Week 7 Preview in the SPL

By: Ian Rose | September 25th, 2008

We’re six weeks done in the Scottish Premier League, and as week seven looms, the season is starting to take shape. The top two are once again the Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers, with the blue half of town holding a three-point lead and current bragging rights at the top. But this weekend will see a number of interesting matches - here’s a rundown of the matches.

Celtic v. Aberdeen, Saturday @ 15:00 (Celtic Preview)
There’s something in the water in northern Scotland this year, and the northernmost sides, Aberdeen and Caley Thistle, have been just awful on their home grounds. Still, whatever it is, it seems to be cured by even a short bus ride, because both have done very well on the road. Aberdeen will look to continue their good traveling results against mighty Celtic. Hoops fans will be hungry for a win, after a disappointing draw against Aalborg in the Champions League, and the 4-2 home loss to Rangers the weekend before.

Dundee United v. Hearts, Saturday @ 15:00
United was supposed to be the one in third place this season, not the Jambos, but Hearts sit just a point behind Celtic for second place, and Dundee United find themselves not third top, but third bottom, with 5 points from 6 played. Hearts have been huge at home, but one point from three road matches shouldn’t put all that much fear into United fans. Should be a fun one.

Falkirk v. Hamilton, Saturday @ 15:00
SPL new boys Hamilton have lost a bit of the shine from their perfect start in the SPL, but are still in the top half of the table. The Bairns of Falkirk would gladly trade for that spot, as they find themselves sitting curiously in the relegation spot. I’ve said it before, though - this team is better than their recent results, and I could see them spanking Hamilton here. We’ll see. The way both sides play, there should be goals - it’s just a bit hard predicting which side will score them.

Inverness v. Kilmarnock, Saturday @ 15:00
My own beloved Caley, as mentioned before, have struggled inside the confines of Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, and things will be no easier this week, as one of the surprise teams of the year comes calling. Killie has been fantastic this season, and defending SPL Manager of the Month Jim Jefferies will be out for blood in the Highlands.

Motherwell v. St. Mirren, Saturday @ 15:00
The battle at the bottom this week pits an under-performing Well against a surprisingly decent St. Mirren, in a match that could be hugely meaningful for the Saints. Motherwell is not going to finish last, and neither is Falkirk, but if St. Mirren wants to survive, they need to take points from sides like this now, when they are out of form. Should be a hard-fought match at Fir Park.

Hibernian v. Rangers, Sunday @ 14:00
If Aberdeen can manage to take anything from Celtic, Rangers will of course be doubly motivated for this one, but there is no such thing as an easy trip to Easter Road, and fourth-place Hibs will be looking to keep pace with crosstown rivals Hearts for the UEFA Cup spot. All of Hibs’ matches this season have been either draws or decided by a single goal, so don’t look for a Rangers romp. Still, Kris Boyd is on scoring form, and that’s not good news for the Hibees.