Ian Crocker and Andy Walker's Premiership predictor
Wednesday 15 March 2017 07:41, UK
The Scottish Premiership returns with a bang this weekend after last week’s Scottish Cup quarter-finals saw the favourites progress.
The draw for the last four threw up another Glasgow derby game, with this season's fourth Celtic v Rangers match taking place this Sunday - live on Sky Sports.
In the other semi-final, holders Hibernian were drawn with Aberdeen, who take on managerless Motherwell at Pittodrie on Saturday.
Hamilton Accies will hope to put back-to-back league wins together away to Hearts after their Scottish Cup thrashing at Ibrox last week.
Ian Cathro's side haven't won in five matches in all competitions and could be overtaken by St Johnstone if they fail to record a victory and Tommy Wright's men take all three points at home to Dundee.
Partick Thistle and Dundee have traded places in the top six in the last couple of weeks but Kilmarnock could improve their chances of a top-half finish if they get a positive result in Dingwall.
Inverness CT are bottom of the Premiership as it stands but are just eight points off seventh spot.
And on Sunday, Celtic confirm something we have known for a while and make it impossible for Rangers to win the title mathematically. Anything other than a Rangers win will see to that.
Live SPFL Football
To talk through this bumper weekend of Scottish football, Ian Crocker and Andy Walker give their predictions and players to watch.
Aberdeen v Motherwell - Saturday 3pm
Andy Walker's prediction:
Aberdeen 1-0 Motherwell
Key player: Scott McDonald
With multiple injuries in the squad, Motherwell will need their experienced striker to be on his game.
Ian Crocker's prediction:
Aberdeen 2-1 Motherwell
Key player: Adam Rooney
Should get some decent service.
Hearts v Hamilton Accies - Saturday 3pm
Andy Walker's prediction:
Hearts 2-1 Hamilton Acc
Key player: Arnaud Djoum
The African Cup of Nations winner has plenty of quality and needs to show it again for Hearts now.
Ian Crocker's prediction:
Hearts 2-0 Hamilton Acc
Key player: Jamie Walker
Has the quality to unlock the doors to goal.
Partick Thistle v Inverness CT - Saturday 3pm
Andy Walker's prediction:
Partick Thistle 2-2 Inverness CT
Key player: Louis Laing
Central defender brought in to help a defence who have conceded 51 goals in 27 league matches.
Ian Crocker's prediction:
Partick Thistle 1-1 Inverness CT
Key player: Kris Doolan
Puts in a shift, comes up with goals.
Ross County v Kilmarnock - Saturday 3pm
Andy Walker's prediction:
Ross County 3-2 Kilmarnock
Key player: Liam Boyce
Being called up for the latest Northern Ireland squad could give him the boost he needs to get back among the goals.
Ian Crocker's prediction:
Ross County 1-2 Kilmarnock
Key player: Kris Boyd
Irked by penalty fluff last week. Someone may have to pay.
St Johnstone v Dundee - Saturday 3pm
Andy Walker's prediction
St Johnstone 1-1 Dundee
Key player: Craig Wighton
Impressive combination with Kevin Holt down Dundee's left has been fruitful for Paul Hartley recently.
Ian Crocker's prediction:
St Johnstone 1-2 Dundee
Key player: Kevin Holt
Loves to get forward and a goal threat of late
Celtic v Rangers - Live on Sky Sports 1 and 5 from 11.30am Sunday
Andy Walker's prediction:
Celtic 3-0 Rangers
Key player: Patrick Roberts
Could be in line for a start with Forrest injured and after impressive last weekend against Inverness CT.
Ian Crocker's prediction:
Celtic 3-2 Rangers
Key player: Moussa Dembele
Five in three matches against Rangers. Twelve in his last six. Thirty two overall. Lethal.
