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Ian Crocker and Andy Walker's Premiership predictor

Saturday 31 December 2016 08:34, UK

Sky Sports Scotland's commentating team of Ian Crocker and Andy Walker are back to predict this weekend's Scottish Premiership matches.
Image: Sky Sports Scotland's commentating team of Ian Crocker and Andy Walker are back to predict this weekend's Scottish Premiership matches

Another Old Firm weekend in Scotland where Rangers are protecting a long Ibrox unbeaten streak against their old foes Celtic.

Celtic stretched their lead over Rangers at the top of the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership to 16 points when they beat Ross County 2-0 on Wednesday - and they have a game in hand to boot.

Rangers go into the match looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw with St Johnstone but they have not lost in Govan for 15 months and will look to protect that proud record.

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Aberdeen can close the gap on Friday night but they take on Hearts at Tynecastle knowing defeat could see them drop to fourth heading into the winter break.

Elsewhere, will it be Hamilton or Inverness looking up from the bottom of the table for the next three weeks?

Accies host Motherwell on Saturday while Inverness play their Highland derby clash at Ross County.

Andy Walker and Ian Crocker give you their predictions and players to watch ahead of the weekend fixtures.

Also See:

Aberdeen's Niall McGinn completes the scoring for the away side
Image: Aberdeen's Niall McGinn completes the scoring for the away side

Hearts v Aberdeen - Friday 7.45pm

Andy Walker's prediction: 1-1 

Key man: Liam Smith - In the absence of long term injury victim Calum Paterson, Smith has big boots to fill. It`s an opportunity he has to take.

Ian Crocker's prediction: 2-2 

Key man: Niall McGinn - Back in the groove at the end of a busy year!

Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong celebrates his decisive goal against Ross County
Image: Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong celebrates his decisive goal against Ross County

Rangers v Celtic - Saturday 12.15pm live on Sky Sports 1 and 5

Andy Walker's prediction: Rangers 1-3 Celtic

Key man: Calum McGregor: When called upon this season has been excellent, can readily fill the gap left by the injured Tom Rogic.

Ian Crocker's prediction: 2-2 

Key man: Stuart Armstrong - In the zone at the moment and looks set to stay in it.

Hamilton's Dougie Imrie (3rd from left) celebrates his goal with his team-mates
Image: Hamilton's Dougie Imrie (2nd L) celebrates his goal with his team-mates

Hamilton v Motherwell - Saturday 1.00pm

Andy Walker's prediction: 1-1 

Key man: Dougie Imrie - Gets through a lot of work for Accies & he`s so crucial in their fight for survival.

Ian Crocker's prediction: Hamilton 0-1 Motherwell

Key man: Scott McDonald - Puts in a tremendous shift and scored in last two games.

Paul Paton signed for St Johnstone this season after his release by relegated Dundee United
Image: Paul Paton signed for St Johnstone this season after his release by relegated Dundee United

Dundee v St Johnstone - Saturday 2.00pm

Andy Walker's prediction: Dundee 1-2 St Johnstone

Key man: Paul Paton - A boost for Tommy Wright that the midfielder is fit again.

Ian Crocker's prediction: Dundee 0-2 St Johnstone

Key man: Danny Swanson - Ready to start firing again.

Liam Lindsay celebrates scoring equaliser in 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock
Image: Liam Lindsay celebrates scoring the equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock

Partick v Kilmarnock - Saturday 2.00pm

Andy Walker's prediction: Partick 2-0 Kilmarnock

Key man: Liam Lindsay - Thistle`s young centre half attracting attention from clubs down south, adding more consistency to his game.

Ian Crocker's prediction: Partick 2-1 Kilmarnock

Key man: Kris Doolan - Same as Scott McDonald. Puts in a tremendous shift and scored in last two games.

Greg Tansey got a consolation for Inverness late on
Image: Greg Tansey scored a consolation goal for Inverness late on

Ross County v Inverness - Saturday 3.00pm

Andy Walker's prediction: Ross County 2-3 Inverness

Key man: Greg Tansey - Might be one of his last games for Caley Thistle given his contract runs out at the end of the season.

Ian Crocker's prediction: Ross County 1-1 Inverness

Key man: Liam Boyce - Scored a few lately and may relish the Highland derby.

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