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Ian Crocker and Andy Walker's Scottish Premiership weekend predictions

Bruno Alves in action for Rangers
Image: The experienced Bruno Alves appears to have settled in quickly at Rangers

Sky Sports' commentary team of Ian Crocker and Andy Walker preview this weekend's Scottish Premiership action.

The duo have also picked out their key players to watch as the Scottish Premiership enters its second weekend of fixtures.

Celtic are in Maryhill on Friday night looking to build on their promising start against Hearts while Partick Thistle tasted defeat in their first league encounter at Easter Road. But they were not too shabby in midweek in Perth so should be in good heart for the Glasgow derby.

Elsewhere, Rangers and Hibernian meet at Ibrox for the first time since the infamous Scottish Cup final of 2016 and Ross County entertain Aberdeen, who could have new addition Stevie May in their ranks.

Managerless Hearts - with Jamie Walker back in the fold - are at Kilmarnock while Hamilton entertain Dundee and Motherwelll are away at St Johnstone.

Callum McGregor celebrates after scoring Celtic's first goal against Hearts
Image: Callum McGregor has started the season in good form for the champions

Partick Thistle v Celtic - Friday 19.45

Andy Walker's prediction:

Partick 1-4 Celtic

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Key player: Callum McGregor

"With Stuart Armstrong undecided about his future, McGregor offers a goal scoring threat from midfield."

Ian Crocker's prediction:

Partick 1-2 Celtic

Key player: Leigh Griffiths (Celtic)

"Four goals in two games. Up and running and some. Ruthless and clinical."

SPFL Matters

Hamilton v Dundee - Saturday 15.00

Andy Walker's prediction:

Hamilton 1-2 Dundee

Key player: Marcus Haber (Dundee)

"If he continues the form he showed in Dundee derby, he'll be a huge player for Neil McCann's men."

Ian Crocker's prediction:

Hamilton 1-2 Dundee

Key player: Cammy Kerr (Dundee)

"I really enjoyed watching him last season. He's a really promising player."

Kyle Lafferty savours his goal at a sun-kissed Borough Briggs
Image: Kyle Lafferty has an important role to play for Hearts - provided he can keep his emotions in check, say our pundits

Kilmarnock v Hearts - Saturday 15.00

Andy Walker's prediction:

Kilmarnock 1-3 Hearts

Key player: Kyle Lafferty (Hearts)

"Despite his stupidity with persistent fouling last weekend (at Celtic Park), he has a lot to offer."

Ian Crocker's prediction:

Kilmarnock 1-1 Hearts

Key player: Kyle Lafferty (Hearts)

"Too busy playing the bad guy at Celtic Park but will make a difference when he focuses on football."

Rangers v Hibernian - Saturday 15.00

Andy Walker's prediction:

Rangers 1-1 Hibernian

Key player: Bruno Alves (Rangers)

06/08/17 LADBROKES PREMIERSHIP
 MOTHERWELL v RANGERS
 FIR PARK - MOTHERWELL
 Graham Dorrans celebrates after he fires Rangers ahead from the spot
Image: Graham Dorrans made the right first impression at Fir Park

"At last, it looks as though Rangers have a dominant centre half."

Ian Crocker's prediction:

Rangers 2-1 Hibernian

Key player: Graham Dorrans (Rangers)

"A dream move. A dream debut. Not bad for starters and so much more to come from this Rangers fan."

Ross County v Aberdeen - Saturday 15.00

Andy Walker's prediction:

Ross Co 0-1 Aberdeen

Key player: Stevie May (Aberdeen)

"Should prove to be a successful signing for Aberdeen."

Ian Crocker's prediction:

Aberdeen unveil new signing Stevie May
Image: Stevie May is back in Scottish football with Aberdeen

Ross Co 0-1 Aberdeen

Key player: Ryan Christie (Aberdeen)

"Such a key figure in a new look attack and he might enjoy a return to the Highlands."

St Johnstone v Motherwell - Saturday 15.00

Andy Walker's prediction:

St Johnstone 2-2 Motherwell

Key player: Chris Cadden (Motherwell)

"If Motherwell can keep him for one more season, Cadden can develop into a fine player."

Motherwell's Chris Cadden celebrates opening the scoring
Image: Motherwell's Chris Cadden has a bright future according to Andy Walker

Ian Crocker's prediction:

St Johnstone 1-2 Motherwell

Key player: Craig Tanner (Motherwell)

"Impressive debut versus Rangers, he looks like he has something to offer, including set-piece deliveries."

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