Ian Crocker and Andy Walker's Scottish Premiership predictor
Friday 9 December 2016 13:01, UK
The Scottish Premiership commences this week with Celtic attempting to continue their unbeaten domestic record against Partick Thistle at Firhill on Friday night.
The league's youngest ever manager will take charge of his first match as Ian Cathro and Hearts visit Ibrox just 10 days after the Edinburgh club's 2-0 win against Rangers at Tynecastle.
Kilmarnock remained in the top six despite their 5-1 mid-week thrashing at the hands of Aberdeen.
It's St Johnstone's turn to travel to Pittodrie on Saturday as they continue to try and close the gap between themselves and those above them in the Premiership.
At the bottom end there is room for clubs to move up and down with just three points still separating 6th and 12th.
Here are Andy Walker and Ian Crocker's predictions and players to watch this weekend.
Partick Thistle v Celtic - Friday 7.45pm
Celtic haven't conceded more than one goal in their last nine visits to Firhill in the Scottish Premiership, letting in just five during that time.
Partick Thistle haven't won in their last four league matches after going the same amount of matches unbeaten previous to this run.
Andy Walker's prediction: Partick Thistle 1-2 Celtic
Key player: Gary Mackay-Steven
Might be given the chance to play in absence of James Forrest, big opportunity for him.
Ian Crocker's prediction: Partick Thistle 1-3 Celtic
Key player: Patrick Roberts
Just had to score at the Etihad and is relishing a run in the side.
Aberdeen v St Johnstone - Saturday 3pm
Tommy Wright's men have a good record against Aberdeen in the league in recent times, losing just once in the last seven matches and winning three of those.
Aberdeen have conceded the 2nd lowest amount of goals in the Premiership so far (15), only Celtic have a better record (11).
Andy Walker's prediction: Aberdeen 2-0 St Johnstone
Key player: Johnny Hayes
Consistently the best goal threat for Aberdeen.
Ian Crocker's prediction: Aberdeen 2-2 St Johnstone
Key player: Niall McGinn
Probably needed a rest of late but can still influence proceedings.
Dundee v Ross County - Saturday 3pm
Dundee host Ross County with the worst goal scoring record in the league having netted just 14 times in their opening 16 fixtures.
Ross County are up to 7th in the table after going unbeaten in their last four, but they have only managed one win in the last ten matches.
Andy Walker's prediction: Dundee 2-2 Ross County
Key player: Liam Boyce
County would be lost without his contribution.
Ian Crocker's prediction: Dundee 0-1 Ross County
Key player: Liam Boyce
Scored in the last three games so he's in the zone.
Inverness CT v Hamilton Accies - Saturday 3pm
Hamilton have won four of the last eight away league matches with Inverness, losing just once and drawing the other three.
Inverness sit bottom of the table with the worst defensive record in the Premiership but could find hope in their striker Lonsana Doumbouya, who has scored in his last three home matches for the club.
Andy Walker's prediction: Inverness CT 2-1 Hamilton Accies
Key player: Ross Draper
The type of player boss Richie Foran can rely on.
Ian Crocker's prediction: Inverness CT 0-0 Hamilton Accies
Key player: Ali Crawford
A game that might require a touch of class to win it.
Motherwell v Kilmarnock - Saturday 3pm
Motherwell go into Saturday's match with Kilmarnock having only lost one of the last seven league meetings between the sides.
After Tuesday's heavy defeat to Aberdeen, Kilmarnock have the worst away defensive record with 19 goals conceded in their 8 games.
Andy Walker's prediction: Motherwell 1-1 Kilmarnock
Key player: Ross McLean
S+howed last week against Celtic how effective he can be.
Ian Crocker's prediction: Motherwell 2-1 Kilmarnock
Key player: Louis Moult
Two terrific goals v Celtic and excellent assists from McManus and MacLean.
Rangers v Hearts - Saturday 3pm
The last fixture between these sides at Ibrox in Scotland's top league finished 2-1 to Hearts with former Rangers midfielder Ian Black on the scoresheet for the Edinburgh outfit.
Rangers are still unbeaten in league duty under Mark Warburton, with their last defeat at Ibrox coming in February 2015 against Hibernian.
Andy Walker's prediction: Rangers 1-1 Hearts
Key player: Lee Hodson
Likely to stay in the team for a while, especially after goalscoring contribution last weekend against Aberdeen.
Ian Crocker's prediction: Rangers 1-1 Hearts
Key player: Kenny Miller
Answered the call when it mattered last week. Still finishing nicely.
