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.
