SPL Matchday 15 Preview

By: Ian Rose | November 30th, 2007

As unbelievable as it may seem, we are creeping up on the halfway point in the SPL season. The fifteenth week (of 38) features some matches with potential to shake things up in the league, so let’s get right to the previews.

Hearts v. Celtic, Saturday 12:30
JT at the Celtic Offside has predicted a draw here, and with the Hoops defense looking pretty shattered, that might be a realistic possibility. Will the Hearts team that beat Celtic in the League Cup show up to Tynecastle, or the Hearts team that drew last week with Gretna? Hard to say. Still, even a depleted Celtic should show off Hearts. 2-1 to Celtic.

Dundee United v. Inverness Caley Thistle, Saturday 15:00
United have been absolutely unstoppable at home this season. Six wins and one draw out of seven, with ONE goal allowed is the best home record in the SPL. Caley Thistle no longer look like they should be too afraid of relegation, but Craig Brewster’s men are a little out of their depth in this very tough house. 2-0 to United.

Motherwell v. Gretna, Saturday 15:00
The ‘Well have loaned out their stadium to Gretna this season, but they are the home side in this match. Considering how dangerous Motherwell has been on the road, maybe they can pretend they’re visiting their tenants. Either way, Gretna is still Gretna. 3-1 to Motherwell.

Rangers v. Kilmarnock, Saturday 15:00
Coming off of the disappointing late loss to Stuttgart, and the loss of DaMarcus Beasley, the Gers are a bit vulnerable, but they can take solace in hosting a Killie side with 4 wins in 14 matches. Rangers will also be aware of Celtic’s vulnerability this week, and be hungry for full points. 3-1 to Rangers.

St. Mirren v. Falkirk, Saturday 15:00
Falkirk is on the worst form in the SPL, next to Gretna, and haven’t beaten anyone but Gretna since September. St. Mirren has been shaky but has been playing solid defense and keeping it close. I have to tip the Buddies here, 2-0 to St. Mirren. Falkirk is now firmly in the sights of Gretna as the second-worst team in Scotland, so they better watch out. With Celtic, United and Aberdeen on the horizon, it’s going to be a long month.

Aberdeen v. Hibernian, Sunday 14:00
Aberdeen will still be rubbing their bums from the kicking they took in Madrid, where 2-0 was a very kind result. Hibs will need all points to keep up with United, and John Collins made a point of saying he wants to take advantage of the Dons’ European hangover. 2-1 to Hibees.

Hearts could give Celtic a scare, and thus open up the race for the league, but again, they’re so inconsistent that it’s impossible to predict. My match of the week has to be Aberdeen-Hibs, and that’s the one (other than my weekly Caley match) that I’ll be keeping my eye on.