SPL - Saturday 1st Sept Team News‏ & Thoughts

Please note I have not included any of the transfer speculation in the team news

Aberdeen v St Mirren


Aberdeen


Injuries - Naysmith, McGinn, Milsom
Doutful - Fallon, Hughes
Available Squad - Langfield, Brown, Foster, Considine, Anderson, Robertson, Jack, Hughes, Rae, Vernon, Fallon, Hayes, Osbourne, Megginson, Magennis, Fraser, Paton, Robertson, Reynolds

Probable XI : Langfield, Considine, Reynolds, Anderson, Osbourne, Rae, Jack, Hayes, Fraser, Fallon, Vernon (3-5-2)



St Mirren


Injuries - Adam, McGregor

Available Squad - Samson, Mair, van Zanten, McAusland, Goodwin, McGowan, Robertson, Carey, McLean, Thompson, Imrie, Teale, Parkin, Reilly, McGinn, C Smith, J Smith, Barron

Probable XI : Samson, Van Zanten, Mair, McAusland, Barron, McGowan, McLean, Carey, Imrie, Thompson, Parkin (4-4-2)



Prediction : Aberdeen 1-1 St Mirren

3 out of 4 of the games played between these two ended up in a draw last season and right now when Aberdeen play the likely result is a draw. So, it comes as no surprise that I'm predicting another draw here. The Dons badly need a goal scorer and with a bit of doubt over Fallon's fitness and McGinn out injured they will continue to struggle. Johnny Hayes has a goal threat from attacking midfield but if I was a fan I would be praying for something in the tranfer deadline day today! St Mirren are unbeaten in 4 games on the road and have a decent 1st XI who have now all played togther for a couple of seasons and work well as a unit. Minimal stakes on DRAW @ 3.4 (Sky Bet)



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Celtic v Hibs


Celtic


Injuries - Brown, Ledley, Stokes, Kayal

Available Squad - N/A

Probable XI : Forster, Matthews, Mulgrew, Wilson, Izaguirre, Forrest, Wanyama, Twardzik, Samaras, Hooper, Watt (4-4-2)



Hibs


Injuries -
Doutful - Stevenson
Available Squad - Williams, Antell, Grant, Clancy, Booth, Hanlon, McPake, O'Hanlon, Stephens, Kujabi, Smith, Claros, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Sproule, Stanton, Griffiths, Doyle, Caldwell, Maybury, Deegan, Kuqi, Stevenson

Probable XI : Williams, Maybury, Clancy, McPake, Hanlon, Claros, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Deegan, Sproule, Doyle, Griffiths (4-4-2)



Prediction : Celtic 3-0 Hibs

Hibs with their awful defence managed a 0-0 draw last time out at Celtic Park and if we see a repeat of that clean sheet I will wear a Hibs scarf myself....lolol

Odds are horrible for this match, just horrible, NO BET If I was to have a bet I'd advise Celtic to score in both halves.



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Ross County v Kilmarnock


Ross County


Injuries - Corcoran, Malin

Available Squad - Fraser, Boyd, Munro, Tokely, Fitzpatrick, Brittain, Kettlewell, Vigurs, Quinn, Duncan, Cooper, Byrne, Glen, Morrow, McMenamin, Lawson, Scott, Brown

Probable XI : Fraser, Fitzpatrick, Boyd, Munro, Tokely, Kettlewell, Quinn, Vigurs, Brittain, McMenamin, Morrow (4-4-2)



Kilmarnock


Injuries - Tesselaar, Harkins, Bell, Hay, Heffernan

Available Squad - Letheren, Fowler, O'Leary, Nelson, Kelly, Kennedy, Johnson, Pascali, Racchi, Borja, Winchester, McKenzie, Jaakkola, Gros, Dayton, Boulding, O'Hara

Probable XI : Letheren, O'Leary, Pascali, Nelson, Pursehouse, Fowler, Racchi, Johnson, Dayton, Gros, Borja (4-4-2)



Prediction : Ross County 2-0 Kilmarnock

I was surprised County got knocked out of the League Cup 4-1 at home against Raith Rovers until I checked the line ups at noted County put out a bucket team showing that they are completely focused on the league in their virgin season in the SPL. Killie are without 1st keeper Cammy Bell, Harkins, Hall and Heffernan who are all hard to replace and not what you need with a tricky fixture up in the highlands. Ross County are still 35 games undefeated in the league so backing Killie here would be crazy, a bit like the short odd Celtic backers a couple of weeks ago. With the likes of Brittain and McMenamin a Ross County HOME WIN @ 2.2 (Paddy Power) is the play here. For those that like an anytime scorer bet Richard Brittain is worth a go @4.5 he is on fire this season and is deadly from free kicks on the edge of the box.



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St Johnstone v Dundee Utd


St Johnstone


Injuries - Millar
Doubtful - Beattie
Available Squad - Mannus, C Davidson, Wright, MacKay, Anderson, Cregg, Pawlett, Craig, M Davidson, Vine, Tade, May, Hasselbaink, Higgins, Adams, Miller, Caddis, Tuffey

Probable XI : Mannus, C. Davidson, Wright, MacKay, Anderson, Craig, Cregg, M.Davidson, Hasselbaink, Vine, Tade (4-4-2)



Dundee Utd


Injuries - Mackay-Steven

Available Squad - Cierzniak, Watson, Dillon, Gunning, McLean, Douglas, Flood, Rankin, Ryan, Russell, Daly, Dow, Armstrong, Millar, Gardyne, Robertson, Banks

Probable XI : Cierzniak, Watson, Dillon, Douglas, Gunning, Flood, Rankin, Gardyne, Ryan, Daly, Russell (4-4-2)



Prediction : St Johnstone 1-2 Dundee Utd

I'm surprised that with the strikers that will be on the park tomorrow that evens is available on over 2.5 goals. St Johnstone are on a woeful run and you have to go back as far as the end of March for their last win. But Dundee Utd had a poor game last week losing to Killie 3-1 but I expect them to bounce back here. They will miss Makay-Steven who needs an operation but Gardyne should step in for him. OVER 2.5 goals @ 2.0 (Bet Fred) for me.



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SPL - Sunday 25th August Team News‏ & Thoughts

Aberdeen V Hearts



Aberdeen

Injuries -  McGinn
Doutful -  Hughes

Probable XI - Langfield, Jack, Russell, Considine, Naysmith, Osbourne, Rae, Fraser, Hayes, Clark, Vernon (4-4-1-1)




Hearts

Injuries -
Doutful -  Grainger, Zaliukas
Suspended - Templeton

Probable XI - MacDonald, McHattie, Webster, Barr, Patterson, McGowan, Taouil, Robinson, Driver, Novikovas, Sutton (4-3-3)




Prediction : Aberdeen 1-1 Hearts


Opta stats kicks up some remarkable stuff for this match.

• Aberdeen have failed to score in their last seven SPL meetings with Hearts.
• It is seven years (a run of 12 matches) since Aberdeen managed to score more than once at home against the Jambos in the league.
• Five of the last 10 SPL matches at Pittodrie have finished goalless.

I'm not a big fan of backing draws but this game seems to have 0-0 or 1-1 written all over it. Aberdeen are much improved in defence and Hearts found scoring goals a big problem away from home last season.


There are a number of bets for this match that interest me but I will keep all stakes to an absolute minimum - Draw @ 3.25 (Betfred) -  Under 2.5 goals @ 1.65 (Bet Victor) - also worth dutching correct scores of 0-0 @ 11.0 (Ladbrokes) and 1-1 @ 6.5 (Ladbrokes) to give you a combined odds of circa 4.08

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Motherwell v St Mirren



Motherwell

Injuries - Ramsden, Saunders
Doutful - Motherwell apparently have a number of unnamed injury doubts but they are not saying who for some reason.

Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Hutchison, Cummins, Francis - Angol, Humphrey, Law, Lasley, Murphy, Ojamaa, Higdon (4-4-2)




St Mirren

Injuries - McGregor

Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, McAusland, Mair, Barron, McGowan, McLean, Goodwin, Imrie, Thompson, Parkin (4-4-2)



Prediction : Motherwell 1-0 St Mirren

I'm a little doubtful now about this game with Motherwell saying they have a number of injury doubts but won't name them, they do have a 2nd leg of the Europa qualifying to play next week in Spain against Levante. St Mirren had a poor result at home against Hibs so I would probably suggest that Motherwell should get the win here but with the uncertainty its a NO BET for me.





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SPL - Saturday 25th August - Team News & thoughts

Inverness v Celtic


Inverness

Injuries - Hogg
Suspended - Foran, Tudur-Jones



Probable XI - Esson, Raven, Warren, King, G. Shinnie, Draper, Pepper, Doran, Sutherland, A. Shinnie, Mackay (4-4-2)



Celtic


Injuries - Ledley, Kayal, Murphy, McGeouch, Stokes
Doubtful - Rogne, Brown, Samaras, Commons


Probable XI - Forster, Matthews, Wilson, Lustig, Izaguire, Mulgrew, Ledley, Wanyama, Commons, Samaras, Hooper (4-4-2)



Prediction : Inverness 1-2 Celtic

Another tricky trip up north for a Celtic team which I feel is lacking a little bit of creativity in midfield and are finding it hard to get clear cut chances in the league so far. Its a fixture that Celtic got maximum points from last season (home & away) and I can see them continuing this tomorrow. Inverness are still looking for their first win of the season after 3 draws in a row but I just dont see it coming here. Best price you can get on a Celtic win is 1.57 but that doesn't interest me at all, especially with their vital european 2nd leg game coming up midweek. NO BET

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Dundee v Ross County


Dundee

Injuries - Riley, Finnegan, McBride


Probable XI - Douglas, Irvine, Grassi, Benedictus, Lookwood, McAllister, Davidson, Conroy, Boyle, Baird, Stewart (4-4-2)



Ross County


Injuries - Malin, Lawson, Scott


Probable XI - Fraser, Fitzpatrick, Munro, Boyd, Tokeley, Kettlewell, Brittain, Vigars, Quinn, Corcoran, McMenamin (4-4-1-1)



Prediction : Dundee 1-2 Ross County

I still believe Dundee will be the whipping boys of the SPL this season and so far it has basically gone to plan. They are still without a win and will probably look at a home game against County to be a good chance for them but I think not. Ross County finished 25 points clear of Dundee in the 1st Div last season and this proves that they are a much better outfit. Only worry here is that scoring goals has been a bit of a problem for them so far this season, in fact they have only managed 1 in 3 games. Still County are the better team and I'm happy to back them for the away win @ 2.5 (Ladbrokes)



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Hibs v St Johnstone


Hibs

Injuries - Gilbraith, Stevenson


Probable XI - Williams, Clancy, McPake, Hanlon, Maybury, Deegan, Claros, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Doyle, Griffiths (4-4-2)



St Johnstone


Injuries - Beattie, Millar, M. Davidson



Probable XI - Mannus, Mackay, Anderson, Wright, Scobbie, Adams, Cregg, Miller, Craig, Vine, Tade (4-4-2)



Prediction : Hibs 2-0 St Johnstone


It may have gone a little unnoticed but St Johnstone are on an absolute shocking run of form!!! In their last 10 league matches they have only managed to get 2pts from a possible 30pts - now that is really bad! A positive for them though is that they will have both strikers, Vine & Tade, back from suspension. Call me crazy but I think the dirty Hibees have a great chance of a win here. Hibs home win @2.6 (Stan James)



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Kilmarnock v Dundee Utd


Kilmarnock

Injuries - Bell, Hay, Heffernan, Muirhead, Fisher

Probable XI - Letheren, O'Leary, Pascali, Nelson, Tesselaar, Dayton, Kelly, Fowler, Harkins, Boulding, Borja (4-4-2)



Dundee Utd


Injuries -

Probable XI - Cierzniak, Watson, Dillon, Douglas, Gunning, Flood, Rankin, Ryan, Mackay-Steven, Russell, Daly (4-4-2)



Prediction : Kilmarnock 1-2 Dundee Utd

Dundee Utd are top of the league yet have only played 2 games, which were both won 3-0 and its fair to say they have really impressed me. They have some great talent combined with experience. What makes them so effective is the balance they have in the team, a solid defence, bit of guile in midfield, great wing play from Mackay-Stevens and of course two really on form strikers  in Daly and Russell. It's no surprise to me that they are evens favourite to win at Kilmarnock. Killie are struggling still without Heffernan and I reckon they will have their hands full tomorrow. I think Dundee Utd have goals in them and will take Dundee Utd to score over 1.5 team goals @2.2 (Ladbrokes)



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Jocks in Europe - Team news & thoughts

Motherwell v Levante

Motherwell

Injuries - Saunders, Ramsden

Available Squad - Randolph, Hateley, Hammell, Cummins, Hutchinson, Lasley, Law, Ojamaa, Higdon, Murphy, McHugh, Erwin, Carswell, Page, Humphrey, Hetherington, Kerr, Daley, Hollis


Probable XI : Randolph, Hateley, Hutchison, Cummins, Hammell,  Law, Lasley, Daley, Murphy, Ojamaa, Higdon (4-4-2)



Prediction : Motherwell 0-1 Levante

Another really hard task for Motherwell here I think. Levante are a seriously good outfit and held their own against a star studded Atletico Madrid side at the weekend with a 1-1 result. Levante have come a long way in the last 3 or so years and they will be desperate to qualify here and enter Europe proper. Motherwell will be without Ramsden at centre half so Cummins should come in to replace. Just get the feeling Motherwell's defence will be under serious pressure and an away goal is on the cards to effectively kill off the tie. (maybe more than 1...)

You can get 2.0 (Coral) on an away win which looks a good bet but I will pass on this game. NO BET


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Hearts v Liverpool


Hearts


Injuries - Hamill
Doubtful - MacDonald (was a doubt as his wife was just about to give birth, but I hear through the wonders of twitter, she has given birth now - so he should play)

Available Squad - MacDonald, Enckelman, Hamilton, Patterson, Barr, McGowan, Zaliukas, Webster, McHattie, Taouil, Driver, Prychynenko, Holt, Novikovas, Thomson, Walker, Sutton, Grainger, Robinson, Templeton

Probable XI - MacDonald, Patterson, Zaliukas, Webster, Grainger, McGowan, Taouil, Barr, Driver, Templeton, Sutton (4-4-1-1)



Liverpool

Injuries - Enrique, Cole
Available Squad - Reina, Jones, Kelly, Agger, Carragher, Coates, Flanagan, Shelvey, Lucas, Adam, Allen, Henderson, Spearing, Downing, Borini, Carroll, Wilson, Robinson, Sterling, Eccleston

Probable XI - Reina, Kelly, Agger, Carragher, Wilson, Spearing, Adam, Allen, Downing, Carroll, Borini (4-4-2)


Prediction :  Hearts 1-3 Liverpool

If you had asked me earlier on on the week for a prediction I would have said (my) Hearts were going to get an absolute TONKING!!! but Liverpool, similar to Spurs last season, have decided to leave out some stars from the trip to Royal Tynecastle. Gerrard, Suarez, Skrtel and Johnson all don't travel and that can only be seen as a boost to Hearts. But lets face the facts Liverpool can still put out a team that will have a massive gulf in class. I was listening to Gordon Strachen the other night, who I like, and he suggest the one thing Hearts can do is match Liverpool physically and athletically but I don't really think he thought that through as were I'm looking from Liverpool do actually have a strong physical presence, especially if Carroll starts. I can see a weakness if Hearts concentrate on wing play but overall I think Liverpool will be far too strong. Granted Liverpool played a shocker at the weekend but I think that will spur them on a little bit more to get a good result under their belts.

I hope for a decent result but hope is all I have got. The bet I will be placing is Liverpool to score 2 or more @ 1.85

SPL - Sunday 19th August Team News & Thoughts

Dundee Utd v Dundee (12.45 KO)


Dundee Utd

Injuries -
Doubtfuls - Mackay-Steven, Dillon, Russell, Gunning

Probable XI - Cierzniak, Watson, Douglas, McLean, Gunning, Flood, Ryan, Rankin, Robertson, Gardyne, Daly (4-4-2)


Dundee

Injuries - McBride, Riley, Finnigan

Probable XI - Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Benedictus, Grassi, McAlister, O'Donnell, Davidson, Conroy, Baird, Boyle (4-4-2)


Prediction : Dundee Utd 2-0 Dundee


Dundee Utd have 3 key players that they are sweating over the fitness of but they have had since their european match on the 9th of August to recover so they may well be fine to start (part of me is thinking that Peter Houston is just pretending their injured until the transfer window closes as it is a mystery to me that Mackay-Steven and Johnny Russell have not been snapped up as they are both that good)  There is a massive gulf in class here that should see Dundee Utd win the first Dundee Derby to be held for 7 years. If the 3 doubts for Utd all make the starting XI then I see this as being very comfortable. Dundee have however signed Martin Boyle from Montrose who was banging in the goals last season, I expect to see him involved straight away.

I've had a quick look and must say I am amazed that Dundee Utd to score 2 or more goals is @ 2.48 (betfair) I'll have some of that!!!!

SPL - Saturday 18th August Team News‏ & Thoughts

Ross County v Celtic  (12.15 KO)


Ross County


Injuries - Lawson, Scott

Probable XI - Fraser, Fitzpatrick, Munro, Boyd, Tokeley, Duncan, Brittain, Vigurs, McMenamin, Kettlewell, Morrow (4-4-2)



Celtic

Injuries - McGeouch, Murphy, Stokes, Bangura, Ibrahim, McCourt, Brown, Forrest, Twardzik
Doubtful - Hooper


Probable XI - Forster, Matthews, Rogne, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Ledley, Commons, Wanyama, Kayal, Ki, Samaras,  (4-4-1-1)


Prediction : Ross County 1-1 Celtic

Celtic suddenly find themselves crippled with injuries and face a tough trip up to Dingwall ahead of their euro qualifier midweek. When I say tough I mean it, with Ross County having put together a very inpressive run of 36 games in a row undefeated in the league. Granted most of these were against the 1st division opponents but still that is some record. So, no doubt a team full of confidence and one who also knocked Celtic out of the Scottish Cup in 2010 at the semi-final stages. You've got to think that Neil Lennon will rest is injured/doubtful players and give them every chance to be fit for the european match. Celtic should still boast a strong midfield but will be a little light upfront I reckon. I think this could be a good spot to take the Ross County with the +1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.8 (Bet Victor)



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Hearts v Inverness


Hearts


Injuries - Hamill, Ridgers
Suspended - Templeton

Probable XI - McDonald, Grainger, Zaliukas, Webster, Paterson, Robinson, Barr, McGowan, Novikovas, Driver, Sutton, (4-3-3-)



Inverness

Injuries - Hogg
Suspended - Tudur-Jones

Probable XI - Esson, Raven, G. Shinnie, Warren, King, Draper, A.Shinnie, Doran, Foran, Sutherland, McKay (4-4-1-1)


Prediction : Hearts 1-0 Inverness

Inverness at home is a match up that Hearts usually win with the last 6 matches producing 4wins 1draw and 1 loss. I think they are in a good position to carry on that trend here. Both Webster and McGowan were both involved in the Scotland v Australia friendly midweek and that can only add to their fitness. Templeton misses out through suspension but I think McGlynn will contine with his 4-3-3 formation at home. I see both a Hearts win @ 1.95 (William Hill) and also UNDER 2.5 goals @ 1.75 (bet victor) good options here.



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Kilmarnock v Motherwell


Kilmarnock


Injuries - Hay, Heffernan

Probable XI - Bell, Tesselaar, Fowler, O'Leary, Nelson, Kelly, Dayton, Harkins, Johnson, Pascali, Borja (4-4-1-1)



Motherwell

Injuries - Saunders, Daley
Suspended - Hammell
Probable XI - Randolph, Hateley, Ramsden, Hutchison, Francis-Angol, Humphrey, Lasley, Law, Murphy, Ojamaa, Higdon (4-4-2)


Prediction : Kilmarnock 1-2 Motherwell

For me I think the Kilmarnock side is just not as good now without Shiels who always gave them the link between midfield and attack and could score goals. With forward Heffernan still injured they have brought in Spanaird Borja who looks to be going straight into this match, although he has been training with them recently. I don't really think Motherwell will be resting any players before their mission impossible 2nd leg at Panathinaikos midweek, they are best just concentrating on the league. I see an away win on the cards here but would advise the saftey net of MOTHERWELL DNB @ 1.91 (William Hill)



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St Johnstone v Aberdeen


St Johnstone


Injuries - None
Suspended - Tade, Vine

Probable XI - Mannus, Anderson, Wright, Mackay, C. Davidson, Craig, M. Davidson, Cregg, Millar, Hasselbaink, Beattie (4-4-2)



Aberdeen

Injuries - McGinn

Probable XI - Langfield, Jack, Considine, Anderson, Naysmith, Hayes, Osbourne, Rae, Hughes, Pawlett, Vernon, (4-5-1)


Prediction : St Johnstone 0-1 Aberdeen


Here is a bet I very very rarely place but I really fancy this game to go UNDER 1.5 goals @ 2.88 (Stan James) sounds crazy but if you look at it, St Johnstone have failed to score in their last 3 home games and Aberdeen haven't scored in their last 3 matches either. Also St Johnstone's 2 main strikers are both suspended leaving Lomas probably having to play new signing Craig Beattie (and we have all seen enough of his belly to know he is not really fully fit - Rangers knocked him back for Div 3......) Aberdeen I expect to improve this season as they now have quite a solid defence and midfield but it's scoring goals that is their big problemo! I can see them just nicking this one though.



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St Mirren v Hibs


St Mirren


Injuries -Reilly
Suspended - Guy

Probable XI - Samson, Van Zanten, McGregor, Mair, McAusland, McGowan, McLean, Imrie, Goodwin, Thompson, Parkin (4-4-2)



Hibs

Injuries - Stevenson

Probable XI - Williams, Clancy, McPake, Hanlon, Maybury, Deegan, Claros, Wotherspoon, Cairney, Griffiths, Kuqi (4-4-2)


Prediction : St Mirren 1 -2 Hibs


Dirty Hibees were much improved in the derby last weekend and dare I say it showed a little bit of heart coming back from a goal down to earn a deserved draw. They have brought in big journey man Shefki Kuqi up front and he could start or come off the bench. St Mirren also got a good 2-0 away result at Dundee with Parkin grabbing his first goal, they will have captain Goodwin back from suspension for this match and will be looking to try and stay top of the league with a win! I'm a little surprised that BTTS @ 2.0 (Boyle Sports) is available - I fancy Hibs to score and well their defence is shite! Nap of the day for me!



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SPL - Sunday Team News & Thoughts

Dundee Utd v Hibs


Dundee Utd

Injuries - Mentel, Lacny
Available Squad - Cierzniak, Watson, Dillon, Gunning, McLean, Douglas, Flood, Rankin, Ryan, Mackay-Steven, Russell, Daly, Dow, Armstrong, Millar, Gardyne, Robertson, Banks

Probable XI : Cierzniak, Dillon, Douglas, Watson, Gunning, Flood, Rankin, Mackay-Steven, Ryan, Russell, Daly (4-4-2)


Hibs


Injuries - Galbraith
Available Squad - Williams, Clancy, Booth, Hanlon, McPake, O'Hanlon, Stephens, Kujabi, Smith, Claros, Cairney, Wotherspoon, Sproule, Stevenson, Stanton, Griffiths, Doyle, Caldwell, Grant

Probable XI: Williams, Clancy, Stephens, McPake, Hanlon, Claros, Stevenson, Sproule, Wotherspoon, Doyle, Griffiths (4-2-3-1)



Prediction : Dundee Utd 2-1 Hibs

For me Dundee Utd have the better team but it will be interesting to see Pat Fenlon's new Hibs team this year. Slight worry here that Utd rest players ahead of their Euro game but they have managed to build a pretty decent squad now and do have options in many positions should Peter Houston chose to rest a few. The odds on a Home win look just a little bit skinny for my liking but I do like the look of BTTS @1.83 (Coral) particularly if Daly and Russell both play and Hibs Griffiths can score a goal out of nothing!

SPL - Open Day team news & thoughts

Celtic v Aberdeen


Celtic


Injuries - Bangura
Doubts - Brown, Forrest
Available Squad - Forster, Matthews, Wanyama, Rogne, Lustig, Mulgrew, Wilson, Izaguirre, Commons, Brown, Forrest, McCourt, Ledley, Kayal, Samaras, Stokes, Hooper, Zaluska, McGeouch, Twardzik

Probable XI : Forster, Matthews, Mulgrew, Lustig, Izaguirre, Commons, Wanyama, Kayal, Ledley, Hooper, Stokes (4-4-2)



Aberdeen


Injuries - none
Available Squad - Langfield, Brown, Foster, Considine, Anderson, Naysmith, Robertson, Jack, Hughes, Rae, Milsom, Vernon, Fallon, Hayes, McGinn, Osbourne, Megginson, Magennis, Fraser, Paton, Pawlett

Probable XI: Langfield, Foster, Considine, Anderson, Naysmith, Hayes, Milsom, Rae, Jack, Vernon, McGinn (4-4-2)



Prediction : Celtic 2-0 Aberdeen


I can see Neil Lennon resting Samaras for the european game and going Stokes and Hooper up front for this game. There are doubts over the fitness of both Forrest and Scott Brown so I imagine they will not feature either.  I've got to admit that the Aberdeen team is looking much better this season and notably in defence where they actually look quite solid (famous last words...) For me though Celtic are simply better all over the park and I expect a comfortable home win. I read somewhere that Celtic haven't lost an opening day fixture sine 1997 season when a certain Mr Larsson made his debut. If they can get off to one of their flying starts I think a pop at the Celtic HT/FT @ 1.83 (Paddy Power) looks nice.




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Hearts v St Johnstone


Hearts


Injuries - Hammill
Suspended - Grainger
Available Squad - MacDonald, Ridgers, Barr, McGowan, Zaliukas, Webster, McKay, McHattie, Templeton, Taouil, Driver, Prychynenko, Holt, Novikovas, Thomson, Walker, Sutton, Robinson, G Smith, D Smith

Probable XI : McDonald, McGowan, Zaliukas, Webster, McHattie, Driver, Barr, Templeton, Taouil, Robinson, Sutton (4-4-1-1)



St Johnstone


Injuries - none
Available Squad - Mannus, Mackay, C Davidson, Wright, Anderson, M Davidson, Tade, Craig, Hasselbaink, Cregg, Miller, Moon, Tuffey, Higgins, McCracken, Adams, May, Scobbie, Vine

Probable XI: Mannus, C. Davidson, Wright, McCracken, Miller, Cregg, M. Davison, Millar, Craig, Tade, Vine (4-4-2)



Prediction : Hearts 1-0 St Johnstone

Jambos will be looking to get the season off to a good start with a solid home win but come up against a St Johnstone team who already have 2 competitive games played already in the Europa Cup qualifying. Hearts have had a decent pre-season with 3 wins out of 4 against Raith Rovers, Dunfermline and Rotherham and narrowly getting beaten by Falkirk 1-0. With no new arrivals McGlynn is having to make do with a mixture of experience sprinkled with some very promising youngsters who will be keen to make their mark. St Johnstone are quickly becoming a bit of a bogey team for Hearts and last season the 4 league fixtures produced 3 wins for St Johnstone and only 1 home win for Hearts. I'm tempted to back Hearts for a win at 2.1 but do worry a little bit about the extra match fitness/sharpness that St Johnston may have. I do see goals in this game with John Sutton firing well since his return from Australia and feel St Johnstone at least have a goal in them with big Tade and new signing Vine (if he plays) scoring a couple of goals in a friendly win over Bristol City last week. I'll have a go at OVER 2.5 goals @ 2.1 (Paddy Power)



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Kilmarnock v Dundee


Kilmarnock


Injuries - Heffernan, Hay, Pursehouse
Available Squad - Bell, Tesselaar, Fowler, O'Leary, Nelson, Kelly, Harkins, Johnson, McKenzie, Dayton, Pascali, Boulding, Kennedy, Racchi, Fisher, McKeown, Winchester, Letheren

Probable XI : Bell, Tesselaar, Fowler, O'Leary, Pascali, Nelson, Kelly, Harkins, Kennedy, Racchi, Boulding  (4-5-1)



Dundee


Injuries -
Available Squad - Douglas, McGregor, Lockwood, Benedictus, Gallagher, Irvine, Webster, McBride, Conroy, Baird, McIntosh, Stewart, Davidson, Grassi, McCluskey, Reid, Cavanagh, Baird

Probable XI: Douglas, Benedictus, Gallagher, McGregor, Lockwood, Webster, Irvine, McBride, Conroy, McIntosh, J. Baird (4-4-2)



Prediction : Kilmarnock 2-0 Dundee

Killie fans will be disappointed that they have lost Dean Shiels to Rangers and he will be a big miss, especially as they are a bit short up from and for this match in particular as Heffernan is unavailable also. I'm expecting to see a bit of a make shift lineup from Kenny Shiels but we could see new signing Boulding making his debut together with right back Tesselaar. Kilmarnock had a good run out against Bristol City at the weekend only losing out to a late goal in a 2-3 defeat.  As a measure of how poorly run Scottish football is Dundee actually had to play in the League Cup last week and have only had 3 weeks notice to prepare for being in the Premier giving them very little chance to budget or even bring in some players. They have brought in one player though, Mark Stewart, but I reckon he will only start from the bench. Without doubt Dundee are odds on favourites to go straight back down and I have to agree - they could well be out of their depth here. Home Win @ 2.0 (Ladbrokes) appeals to me.
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Ross County v Motherwell


Ross County


Injuries - Quinn
Suspended - Kettlewell
Available Squad - Fraser, Malin, Boyd, Munro, Tokely, Fitzpatrick, Brittain, Lawson, Vigurs, Corcoran, Scott, Quinn, Duncan, Cooper, Byrne, Craig, Glen, Morrow, McMenamin

Probable XI : Fraser, Boyd, Munro, Tokely, Morrison, Corcoran, Brittain, Craig, Vigurs, Scott, McMenamin (4-4-2)



Motherwell


Injuries - Saunders, Carswell
Available Squad - Randolph, Hateley, Hammell, Hutchinson, Ramsden, Law, Lasley, Murphy, Humphrey, Higdon, Ojamaa, Daley, Murray, Page, McHugh, Cummins, Hetherington, Holli

Probable XI: Randolph, Hateley, Hutchison, Ramsden, Hammell, Humphrey, Law, Lasley, Murphy, Ojamaa, Higdon (4-4-2)



Prediction : Ross County 1-2 Motherwell


Ross county have continued their romp to the first division title with an unbeaten friendly preseason including a victory over Coventry. They simply cant stop scoring goals and I'm expecting McMenamin to find the transition to the top flight no problem as he is a goal scorer, with 20 goals last season. It's a tough opening day trip for Motherwell but they'll be used to tough challanges having been comprehensively beaten 2-0 by Panathinaikos midweek in their champions league qualifier. Motherwell still boast a really good starting XI this year and they too are full of goals so for me the OVER 2.5 Goals @ 1.75 (Bet Victor) looks a decent bet in this match. The result is a harder call but I would favour Motherwell.



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St Mirren v Inverness


St Mirren


Injuries - Carey
Suspended - Goodwin, Thompson, McAusland
Available Squad - Samson, van Zanten, McGregor, Mair, Imrie, Robertson, McGowan, Adam, McLean, McKernon, Parkin, Reilly, Teale, Naismith, Barron, Lamont, Kelly, Guy

Probable XI : Samson, Van Zanten, McGregor, Mair, Robertson, McGowan, McLean, Imrie, Teale, Kelly, Parkin (4-4-1-1)



Inverness


Injuries - Hogg
Suspended - Foran
Available Squad - Esson, Reguero, G Shinnie, Meekings, Warren, Raven, King, Pepper, Draper, Tudur Jones, A Shinnie, Ross, Morrison, Doran, Laing, Polworth, Sutherland, McKay, Oswell

Probable XI: Esson G. Shinnie, Cooper, Meekings, Raven, Sutherland, Draper, Doran, Morrison,  A. Shinnie, McKay (4-4-2)



Prediction : St Mirren 0-1 Inverness

I reckon St Mirren will struggle here because they are missing 3 first team players all through suspension and they are all key players. Not too sure what to make of Inverness's new signings yet but they also had an impressive 3-1 win over Coventry the other week. St Mirren have yet to get a win over Inverness at their new ground and I can see that hoodoo remaining. I think this is a good spot to LAY St Mirren @ 2.41 (betfair)



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SPL Transfers IN & OUT and Team by Team Predicted finishing positions

ABERDEEN

IN: Jonny Hayes (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Niall McGinn (Celtic), Gary Naysmith (Huddersfield)

OUT: Rory McArdle (Bradford City), Kari Arnason (Rotherham United), Darren Mackie, Youl Mawene, Mohamed Chalali, Yoann Folly, Danny Uchechi (all released)

Aberdeen were simply very poor last season and I feel that this will be Craig Brown's last season in charge however things go and I imagine he will need to get a large improvement from his players if he wants to keep his job all season. He has managed to pull off 3 decent signing though, Jonny Hayes is a good player and former Celt McGinn does have genuine quality but was just unable to get himself in the first team at Celtic. Gary Naysmith comes with good experience and will help to keep them more solid at the back. Remember they also basically have another signing in Russell Anderson if he can keep himself fit this season. However, scoring goals was a big problem for the dandy dons last season so some fans will be disappointed not to see a striker brought in. It will be crucial for Aberdeen to get off to a better start to the season than last year.

Last Season : 9th   Prediction  : 7th.


CELTIC



IN: Fraser Forster (Newcastle United)


OUT: Cha Du-Ri (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Efrain Juarez (Club America), Daniel Majstorovic (AIK Stockholm), Glenn Loovens (Real Zaragoza), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Mark Wilson, Dominic Cervi, Darren O´Dea, Richie Towell

I have been very surprised that Celtic have not really added anything to last seasons squad, especially in defence where they struggled with injuries all season and now with Majstorovic, Cha Du-Ri, Wilson and Loovens gone I can see the same situation happening this season. Of course there is still plenty of time to bring in players but Celtic's season has already started with Champions League qualifying. As far as the title goes it can basically be handed over to Celtic from day one as with the down fall of Rangers, Celtic will win the league, it's not even open to debate! Far important for Celtic this year will be to see if they can get themselves back in the Champions League group stages or failing that a decent run in the Europa League.

Last Season : 1st  Prediction : 1st


DUNDEE




IN: Iain Davidson, John Baird (Raith Rovers), Carl Finnigan (St Johnstone), Kevin McBride, Declan Gallagher (Clyde), Mark Stewart (Falkirk), Davide Grassi (FC Brussels)


OUT: Craig McKeown, Mark Fotheringham, Rhys Weston (KR Reykjavík), Ross Chisholm, Jake Hyde, Graham Bayne, John Gibson (Elgin, free).


I feel a bit sorry for Dundee, they did benefit from Rangers demise to earn an unlikely spot in the top flight but because of the SFA's scandalous handling of everything they only found out which league they were playing in a matter of weeks ago. It has left them certainly ill prepared in terms of playing staff but judging by their cup games last season they are more than capable of competing in the SPL. It will also mean the revival of the Dundee derby and with Dundee's sizable support they will be a great edition to the league. The likelihood is that Dundee and Inverness could be relegation rivals this season and unfortuanately with the SPL experience I have Inverness as just having the vital edge.

Last Season: Runner's up in Div 1     Prediction : 12th (relegated)


DUNDEE UTD


IN: Michael Gardyne (Ross County), Mark Millar (Falkirk), Brian McLean (Preston), Radoslaw Cierzniak (Alki Larnaca)


OUT: Garry Kenneth (Bristol Rovers), Dusan Pernis, Paul Dixon (Huddersfield, free), Danny Swanson (Peterborough, free), Scott Robertson (Blackpool)

As SPL teams have had to come accustomed to and accept success, this  also brings a bit of a bite to the tail, you do well and other teams with better financial attractions come in and pinch your players. Dundee Utd, will badly miss keeper Pernis, Kenneth, Dixon and midfielder Robertson but it could have been a lot worse. They have managed to hold on to Russell and Daly upfront and still have good quality in midfield. Houston has brought in 2 good players in Gardyne and Millar and they should both walk into the first team. They are a team that can genuinely challange for the best of the rest title but I think they will fall just short.

Last season : 4th Prediction : 3rd

HEARTS


IN: NOBODY, nothing, nada, hee-haw, squat diddly.......

OUT: David Obua, Ian Black, Adrian Mrowiec (RB Leipzig, free), Stephen Elliott (Coventry, free), Gary Glen (Ross County, free), Jason Thomson (Raith, free), Suso Santana (Tenerife, free), Craig Beattie, Rudi Skacel


It has been very noticably in the wake of Hearts historic Cup victory over Hibs last season that there has been a mass exodus from the cup due mainly to cost saving measures, probably to ensure they do not go the same way as Rangers. The big misses will, obviously,  be fans favourite Rudi Skacel and all his goals and also Beattie and gritty midfielder Ian Black. However, what Hearts do have this season is still a good number of senior experienced players together with a very promising crop of youngsters which new manager McGlynn will give chances to. Hearts are really short of goalscorers though so it may be an idea for Mr Romanov to see if he can try and lure someone in the door to back up Sutton who is back from a loan spell in Australia and been finding the net in preseason. The Gorgie faithful will be looking at this as an ideal opportunity to cement 2nd place and if they can improve on their horrible away form I see them as a good call for 2nd place.

Last season : 5th Prediction : 2nd


HIBS




IN: Tim Clancy (Motherwell), James McPake (Coventry City), Paul Cairney (Partick Thistle), Ben Williams (Colchester), Leigh Griffiths (Wolves, loan)




OUT: Ian Murray, Sean Welsh (Partick), Graham Stack, Garry O'Connor, Martin Scott (Ross County, loan), Matt Doherty (end of loan), George Francomb (end of loan), Tom Soares (end of loan)


Pat Fenlon has been very busy in the transfer market and lets face it with the season Hibs had last term it is the least he could do. To be fair though, since he has come to the club he has steadily weeded out the rubbish and is now shaping his own team that will no doubt be a big improvement on last season's shambles. I was surprised Motherwell let Tim Clancy go but he will be a welcome addition to the ropey Hibs defence and can partner up with the only defender that looked any use last season McPake. Hibs have also signed a new keeper and it will be interesting to see whether he will be another in their long line of dud's lololol. However, they have done well in retaining the services of Leigh Griffiths as long as he can behave himself but they will be affected by the departure of O'Conner who scored 16 goals last season. As the song goes, "things can only get better" but I do believe Hibs are going to turn the corner.


Last Season : 11th Prediction : 6th





INVERNESS CT




IN: Gary Warren (Newport County), Antonio Reguero (Gandia), Jason Orwell, David Raven (Tranmere Rovers), Ross Draper (Macclesfield), Conor Pepper




OUT: Gregory Tade (St Johnstone), Greg Tansey (Stevenage), Ross Tokely (Ross County), Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen), Thomas Piermayr, Jonny Tuffey (St Johnstone), David Proctor, Roman Golobart (end of loan), Kenny Gillet


Wow! Inverness have basically lost all their best players and I mean almost a full team of them. So much so that I think big Terry Butcher will need a magic wand to stay in the top flight. He seems to be recruiting from the lower leagues in England but I just dont think that he can replace what has gone so this season looks to be a really struggle. Salt might be rubbed into the wounds also with their highland rivals Ross County doing better than them. Seriously challanging season for Inverness fans I fear!


Last season : 10th Prediction : 11th



KILMARNOCK


IN: Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren), Rory Boulding (Livingston)




OUT: Danny Buijs (Sparta Rotterdam, free), David Silva (Oldhanese, free), Zdenek Kroca (Tescoma Zlin, free), Dieter van Tornhout, Ben Gordon (end of loan) Dean Shiels (Rangers)



Kilmarnock were given a bit of a late kick in the stones with Dean Shiels recently deciding to move to Rangers which I'm sure will please his dad, the Killie Manager. Kilmarnock dont have the biggest squad but they played some decent football last year and we will look forward to Kenny Shiels controversial comments this year.... With Shiels gone and also 2nd choice striker Van Tornhout they may be a little short upfront but I can see Kilmarnock having a so-so season but maybe not with the kind of cup glory highlights they had last season. Always capable of a good performance and equally always capable of a shocker sums them up.


Last Season : 7th Prediction : 8th



MOTHERWELL


IN: Simon Ramsden (Bradford City)




OUT: Steve Jennings, Stephen Craigan (retired), Tim Clancy (Hibernian, free), Ross Forbes, Jordan Halsman (Morton, free), Steven Lawless (Partick, free), Gary Smith.


I've got to admit Motherwell and Staurt McCall never fail to impress me. With a shoe-string budget McCall has Motherwell seriously over preforming, playing in the Champions League qualifiers the other night no less, abeit because of Rangers not being eligible. Lets not take anything away from their players though and what I like is they are very much a team unit, who know the system they place and play it well. My only concern with them is that they don't really have a big enough squad which with injuries could hamper them in the later stages of the season but hanging on to talents such as Murphy and Henrik Ojamaa make watching Motherwell great entertainment. Expect another decent season from them but I think they will fall short of challanging for second place.


Last Season : 3rd Prediction : 4th





ROSS COUNTY


IN: Ross Tokely (Inverness CT), Gary Glen (Hearts), Martin Scott (Hibernian, loan), Mihael Kovacevic, Jon Bateson (Macclesfield)




OUT: Michael Gardyne (Dundee United), Gary Miller (St Johnstone), Johnny Flynn (Falkirk), Scott Morrison


Ross County stormed to the 1st division title last season 24 points ahead of 2nd placed Dundee which tells it's own story really. They proved that they are more than ready to take on the Premier League and with a clutch of players in their team that were released by SPL teams there will be many that have a point to prove to previous clubs. This will be an away fixtures that I'm sure many clubs wont really relish, especially in the harsh winter months. I'm convinced that County will not be embarrassed in this campaign and I fully expect them to stay clear of the relegation places. They have lost two good players in Miller and Gardyne but have a real goal scorer in McMenamin in attack.


Last Season : 1st Div Champions   Prediction : 10th




ST JOHNSTONE




IN: Tam Scobbie (Falkirk), Gary Miller (Ross County), Gregory Tade (Inverness CT), Nigel Hasselbaink (St Mirren), Jonny Tuffey (Inverness CT), Patrick Cregg (Bury)




OUT: Francisco Sandaza, Carl Finnigan (Dundee, free), Marcus Haber (Stevenage, free), Jody Morris (Bristol City, free), Derek Riordan, Sam Parkin (St Mirren), Cillian Sheridan (end of loan), Alan Maybury, Lee Croft (end of loan).


St Johnstone are another team that have been depleated by players leaving, biggest of all is top goalscorer Sandaza and also his strike partner Sheridan who was only on loan. Another major loss is Lee Croft who really looked impressive last season in midfield. They have already had their little experience of Europe ended early with a 3-1 aggregate loss to Eskisehirspor but had a creditable home draw 1-1. They were unlucky that new summer signing Tade from Inverness wasn't fit for the 1st leg of that tie but he will certainly go a long way to replacing the hole that Sanzada and Sheridan leave. St Johnstone are another team that like Motherwell are capable of playing great team football and in Lomas I think they have a good and knowledgeable manager at the healm and they want to use that until he moves on to bigger and better things. I certainly see them as a top 6 side that will be challanging for European places this season.




Last season : 6th  Prediction : 5th


ST MIRREN




IN: Jon Robertson (Cowdenbeath), Sam Parkin (Queen of the South), Lewis Guy (MK Dons), Grant Adam (Rangers)




OUT: Hugh Murray (Partick, free), Jon McShane (Hamilton, free), Steven Thomson (Dover, free), Nigel Hasselbaink (St Johnstone, free), Jeroen Tesselaar (Kilmarnock, free), Aaron Mooy (Western Sydney Warriors, free), Graeme Smith.


St Mirren huffed and puffed last season with some notable performances (beating Rangers) but there were also some hopeless performances thrown in that in the end over-weighed the good. Danny Lennon's team were at their best when they attacked in their brave 4-3-3 formation normally at home. I've got a horrible feeling they may lose McGowan in the coming weeks which would be a shame as he is a great player for the club but no doubt others realise he could do a job at a higher level. They have though brought in the much experienced Sam Perkins who's presence will unsettle a few centre halves this season I'm sure. I've got St Mirren down as a bottom 6 team who are there to make up the numbers without really making any headlines.


Last Season : 8th  Prediction : 9th





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I have, of course, not mentioned one club! Rangers, but I think they will do ok in the 3rd flight............lol

Celtic v Helsinki Champs League Qualifier‏

Celtic v Helsinki

Celtic

Injuries - None (I dont think!)
Doubts - Commons, Stokes

Availble Squad - Forster, Matthews, Lustig, Rogne, Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Brown, Commons, Kayal, Ledley, Wanyama, Forrest, Stokes, Hooper, McCourt, McGeouch, Twardzik, Samaras, Zaluska, Bangura

Probable XI - Foster, Matthews, Wanyama, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Ledley, Forrest, Brown, Commons, Samaras, Hooper (4-4-2)


Helsinki

Probable XI - Wallen, Kansikas, Hakanpaa, Linstrom, Sorsa, Savage, Vayrynen, Schuller, Mannstrom, Makela, Pohjanpalo (4-4-2)



Prediction : Celtic 2-0 Helsinki

First off let me start by saying that this is without doubt Neil Lennon's most important game probably since he took the helm. With the Scottish League looking likely to be canter for the Hoops this season it really is Europe where the fans and the board will be looking for success, and lets not forget he has failed miserably in his last 2 attempts.

So, I imagine Lennon was not overly happy about drawing Helsinki, a team that is 19 matches into their season and currently sitting in 2nd spot, not to mention their convincing win 9-1 on aggregate in the last round. However, the visitors have actually not been quite so impressive in their recent form and have actually only won 3 in their last 10 league games. I'm expecting them to lineup in their tried and tested 4-4-2 formation similar to Celtic. This is a system where they use Savage and Mannstrom out wide to try and inject some pace down the wings. Upfront they have a bit of a young star in the making I think in Pohjanpalo who has bagged 13 goals already this season. Jambos will be fimiliar with their other front man, Juho Makela, who spent time in the SPL at Tynecastle and was always a player that caught the eye when he came off the bench. He too has been firing in goals this season with 10 to his name. He should be able to offer young Pohjanpalo a valuable insight to the Scottish game.

Celtic's biggest problem in the last couple of years is trying to get the team ready for these early European qualifying games that seem to come always before the cobwebs have been blown away. Once again Lennon must have been pretty disturbed by his teams performances in the 2 opening preseason friendlies, they were properly played off the park against Ajax losing 4-0 ( I can't stress how badly they were out classed in this game) and followed it up with a 1-0 defeat to Norwich. They did though actually look quite good against a strong albiet lazy looking Inter Milan side on Saturday only to miss out on a good victory to a last second Inter equaliser with the game ending 1-1.


In conclusion, this is a game that Celtic can simply not afford to mess up and I really don't think they will. I can only see them taking a decent advantage to Finland and obviously they will like that to be with the benefit of a clean sheet. Key to the game will be Hooper's finishing and if they can get the service to him he will convert in my book.

I like the look of Celtic -1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.68 (betfair) and Gary Hooper Anytime Scorer but the odds are rubbish @2.0 (ladbrokes) so will leave that.