SPL Matchday 8 Preview

By: Ian Rose | September 28th, 2007

We are seven matches into the 2007-08 SPL campaign, and things are looking a little more familiar. The Old Firm are in the top two spots, though not convincingly, as Hibernian waits just one point behind second-place Celtic. Gretna, everyone’s favorite for season-long basement dwellers, still hover one point above the relegation spot, which is currently inhabited by Inverness. Aside from the Old Firm, the rest of last year’s top 6 are all over the place. Hibs has risen, but last year’s third place Aberdeen have fallen all the way to 10th, and are only a point above Gretna. Hearts have been similarly afflicted, and their win over Rangers two weeks ago is really the one highlight in an otherwise horrible start. Meanwhile, Motherwell is performing surprisingly well in fifth place and St. Mirren, who just barely missed relegation last season, are sitting relatively comfortably in 9th, tied on points with Falkirk.

The eighth week should give us a slightly clearer view of form for some of these sides. Here’s a quick peek at the fixtures:

Aberdeen v. Gretna, Saturday 15:00
It’s been the roughest imaginable start for Aberdeen. Five points on seven matches has them two points above relegation, and one point above SPL newcomers Gretna. The loss of top scorer Craig Brewster didn’t help. But everyone loves to see Gretna at their door, and I expect the Pittodrie faithful to power Dons to a victory, 2-1.

Celtic v. Dundee United, Saturday 15:00
Celtic don’t like to lose. Celtic fans REALLY don’t like to lose. And Artur Boruc does not like to be responsible for losses, as he arguably was last week against Hibs. United have been strong this year, but I expect the Bhoys to take out their frustrations on the visitors to the tune of about 3-0.

Hibernian v. Kilmarnock, Saturday 15:00
It’s been an up-and-down week for Hibs. After beating Celtic at Easter Road on Sunday, they crashed out of the CIS Cup with a shock home loss to Motherwell. This could be seen as the battle of the SPL academies, as both of these sides create great players, then have a problem keeping them. Last season, Hibs v. Killie would have been a showcase of some of the best young talent in Scotland, with Scott Brown taking on Steven Naismith, but now both wear Old Firm shirts. I’ll give the slight edge to Hibs, and call it 2-1 to the home side.

Inverness CT v. Falkirk, Saturday 15:00
Caley Thistle fans finally had a week to remember, with wins over Hearts in the league and Gretna in the CIS Cup. They look likely to continue in good form, until it becomes clear that their winning streak has been pretty much a one-man effort. Craig Brewster is the heart of this team lately, and if his shoulder woes keep him from the pitch, there could be trouble for Caley. Still, Falkirk have also been none too impressive this season, and I see a score tie, 1-1.

Motherwell v. Rangers, Saturday 15:00
Motherwell are just starting to get the respect they deserve. Manager Mark McGhee, my pick for SPL Manager of the Month, is doing a great job with his side, and a win over Rangers would cement his fantastic start in the league. After going into Easter Road and disassembling Hibs in the CIS Cup, the Well next face, guess who, Rangers … guess where, at home. So this is an exact preview of the Cup quarterfinal next month. I expect some fireworks, but I give the advantage to Rangers. 2-3.

St. Mirren v. Hearts, Sunday 14:00
Hearts are a sad story. Baltic billionaire takes over big-city football team and sets them right, helping them break the Old Firm’s grasp on the top two spots in Scottish football, only to go on and alienate half his team, pushing away the national team keeper and club captain as well as several other talented players and replacing them with players from his native Lithuania. This is a hugely important match for Hearts. If they win it, they rise to a mid-table team and last week’s loss to Inverness looks more like a fluke than the previous win over Rangers. If they lose, they have the stigma of losing to two (and drawing with one) of the worst teams in the league, and their confidence is shot. I’m going out on a limb and calling this one … a draw. 2-2, with a penalty against Hearts.