SPL Matchday 11 Preview

By: Ian Rose | October 26th, 2007

We’re one-quarter of the way through the 38-match SPL season, and we have some interesting matches this weekend. Here’s a preview of the action in Scotland.

Celtic v. Motherwell, Saturday 3pm
Celtic has lost two important matches in a row (the derby and at Benfica in the Champions League) and will be looking to take it out on Mark McGhee’s ‘Well. Motherwell have been a tough side this season, but that’s mostly at Fir Park. Celtic Park, against a Hoops team this hungry for a win, is an entirely different matter. Prediction: 3-1 Celtic win.

Gretna v. Inverness CT, Saturday 3pm
Caley Thistle’s undefeated streak came to an end last weekend at Pittodrie, but there’s nothing to get you back on the horse like playing Gretna at their adopted home of Fir Park. This is a huge match for both sides, as Caley has a chance to open a 6-point gap on Gretna, and Gretna can close tie Caley on points with a win. Prediction: 2-1 Inverness win.

Hibernian v. St. Mirren, Saturday 3pm
There’s been talk of a virus going around the Hibs locker room this week, but it would have to be the Black Death for me to pick St. Mirren over the hot Hibees. Prediction: 3-0 Hibs win.

Kilmarnock v. Hearts, Saturday 3pm
Both Killie and Jambos fans really need something to cheer about. Both have started slow, and neither have tasted victory in weeks. It’s hard to find much to separate these two, but I have to give the slight edge to Hearts, for a 1-0 win.

Dundee United v. Rangers, Sunday 3pm
In the unlikely event that Motherwell take something from Celtic Park, Rangers will have a chance to take over first place with this win, but it’s far more likely that they’ll need the win to just keep up. United are only three points behind both Old Firm sides, and could conceivably take over third place this weekend, but Rangers are on good form and I see them taking all points. 3-1 Rangers.

Aberdeen v. Falkirk, Sunday 4pm
The Dons are coming off of a horrible start to their UEFA Cup group with that 3-0 loss at Panathinaikos, but seem to be coming into form domestically. Falkirk are hovering just above Caley at the relegation end of things, and they might just fall to 11th this weekend, because I see Aberdeen bouncing back strong and defeating them 2-0.

Not a lot is likely to change this week. Rangers have a slightly dangerous trip to Dundee, but if things go as I see them going, the only real change will be a larger gap between the top three (Celtic, Rangers, Hibs) and the rest. All three have to just hang in there and hope for mistakes from each other until the head-to-head matches.