan MacRae had the hosts ahead but Christophe Berra had the Gorgie side back on level terms but it wasn’t over there. Martin MacLean ensured Hearts were left stunned as the Highland League side grab a famous win over a strong Hearts side. Clyde 2-1 Celtic, 2006. The Roy Keane Celtic debut didn’t go to plan with a shock defeat at Broadwood. Clyde were up by two goals to nil with Craig Bryson and Eddie Malone putting the Bully Wee ahead at the break. It was going so well for the Clyde side until Celtic struck late through Maciej Zurawski but luckily enough for Clyde, it was just a consolation goal as Graham Roberts and Clyde pulled off an all mighty cup upset. Auchinleck Talbot 1-0 Ayr United, 2019. In the Ayrshire derby, junior outfit Auchinleck Talbot met their Ayrshire rivals, Ayr United in the Scottish Cup. Former Ayr defender, Craig McCracken put the non-league side ahead in the second half scoring against his former side, Ayr United to serve a massive shock at Beechwood Park. Auchinleck have been a mastermind of pulling off shocks, doing it to Hamilton a while back but Ayr most certainly tops it. Kelty Hearts 1-0 St Johnstone, 2022. At the time League Two, Kelty Hearts welcomed Premiership St Johnstone to New Central Park. Kelty were on fire in the Scottish Fourth division going against the current holders at the time. The fixture was sent to extra-time as neither side could break the deadlock. Into the additional period, Kallum Higginbotham provided the scare as he sent the League Two side into the next round as Callum Davidson’s side Scottish Cup campaign was over.

January 15, 2026

“They made me look stupid” – Stephen Robinson

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson admitted his players were given some “home truths” after a flat 2-0 defeat at Tynecastle, leaving his side precariously close to the relegation spots. Hearts have been incredible this season, and Tynecastle is a difficult venue, but Robinson is more frustrated about his team’s energy and the way they approached the match. St Mirren were given a major advantage in the 15th minute, after Beni Baningime was shown red after a late tackle on Roland Idowu. With two disallowed goals, it wasn’t the night for Robinson’s side, as Lawrence Shankland and Tómas Bent Magnússon sealed the win for the Jambos. Now the League Cup Winners are left third bottom, and with Kilmarnock under new management, will it be a fight to escape the playoff spot? Last season, St Mirren finished on 50 points, and as it stands after 22 games played, they have accumulated just 18. Steven Robinson didn’t hold back in his interview with the BBC after the match. He said, “Are they starting to believe the hype and the publicity after the cup win, thinking they’re possibly a little bit better than they are, and they don’t need to work as hard? “How you train is how you play, and some people haven’t trained properly. Some people have moped about a little bit because they weren’t in the team, but have come in and played like that.” “Sometimes players make you look stupid, and certainly they made me look stupid tonight.” A double header with struggling Livingston, could see St Mirren progress in the cup in the first meeting and get back to winning ways in the league in the second visit to The Set Fare Arena, which would be two great results and surely give some much-needed confidence.

January 15, 2026

Craig Gordon – Hearts Hero?

Craig Gordon delivered yet another late-game moment of magic for Hearts last weekend, reminding everyone that age is just a number in football. In a tense Scottish Premiership battle at Dens Park, Hearts went ahead through Claudio Braga’s strike, but they were soon reduced to ten men after first-choice keeper Alexander Schwolow was sent off just before half-time. That’s when Gordon, now 43 and making his first appearance this season, was called into action and he stepped up to the challenge with a good save just before the end of the half. But it was stoppage time when the magic happened. Dundee were desperately pushing for an equaliser, and Gordon produced a stunning reflex save to claw away Emile Acquah’s downward header and secure a priceless 1-0 victory for Hearts. It was a moment of brilliance that preserved all three points and kept Hearts firmly in the title hunt and it may prove to be the pivotal moment for the Jambos come the end of the season. What made the save so special wasn’t just the timing in those dying seconds of a crucial match but also the sheer athleticism on display from the goalkeeper. After coming on from the bench and immediately having to deal with pressure moments, Gordon showed the kind of sharp reactions that defy expectations at his age. Fans and former players were quick to praise the Scotland international, comparing his late-game intervention to some of the greatest goalkeeping moments in the sport. Former Hearts player Ryan Stevenson said “Every player is running to congratulate Craig Gordon. That’s one of the best saves I’ve ever seen. Unbelievable”. That talk of “greatest saves” naturally brings us back to one of the defining moments of Gordon’s career, his incredible stop for Sunderland against Bolton Wanderers back in December 2010. In a Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Gordon somehow managed to deny Bolton’s Zat Knight from point blank range in first-half stoppage time. That full-stretch save was later voted the best save in the first 20 years of the Premier League, an accolade that speaks volumes about its quality Craig Gordon continues to remind us why he’s one of the most respected goalkeepers of his generation and potentially a hero after Sunday’s game for Hearts.

January 14, 2026

World Cup Hopefuls, Relegation Scraps, and Returning Managers: SPFL Matchday 21 Breakdown

Another massive weekend of Scottish Premiership football awaits. Here are the main talking points ahead of the stacked card. Game of the Round – Livingston v Kilmarnock Neil McCann’s first match as Kilmarnock manager sees his side travel to West Lothian to face fellow strugglers Livingston. This relegation clash could have huge implications, with Killie aiming to move seven points clear of bottom spot and begin an ascent towards the automatic safety spots. In his first interview with Kilmarnock TV, McCann said he aims to “unite the fans with the players again”, as they look to record their first league victory for 14 games. They face bottom side Livingston, who have also struggled for wins, their sole victory of the campaign coming against Falkirk in early August. At the time, the 3-1 result moved Davie Martindale’s side to the summit of the Premiership, but after an 18-game winless run, and the worst defence in the league, survival is beginning to look bleak for the Lions. Victory for either side could be the catalyst for a pivotal run-in; a relegation six-pointer awaits fans at the Set Fare Arena this Saturday. Player to Watch – Grant Hanley In the wake of Motherwell’s 2-0 November victory over Hibs, manager Jens Berthel Askou addressed the post-match media with an intriguing line. ‘We cut out the supply from their midfielder, leaving (Grant) Hanley to bring the ball forward. It set up the running duel with JT (Tawanda Maswanhise) and Hanley up top when we had the ball.’ Choosing to single out an opposing player is rare for a manager, and the comment was even highlighted as “disrespectful” by BBC pundit Ian McCall. As if Easter Road’s mouthwatering clash between 4th and 5th was not enough, Askou’s comments should add an interesting edge: how will David Gray’s side, particularly Hanley, respond to the challenge on Saturday afternoon? The Scottish international will be gearing up for a potential career-defining year, aiming to secure his seat on the plane to America as part of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad, representing the national side on the biggest stage for the first time since 1998. Team in the Spotlight – Celtic 38 days after overseeing a 1-0 home triumph against Dundee, Martin O’Neill returns to the Celtic hotseat for his third spell in charge of the Scottish champions. His interim tenure was a success, achieving an unbeaten domestic streak, tying Hearts at the summit of the table, and securing a stunning away European victory in Feyenoord. But after closing the chaotic chapter of Wilfried Nancy, Celtic have turned back to the club hero, trusting that his experience, alongside Shaun Maloney, can help shift their fortunes and push towards a fifth straight league title. The visitors will also be keen to bounce back from recent troubles, as Jim Goodwin’s side lost the second Dundee Derby of the season at Tannadice last weekend. The defeat at Tannadice dropped the Tangerines into the bottom six, and they will be eager to bounce back from the result as soon as possible

January 9, 2026

The Ten Shortest Serving Managers in Scotland Since 2000

Wilfried Nancy became the shortest serving permanent manager in Celtic history when he was sacked yesterday after just eight matches in charge. The Frenchman left Columbus Crew in the MLS at the beginning of December for Glasgow, but failed to outlast the duration at the helm spent by his interim predecessor Martin O’Neill, who has since returned until the end of the season. Yet the 48-year-old is not alone when it comes to forgettable reigns in Scotland, as we take a look at the ten shortest serving permanent hires in the Scottish top-flight since the turn of the millennium. 1. Wilfried Nancy, Celtic – 33 days The aforementioned Wilfried Nancy. He leaves Scotland with two wins and six losses, with many sceptical he understood the gravity of the situation he was getting himself into. Fans would argue that bigger problems remain at Parkhead, but Thierry Henry’s former assistant’s stubbornness to adapt to the personnel at his disposal and persistence with his 3-4-2-1 shape would be his undoing. Nancy lost a cup final, fell further behind leaders Hearts and lost 3-1 at home to Rangers in just over a month in charge. 2. Jack Ross, Dundee United – 71 days A name that still haunts Dundee United fans to this day, Jack Ross was sacked from Dundee United after seven games in 2022 which seen him lose his last five. Perhaps not the state of the form sheet that was the reason for sacking the former Sunderland manager, but instead the manner of the defeats. After an astounding 1-0 home win over AZ Alkmaar in Conference League qualifiers, players were rested in a defeat to Livingston for the away leg, which the Terrors lost 7-0. Defeats to Hearts and St. Mirren followed, before Ange Postecoglou’s swashbuckling Celtic thrashed them 9-0 at Tannadice to show Ross the door. 3. Derek Adams, Ross County – 79 days Derek Adams returned to Dingwall for a third time in late 2023, but it was most definitely not third time the charm for the former Morecambe manager. This spell is most memorable for his infamous scathing post-match interview after a 1-0 home defeat to Dundee, where he said the standard of Scottish football was ‘shocking’ and that his former Morecambe side were ‘100 times better’ than his new squad. Unsurprisingly, this failed to turn his fortunes around, and Adams resigned after 2 wins from 12 games. 4. Alan Stubbs, St. Mirren – 87 days Alan Stubbs took charge in Paisley in 2018 after St. Mirren won promotion to the Premiership under Jack Ross’ stewardship. He was given just four league games in charge, defeating Dundee on the opening day of the season before three losses to the Rangers, Livingston and Hearts. The Scouser won the Scottish Cup with Hibs in 2016, but has not returned to management since leaving the Buddies and was replaced by Oran Kearney who kept them up via the relegation play-offs. 5. Mark McGhee, Dundee – 103 days Mark McGhee was appointed Dundee gaffer to save their season in February 2022, despite having an existing six-game ban from his time at Motherwell five years prior. Another 9-0 victim to Celtic from his also forgettable Aberdeen spell as manager, he was unable to keep the dark blue side of Tannadice Street afloat, as they went down to the Championship and McGhee’s contract was not extended, having won only once in fourteen fixtures. 6. George Burley, Hearts – 112 days The most unjustified dismissal of this list, fans across the country could not believe what they were being told when news broke that George Burley left Tynecastle by ‘mutual consent’ in October 2005 following ‘irreconcilable differences’ with ill-famed owner Vladimir Romanov. Burley left Hearts top of the league after ten games, having won eight of those. His only other job in Scotland was as national team manager, but he was a lot less successful at Hampden than he was in the capital city. 7. Lee McCulloch, Kilmarnock – 118 days Initially appointed in interim charge alongside Peter Leven in 2017 after Lee Clark left Rugby Park, Lee McCulloch took the reins full-time at the end of the season after Killie finished 8th in 16/17. However, after no wins in his opening eight league games with the permanent gig, the f0rmer Rangers’ utility player was sacked and replaced by Steve Clarke. McCulloch now serves as talent acquisition manager at Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion. 8. Shaun Maloney, Hibernian – 120 days Shaun Maloney was offered his first managerial gig at Hibs in December 2021 after being highly spoken of from his time spent as a coach at Celtic and the Belgian national side. He would win his first two games, but would only register another four wins from his 19 managed overall and was sacked following a 2-1 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to city rivals Hearts. Maloney has now become Martin O’Neill’s assistant for the rest of this season at Celtic. 9. Russell Martin, Rangers – 123 days In an era of awful appointments at Ibrox, Russell Martin holds the unwanted tag of being booted out the quickest. Enjoying little success in Govan as a player and as a manager, his arrival at the beginning of this season was immediately met with scepticism when he announced he would not follow club tradition of wearing a suit and brogues. His public fallouts with star men Nico Raskin and Hamza Igamane doomed him from the start, as he was escorted out of the Falkirk Stadium after a 1-1 draw which would be his last match as Rangers manager, winning just one of his first eight league games. 10. Michael Wimmer, Motherwell – 133 days Another appointment that didn’t go wrong, Wimmer left Motherwell at the end of last season having only took the job in February 2025. He won five and drew three of his twelve games in charge at Fir Park, before leaving for his native land to manage German third-tier side

January 6, 2026

SNN Journalist’s Midseason Scottish Premiership Awards

With the Scottish Premiership season ticking over the halfway mark, our team of journalists looked at their current standouts from this unpredictable campaign. Signing of the Season Mack Kelly – Alexandros Kyziridis: It is out of him and Braga realistically, but for the same reasons mentioned above, I just think Kyziridis looks a better football player than Braga, despite the G/A complimenting Braga more. Craig Baigrie – Elijah Just: A both player and signing of the season, he scores important goals. Offers pace and direct play that helps drive Motherwell forward, and his adaptation to Scottish football is very impressive. Rhys Livingstone – Alexandros Kyzridis Cameron Caldwell – Stuart Findlay: The former Kilmarnock man has formed a formidable partnership with fellow centre-back Craig Halkett, not to mention his four league goals, including a late winner at Tannadice, and opener against Rangers. Declan Tumblety – Josh Mulligan: Hibernian getting him on a free could go down as one of the best bits of business for years to come in this league; they look a completely different side when he’s in and out of the team. Hibs have been crying out for a John McGinn replacement ever since he left, and they might’ve just found him – until they sell Mulligan for millions and have to look again. Liam Smith – Claudio Braga Manager of the Season Mack Kelly – Jens Berthel Askou: Nobody expected Motherwell to do as well as they did, even when results weren’t going his way, you could see what he was trying to implement, and the steel men are reaping the rewards from that just now. Craig Baigrie – Derek McInnes: as manager of the season because of the consistency of results from Hearts. In the 40 years where only Old Firm teams have won the league, there’s been next to no serious competition from other clubs, but this is the first genuine title push for many years outside Rangers and Celtic Rhys Livingstone – Jens Berthel Askou Cameron Caldwell – Jens Berthel Askou: From their opening day draw against Rangers, the progression that the Danish manager has installed has been mightily impressive. He is working on a smaller budget compared to his rival managers and has improved stalwarts such as Stephen O’Donnell and Paul McGinn. Simply – Askou will not be at the Fir Park for long. Declan Tumblety – Jens Berthel Askou: Derek McInnes narrowly misses out here, but JBA has taken Motherwell from bottom-six regulars to a side people genuinely fear to come up against. An outstanding appointment where it looks unlikely he will remain in Lanarkshire for long. Liam Smith – Jens Berthel Askou Team of the Season Mack Kelly – Motherwell: seems incredulous not to award it to Hearts despite them being 6 ahead, but I actually think they should be further ahead, as mad as that sounds, due to the state of Celtic and Rangers and their results against them, as for Motherwell, they made a semi-final, albeit the result was embarrassing, and could leapfrog Celtic and Rangers themselves. JBA is pulling up trees with a lesser squad, and if they can keep him, the sky is the limit going forward, despite their limited resources Craig Baigrie – Hearts: From the analytics and the smart signings to how well the team has been able to gel together, the improvement of players already there, especially Cammy Devlin, is huge. Rhys Livingstone – Hearts Cameron Caldwell – Motherwell: Between the Jambos and the Steelmen, for me, I edge towards Motherwell because of their lesser budget and tremendous style of play. Declan Tumblety – Hearts: It really pains me to write that as a Hibs fan, but we’re into the new year now and they’re still top of the league. Whilst I still don’t think they’ll go all the way, they raise the question with every week that passes now. It’s absurd that a team outside of Glasgow is six points clear in January. Liam Smith – Motherwell Player of the Season Mack Kelly – Alexandros Kyziridis: He is such an exciting player to watch and a massive cog in Hearts’ title push, always looking to make stuff happen and is such a dynamic asset. Craig Baigrie – Elijah Just Rhys Livingstone – Alexandros Kyzridis Cameron Caldwell – Alexandros Kyzridis: He is the difference maker in that Hearts XI, and has produced several key moments already this season (late Livingston winner, cross for Findlay’s goal vs Rangers). If McInnes’s side wins the league, the Greek winger will be a huge influence. Declan Tumblety – Lawrence Shankland: The current top scorer and captain of the league leaders. He looks back to his best after what seemed to be a blip last season Liam Smith – Tawanda Maswanhise

January 5, 2026

Wilfried Nancy sacked by Celtic

Celtic have announced the dismissal of head coach Wilfried Nancy following 3-1 defeat to Rangers. The Frenchman endured six defeats in eight games, including a defeat in the Premier Sports Cup final to St. Mirren. He leaves the champions six points behind league leaders Hearts. Nancy has now overtaken John Barnes for the unwanted accolade of shortest reigning Celtic manager, with his tenure cut short at 33 days. Nancy took over from interim manager and Celtic legend, Martin O’Neill following Brendan Rodgers resignation. Celtic will now look for their fourth coach of the season in a bid to retain the Scottish Premiership title in what has been a season to forget for Celtic fans. The statement from the Celtic board reads “Celtic Football Club today announces that it has decided to terminate the contract of manager Wilfried Nancy, with immediate effect. The Club thanks Wilfried for his efforts and wishes him and his family well for the future. Wilfried’s assistants, Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen, and Maxime Chalier, will also be leaving the club and they take with them our good wishes. The Club can also confirm that Paul Tisdale has left his position as Head of Football Operations. We thank Paul for the contribution he has made in that role. A further update will be provided to supporters as soon as is practical.” Celtic’s next game comes against Dundee United on Saturday where there is currently no news on who will take charge.

January 5, 2026

Watt’s Rise, Derby Days, and Chasing the Jambos: SPFL Matchday 20 Breakdown

Scottish Premiership football returns for 2026 with an action-packed card on Saturday afternoon. Here are the key talking points to watch out for this weekend. Player to Watch: Elliot Watt Elliot Watt has evolved into a crucial cog in Jens Berthel Askou’s Fir Park machine. Having featured 25 times this term with four goal involvements, the midfielder has emerged as a standout in the Scottish Premiership. Following a loan spell at relegated St Johnstone last season, the former Burton Albion man has flourished for Motherwell, playing with a high level of consistency and maturity. With 2026 now underway, this could be a career-defining year for Watt. While Steve Clarke’s Scotland midfield seems settled, Watt’s current form suggests he could force his way into international contention. As Motherwell host St Mirren on Saturday, Watt will be important for the Steelmen, as they look to reclaim third place. Game of the Round: Celtic vs. Rangers The first domestic fixture of the year sees Scotland’s two powerhouses collide at Celtic Park, yet this episode carries a unique level of wonder, with both clubs in states of transition. Pressure is mounting on Wilfried Nancy. The Celtic boss has endured a chaotic start to his tenure, losing five of his opening seven matches. Despite claiming to see “good stuff” in their recent defeat to Motherwell, Nancy’s side missed the opportunity to move level with leaders Hearts. Conversely, Danny Rohl has steadied the ship at Ibrox. Since his arrival, he has reduced the gap to the summit from 13 points to six. He may have tasted defeat in his first derby during the League Cup semi-final, but a run of just one loss in eleven league matches has reignited a title charge that seemed impossible just months ago. Victory for either manager will be crucial for the remaining months of the season. Team in the Spotlight: Hearts The league leaders return to Tynecastle to host Livingston, desperate to banish the memory of their derby defeat at Easter Road last weekend. Having reached the midway point of the season at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, Derek McInnes will be keen for his side to maintain their challenge in 2026. They face a struggling Livingston side, but will be focused on extending their unbeaten home record. Victory could build further breathing space from the chasing pack, depending on the result at Celtic Park. The home side may be aided by their latest recruit, Spanish right-back Jordi Altena, who officially joined from the Dutch second division on January 1st.

January 2, 2026

SPFL