Celts to avoid Gers stumble
Away from the Scottish Cup, the latest edition of the Old Firm will be played out next Sunday and it could see Celtic jump to 19 points clear atop the Premiership table.
Though it's now a formality the Celts will retain the Scottish title, Rangers will want to delay their bitter rival's success this season and claim some bragging rights.
Having sacked faltering Belgian manager Philippe Clement, the Gers have won two of their last three matches under the guidance of Barry Ferguson - including a tough Europa League tie away at Fenerbahce.
In the same period, Brendan Rogers' Celtic have won their two Premiership games - scoring ten goals against Aberdeen and Clement-slayers St Mirren along the way.
Rangers stunned the Celts (3-0) in the most recent reverse fixture at Ibrox, but the betting man would be backing the reigning champions to take all three points this time as they edge closer to another title.
Hibs face Killie test
Third-placed Hibernian have been a joy to watch this season, much like Kilmarnock were last term.
But fortunes have very much swung the way of the Cabbage this year, as Hibs head into their clash with the Killie having enjoyed three league wins on the spin - including a memorable 2-1 triumph over Celtic.
Kilmarnock, however, will head into this week's fixture following three losses on the bounce - including an especially disappointing defeat away at Ross County.
Getting three points against the high-flying Hibs will be a tall task, but the Killie will be hoping Bruce Anderson can return to form just in time.
The Scottish forward started the season fairly well, racking up six goals before the turn of the year - but he hasn't scored since bagging a brace against St Mirren two months ago.
Since them, Kilmarnock have struggled to find a reliable goal-getter. It is perhaps Fraser Murray, often a stand-out player in midfield, who could spark something against Hibernian.
For Hibs, a win against the struggling Killie would help strengthen their grip on third place after a fine run of form - with danger man Martin Boyle a significant threat.
Dons travel to Saints
Aberdeen, though, will be hoping Hibernian hit a stumbling block at Kilmarnock as they aim to reclaim third this week.
The Dons are up against rock-bottom St Johnstone, knowing three points will put them back above Hibs if the Cabbage wilts at Rugby Park on Saturday.
The Saints, however, have found a bit of form in recent weeks - two wins and a draw in their last five league matches - and may be able to cause Aberdeen some problems on home soil.
With Premiership fixtures against Celtic, Hibernian and Dundee Utd coming up, St Johnstone might see their clash with Aberdeen, who have conceded 46 goals this season - the second-most of the top-six sides, as an opportunity.
A win for Aberdeen will, as well as potentially seeing them leapfrog Hibs, also pretty much confirm their spot in the top half of the table.
For the Saints, however, they will be desperate to capitalise on the faltering form of Dundee FC and Kilmarnock to put them in a stronger position for the final stretch of the season.
