An intriguing midweek slate of Scottish Premiership football awaits. Here is what to watch out for across the next two days.
Game of the Round – Aberdeen v Celtic
The Scottish Champions travel to Pittodrie on Wednesday knowing there is little margin for error in an increasingly tense title race. Martin O’Neill’s second interim spell of the season has brought stability, with his side unbeaten in seven matches and securing a place in the Europa League knockout stage after a dominant win over Dutch side Utrecht.
Bolstered by deadline‑day additions, striker Junior Adamu, winger Joel Mvuka, and centre‑back Benjamin Arthur, O’Neill will hope he has the tools to deliver a fifth consecutive league title.
Aberdeen await, in far less convincing form. Saturday’s 3–0 defeat at Rugby Park has only deepened the uncertainty surrounding the club. Nearly a month has passed since Jimmy Thelin’s dismissal, yet the managerial search, led by sporting director Lutz Pfattinstiel, has still not produced a successor.
Sitting five points adrift of the top six, time is running out for the Dons to salvage their season. With both teams navigating transitional periods, this Scottish Cup final rematch promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Manager Spotlight – Marvin Bartley
The former Queen of the South manager has taken over Davie Martindale’s long-term position at the Livingston helm, and faces the almighty task of halting a 24-match winless run.
Sitting six points adrift at the foot of the table, points will be precious for the Lions, and Wednesday’s encounter against Falkirk may offer the best chance of ending the rut. Livingston’s sole victory this season was a 3-1 home win against the Bairns.
The two sides produced a gripping championship title battle last season. Bartley will hope that his side can continue their nine-match unbeaten run against John McGlynn’s side, potentially springing them back into contention for survival.
Player to Watch – Kai Andrews
Hibs steadied a difficult two‑week run with a strong home performance against Rangers. Martin Boyle and Elie Youan both passed up golden opportunities, and David Gray will feel his side merited more than a single point.
One of the standout performers on Sunday was Coventry loanee Kai Andrews. The midfielder, who previously featured for Motherwell, delivered an assured display after being introduced in the 10th minute for the injured Miguel Chaiwa. At just 19, he showed maturity beyond his years, going toe‑to‑toe with the likes of Nicolas Raskin and Thelo Aasgaard.
Speaking at full‑time, Andrews expressed hope that a positive spell at Easter Road can strengthen his international prospects with Wales and potentially earn him a Premier League opportunity with high‑flying Coventry.
Gray remains without midfield maestro Josh Mulligan, and with Dundee United visiting Easter Road, the manager may again turn to Andrews following his impressive debut outing. Hibs’ season hangs in the balance; they will need to chase down 4th-place Motherwell to have any chance of achieving back-to-back European campaigns. Could Andrews be the catalyst for the Hibees this season?
