SPL Preview: Burns Day Special

By: Ian Rose | January 25th, 2008

Happy Robbie Burns Day, everyone. Today, 249 years ago, legendary Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns was born. As is the tradition of my forefathers, I plan on celebrating his birth with a bit of haggis and a much larger bit of whisky. But first, here’s a look at the SPL action this weekend:

Aberdeen v. Hearts, Saturday 15:00
The Dons support will be buoyed by the fact that manager Jimmy Calderwood has recently signed an extension to keep him at Pittodrie, and of course by the fact that they’re facing Hearts, a not unfriendly fixture over the past few months. Still, the Jambos are getting their ship in a bit of order, and Aberdeen would do well to respect them. Dons are still reeling over some losses, and have a brand new defender starting this match in David Bus. I can see a low-scoring score draw, 1-1.

Hibernian v. Gretna, Saturday 15:00
The clock is ticking for Gretna, and their fans know it. There are more games behind them than before them, and they need to make up points, currently lying 9 points from safety. Coming off of their third win of the season, and the first over anyone except Dundee United, they’ll be confident, but a trip to Easter Road is always a great way to end a good streak. Hibs have had their own struggles, but count on new manager Mixu Paatelainen to put them over the likes of Gretna. 2-0 to Hibees.

Kilmarnock v. Dundee United, Saturday 15:00
Killie has to be somewhat pleased with last week’s 1-0 loss at Celtic Park, especially with the absolutely stellar play of keeper Alan Combe. Still, what they need is not the odd star performance. That they need are points, and a bit more breathing room between themselves and relegation. They haven’t won since the day after Christmas, when they took out a putrid-looking Hibs side. United has been on mixed form themselves, but are coming off of a huge 3-0 win over Aberdeen, and should come into this match confident to do the same. 2-1 to United.

Motherwell v. Inverness CT, Saturday 15:00
After their fantastic December, things have settled back down for my beloved Caley Thistle. A win over lowly Gretna is all we have to show for January so far, despite playing 89 minutes of even football with Rangers on Sunday. Motherwell is still a team in shock, but relieved to know that skipper Mark McGhee won’t be heading off to Hampden. The home advantage at Fir Park is likely to be the best anywhere right now, and my Caley Thistle will struggle to get anything out of this match. That’s if the match is played at all … the pitch has been in pretty bad shape at Fir Park this past week, and has already led to one (very late) postponement. If it’s played, I’ll say 2-1 to Well.

Rangers v. St. Mirren, Saturday 15:00
St. Mirren, as much as it shocks me to write it, is one of the hottest teams in Scotland. They’ve won four of five in all competitions, including a big win over Motherwell last week, but the test of any streak in Scotland is an Old Firm tie. Rangers are up four points in the league table, but know that every match in this league is a potential banana peel, and that Celtic will close ranks soon enough and make their run. They always do. Look for a clinical win by Rangers, 2-0.

Falkirk v. Celtic, Sunday 14:00
One would think that losing to the relegation side would ill prepare a team to host the defending champions, but Falkirk is a tricky side this season, and Celtic know it. Their last meeting ended 4-1 to Celtic, but since then, the Bairns have done well, including a six-game unbeaten streak that included Aberdeen and Hibs, and done it with flowing, attractive football. Still, Celtic are most dangerous when cornered, and Rangers have them in a four-point deficit that they know could get larger if they aren’t vigilant. Look for a slightly better match than last time, but a similar result. 3-1 to Celtic.