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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