Friday 20 October 2017 13:09, UK
It’s the first major semi-finals of the 2017/18 campaign in Scottish football this weekend as the last four of the Betfred Cup comes to Hampden.
There are also three Premiership matches to look forward to with Hearts hosting St Johnstone at Murrayfield, Hamilton making the trip to Dingwall and Dundee taking on Partick Thistle at Firhill.
But fans of Aberdeen and Kilmarnock have to wait until Wednesday to see their teams next in action. With the weekend off, new Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke has a good amount of time to get to know his players and build on the club's first win of the season.
After a bit of a lull in club action for international duty in recent weeks, it's a busy period ahead in Scottish football with a full card of Premiership fixtures next Tuesday and Wednesday.
But for now, Scotland's commentary team of Andy Walker and Ian Crocker give their thoughts on the Betfred Cup semi-finals and this weekend's three Premiership encounters.
Hibernian v Celtic - Scottish League Cup semi-final - Saturday 12.15pm
Andy Walker - Hibernian 0-2 Celtic
Key Player - Stuart Armstrong
Seems to enjoy Hampden and the big occasion, a big bonus for Brendan Rodgers that he's back to full fitness.
Ian Crocker - Hibernian 2-2 Celtic
Key Player - Anthony Stokes
If anyone can end Brendan Rodgers' domestic bliss maybe it's Anthony Stokes. And Neil Lennon. I'm going for penalties and take your pick in the shootout! Why not Hibs?
Hearts v St Johnstone - Scottish Premiership - Saturday 3pm
Andy Walker - Hearts 3-1 St Johnstone
Key Player - John Souttar
Full of potential but has looked soft in recent seasons, looks as though he has toughened up a little.
Ian Crocker - Hearts 2-1 St Johnstone
Key Player - Jamie Walker
Scored the winner at Ross County which could be a sign of things to come from an undoubted talent.
Opta Stats
Hearts failed to win any of their four league matches against The Saints last season (D1 L3) in fact, Hearts have won just one of their previous 11 Scottish Premiership matches against St Johnstone (D4 L6), failing to score a single goal in seven of those matches.
Meanwhile, St Johnstone are on a seven-game unbeaten run against Hearts in the league (W4 D3) keeping five clean sheets during this period.
Each of St Johnstone's last two league visits to Tynecastle Park have ended in a 2-2 draw.
Hearts have now lost just two of their last eight league matches (W3 D3), having previously lost five matches on the bounce. However, they have failed to win any of their three previous home league matches. (D2 L1).
St Johnstone's Michael O'Halloran has scored five goals in his six league appearances so far this season. Only Rangers' Alfredo Morelos has netted more (six).
Partick Thistle v Dundee - Scottish Premiership - Saturday 3pm
Andy Walker - Partick Thistle 1-1 Dundee
Key Player - Jack Hendry
At 22, Jack Hendry is beginning to show what an important player he can become for Dundee.
Ian Crocker - Partick Thistle 1-2 Dundee
Key Player- Sofien Moussa
It's been rather stop-start for him so far due to injuries but he's got something for sure.
Opta Stats
Partick Thistle have won each of their last three league matches against Dundee without conceding a single goal; previously they had never beaten them in the Scottish Premiership (P14 D4 L10).
Dundee have gone six Scottish Premiership matches against The Jags without a clean sheet. Their last one came back in September 2015 when The Dee managed to keep consecutive clean sheets against Partick, winning both matches 1-0.
Thistle are the only side in the Scottish Premiership still without a single victory from their nine league matches played (D3 L6) and have failed to keep a clean sheep in their last 15 league matches.
Dundee are on a six-match winless streak away from home in the league (D1 L5). The last time The Dee went seven away matches without a victory came back in December 2015.
Partick Thistle have seen just four different players score a league goal for them this season. No other Scottish Premiership side has had fewer goal scorers.
Ross County v Hamilton Accies - Scottish Premiership - Saturday 3pm
Andy Walker - Ross County 1-0 Hamilton Accies
Key Player - Jim O`Brien
Has plenty of experience to make a difference for County in the type of home game they expect to win.
Ian Crocker - Ross County 2-0 Hamilton Accies
Key Player - Jamie Lindsay
First top-flight loan for the Celtic youngster and eager to make the most of it.
Opta Stats
Ross County have lost just one of their previous nine Scottish Premiership matches against Hamilton (W5 D3), however they have kept just one clean sheet during that period which came in a 2-0 home victory at Victoria Park back in August 2015.
Over the past two campaigns, Academical have picked up just a single point from a possible 12 away to Ross County (D1 L3).
Despite going into this fixture having lost five consecutive league matches, no side has been awarded (four) and converted (three) more penalties than Hamilton in the Scottish premiership this season. In fact, 23% of their goals in the Scottish Premiership this season have been scored from the spot (three out of 13).
Craig Curran has been directly involved in three of Ross County's last six Scottish Premiership goals this season (2 goals and 1 assist).
Hamilton Academical (L5) and Partick Thistle (D3 L2) are the only two sides without a league victory in their previous five Scottish Premiership matches.
Rangers v Motherwell - Scottish League Cup semi-final - Sunday 2.30pm
Andy Walker - Rangers 2-1 Motherwell
Key Player - Carlos Pena
A better attitude, a fitter player and growing in sharpness, Pena has the ability to turn games Rangers way.
Ian Crocker - Rangers 2-1 Motherwell
Key Player- Alfredo Morelos
I've changed my mind about ten times on the outcome of this semi-final. I initially went for Motherwell. Another tie that could go the distance but maybe Morelos will decide matters. Although Louis Moult must be thinking he might!
