It’s that time of the year again, and no, we’re not talking about Christmas presents just yet. Before the wrapping paper starts flying on Monday, there’s a full card of Scottish Premiership football matches to savor over the weekend. So, put on your football-loving hat and join us as we dive into the games and players that are set to light up the festive season.
Game of the Weekend – Hearts vs. St Mirren
This weekend, all eyes are on the clash between Hearts and St Mirren, a fixture that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. It’s third versus fourth in the Premiership, and these two teams have been on entirely different trajectories in recent weeks.
St Mirren began the season with a bang, earning plenty of plaudits for their early form and scintillating performances. However, their recent struggles have seen them manage just two wins in their past nine matches. This decline has allowed Hearts to overtake them on goal difference, despite lingering doubts among some fans about Steven Naismith’s style and tactics.
Last weekend, Hearts silenced their critics with a convincing 2-0 win away to champions Celtic, establishing a three-point gap in third place. Hearts will be feeling confident, especially when considering St Mirren’s Achilles heel this season has been their away form. Stephen Robinson’s Buddies arrive at Tynecastle without a win in seven outside Paisley, losing five in a row and failing to score in the latest four.
If we look at recent history, Hearts’ past three games have all ended 1-0, with two wins and one loss. So, don’t expect a goal fest at Tynecastle, but do expect fireworks on the pitch.
Player to Watch – Bojan Miovski (Aberdeen)
While Aberdeen may not be a one-man show, there’s no denying the immense influence of striker Bojan Miovski. In a recent clash against bottom club Livingston, Aberdeen found themselves trailing 1-0. But it was Miovski who emerged as the hero, scoring two crucial goals to turn a potential defeat into a vital victory for the Dons, pushing them up to eighth in the table.
Miovski has been in scintillating form this season, netting 14 goals. Rumors of a possible January move to Celtic continue to swirl, making him a player in high demand. Next up for the North Macedonia international is Dundee at Dens Park, a match that promises to be a showcase of his talent.
Manager in the Spotlight – Brendan Rodgers (Celtic)
Brendan Rodgers finds himself in an unusual position as the manager of Celtic. Despite leading the Premiership, there’s an undeniable sense of pressure hanging over him, particularly when the reigning champions hit a rough patch. This pressure intensifies when you have a resurgent city rival in the form of Rangers.
Rangers, under new boss Philippe Clement, have gone 16 games unbeaten in all competitions, narrowing the gap to just two points with a game in hand. Their recent victory over Aberdeen in the Viaplay Cup final has only fueled their momentum.
In contrast, Celtic is looking to avoid a third straight top-flight defeat for the first time since 1994. The recent 2-0 loss to Hearts, which ended a remarkable 53-game unbeaten home league streak, has left fans concerned about the team’s performance. Under Rodgers, Celtic is seeking to recapture the intensity and fluency for which they became renowned under former manager Ange Postecoglou.
The next challenge for Rodgers and Celtic is Livingston, a team that has struggled this season, not winning in nine games. However, Livingston has historically been a tricky opponent for Celtic, with some goalless draws and surprising results. Still, with Livingston currently at the bottom of the table and without a win at Celtic Park, the odds favor Celtic.
So, there you have it, the exciting storylines and matchups to look forward to in the Scottish Premiership this festive season. Whether you’re a fan of Hearts, St Mirren, Aberdeen, or Celtic, these games are bound to bring some holiday cheer to football enthusiasts across the country. Stay tuned for the action-packed weekend ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Scottish Premiership Festive Matches
Q: What are the key matches to watch in the Scottish Premiership this festive weekend?
A: The standout match of the weekend is Hearts vs. St Mirren, a battle between third and fourth place. It’s a clash of two teams on different trajectories, making it a must-watch fixture.
Q: Who is the player to watch in the Scottish Premiership?
A: Keep your eyes on Bojan Miovski from Aberdeen. He’s been in fantastic form, scoring crucial goals, and there are even rumors of a possible move to Celtic in January.
Q: Why is Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, under pressure?
A: Despite leading the Premiership, Rodgers is under scrutiny due to Rangers’ resurgence and Celtic’s recent struggles. Fans are concerned about the team’s performance and the loss of their 53-game unbeaten home league streak.
Q: What can we expect from Livingston against Celtic?
A: Livingston has historically been a tricky opponent for Celtic, but their current form is poor. Celtic is favored to win, but football can be unpredictable, and Livingston has caused surprises in the past.
More about Scottish Premiership Festive Matches
- Scottish Premiership Official Website
- Hearts FC Official Website
- St Mirren FC Official Website
- Aberdeen FC Official Website
- Celtic FC Official Website
- Rangers FC Official Website
- Viaplay Cup Final – BBC Sport
- Brendan Rodgers – Celtic FC Profile
2 comments
Not into footy, but tech stuff’s my jam! Where’s the gadgets tho?
love the games dey talked bout, good choice!