Tuesday 24 October 2017 13:20, UK
An Edinburgh derby, the top two facing off and a new manager begins his reign against a counterpart who is under extreme pressure - the first full set of midweek Premiership fixtures is upon us.
On Tuesday we will be treated an Edinburgh derby at Easter Road Hibs look to leapfrog Hearts back into the top six following their win against St Johnstone at the weekend.
Even at such an early stage in the season, it's hard to see past Partick Thistle's trip to Hamilton as anything other than a relegation battle. Accies have lost six straight games and haven't recorded a victory in their last seven, with Thistle managing their first win of the league season on Saturday after a late turnaround at home to Dundee.
The final match on Tuesday sees out-of-form St Johnstone host Ross County, who have won two and lost one under new manager Owen Coyle.
Aberdeen might have had the weekend off, but Celtic certainly didn't as they recovered from the Champions League defeat in Munich to overcome Hibs in a six-goal League Cup semi-final. Brendan Rodgers has noted tiredness amongst his squad but has been pleased with how those on the fringes of the starting XI have come in and performed when called upon.
The sides are level on points going into Wednesday night's showdown at Pittodrie with both clubs looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the Premiership campaign.
Motherwell travel to Dundee on the same night following their battling win over Rangers to reach the first major final of the season in Scotland. Louis Moult's double at the weekend took him to 11 goals in 15 appearances in all competitions for 2017/18.
The final fixture of the midweek card is the first match in charge for Steve Clarke at Kilmarnock. The former West Brom and Reading manager, originally from Ayrshire, faces a Rangers side berated by comments from their manager Pedro Caixinha at his media conference on Monday. Caixinha says he will play as close to the same starting XI as Sunday so they can make up for "embarrassing the club" against Motherwell.
Hamilton Accies v Partick Thistle - Tuesday 7.45pm
Andy Walker
Hamilton Accies 1-1 Partick Thistle
Key Player: Greg Docherty
Hamilton are on a desperate slide, Docherty the inspiration from midfield to stop the rot.
Ian Crocker
Hamilton Accies 0-1 Partick Thistle
Key Player: Miles Storey
Came off the bench to snatch the winner against Dundee. Could that be the spark he needs?
Hibernian v Hearts - Tuesday 7.45pm
Andy Walker
Hibernian 1-1 Hearts
Key Player: Harry Cochrane
This could be a special season for the 16-year old kid as he continues to impress everyone at Tynecastle with maturity way beyond his years.
Ian Crocker
Hibernian 2-1 Hearts
Key Player: John McGinn
Will relish the brilliant Edinburgh derby atmosphere. It looks like his kind of game.
St Johnstone v Ross County - Tuesday 7.45pm
Andy Walker
St Johnstone 1-1 Ross County
Key Player: Aaron Comrie
After spells in the lower leagues with Montrose and Peterhead, the St Johnstone defender looks capable of making the step up to the Premiership.
Ian Crocker
St Johnstone 1-0 Ross County
Key Player: Michael O'Halloran
Back in business and Saints need him to halt losing streak
Aberdeen v Celtic - Wednesday 7.45pm
Andy Walker
Aberdeen 2-2 Celtic
Key Player: Stevie May
Can the Aberdeen forward endear himself further to the home fans with a strike against the champions?
Ian Crocker
Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic
Key Player: Tom Rogic
Loves a big goal at a big time in a big game. As Aberdeen know all too well.
Dundee v Motherwell - Wednesday 7.45pm
Andy Walker
Dundee 2-1 Motherwell
Key Player: Jesse Curran
The 21-year-old Australia midfielder showed up well in the defeat against Partick Thistle but Dundee created a lot of chances in that game. Can Motherwell stay on a high after their stunning semi-final win over Rangers?
Ian Crocker
Dundee 2-2 Motherwell
Key Player: Louis Moult
Hampden hero scored his third double in six games to see off Rangers but Dundee must take some of their many chances soon!
Rangers v Kilmarnock - Wednesday 7.45pm
Andy Walker
Rangers 2-1 Kilmarnock
Key Player: Bruno Alves
Fortunate to escape a red card in the semi-final defeat to Motherwell. Rangers need strong leadership in this game, Alves must show everyone he can handle the pressure.
Ian Crocker
Rangers 2-1 Kilmarnock
Key Player: Alfredo Morelos
Big performance needed from Rangers who had their chances at Hampden but squandered them miserably.
