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
