Scottish Premiership predictions - Week 19
- An Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle gets the Boxing Day action started at 12.30pm
- Celtic will look to extend their nine-point lead at the top at home to Motherwell at 3pm
- Rangers travel to St Mirren for the day's finale at 5.45pm
A packed day of action begins with the Edinburgh derby when Hearts entertain Hibernian at Tynecastle while Aberdeen will be hoping to move back up to second by claiming a victory at Kilmarnock.
Celtic will be looking to maintain their stranglehold on the title race when they entertain Motherwell, while Rangers will hope to continue their strong form by winning at St Mirren in the late game.
Ian Wilkerson has correct-score picks for all six Scottish Premiership matches.
Hearts vs Hibernian (Boxing Day, 12.30pm)
Hearts have won just four of their 18 league games this season but successive home victories over Dundee and St Johnstone should have boosted their confidence.
However, Hibs have won three of their last four matches - the only one they didn’t win was a 3-0 loss at Celtic - and with all of their last seven games featuring at least three goals, the Tynecastle clash could turn into an entertaining draw.
Score prediction: 2-2
Celtic vs Motherwell (Boxing Day, 3pm)
Celtic went into Christmas nine points clear in the Scottish Premiership and have dropped just four points all season.
They will be keen to find their shooting boots after Sunday’s goalless draw at Dundee United but they have netted at least twice in each of their last 13 home games.
Motherwell won their last away league game at St Mirren and have scored in their last eight games on their travels, but that run could well come to an end.
Score prediction: 3-0
Dundee vs Ross County (Boxing Day, 3pm)
Dundee have lost their last two games at Rangers and Hearts but their home form has been strong with three straight wins over Kilmarnock, Hibs and Motherwell.
They scored 11 goals in those matches and should have too much for Ross County, who have lost their last four matches.
Score prediction: 3-1
Kilmarnock vs Aberdeen (Boxing Day, 3pm)
Aberdeen have not been able to maintain their strong start to the season and head to Rugby Park without a win in six, but hosts Kilmarnock have won just one of their last eight games.
Three of the matches in the Dons’ poor run have been draws, as have three of Killie’s last five, so there looks a strong chance this one could end level too.
Score prediction: 1-1
St Johnstone vs Dundee United (Boxing Day, 3pm)
St Johnstone look vulnerable having won just one of their last eight matches and suffered six defeats in their last eight outings at the Perth base.
Dundee United should be buoyed by their goalless draw against champions Celtic at the weekend and they can sneak a win at McDairmid Park.
Score prediction: 0-1
St Mirren vs Rangers (Boxing Day, 5.45pm)
St Mirren have gained wins over St Johnstone and Ross County in their last two games, but this looks a tough assignment for the Buddies, who have lost 19 of their last 20 matches against Rangers.
The Gers have conceded just one goal in their last six Scottish Premiership matches, so they should strengthen their position in second spot against a team who have scored in just two of their last seven home matches against the Old Firm.
Score prediction: 0-3