Gameweek 24 hopefully allows for one week of respite between last weeks disastrous showing and next week's two game hell.
Fixtures
Saturday 16th January
Celtic v Livingston
Hamilton v Dundee United
Hibernian v Kilmarnock
Ross County v Aberdeen
St. Johnstone v St. Mirren
Sunday 17th January
Motherwell v Rangers
Wednesday 20th January
Livingston v Celtic
Celtic v Livingston - Saturday 15:00
Livingston v Celtic - Wednesday 20:15 - Sky Sports
Two games against the same team in a five day span, and yet the teams will probably be completely different. Celtic will get back all 13 players and staff that are self-isolating provided they don't test positive. Value can still be found in the back-ups. Connor Hazard (2.2) and Stephen Welsh (2.0) have both been the side before and have a chance to keep their starting spot. The obvious picks however are the first team regulars. Jeremie Frimpong (4.2), Callum McGregor (5.2)and David Turnbull (4.6). The latter continued his great debut season with a sensational free-kick.
After Livingston lost out on their double gameweek last time, their star players might lose out on another one this time as well. David Martindale could have an eye on their League Cup Semi-Final against St. Mirren next weekend. A great chance for the club to win their first major trophy since the won the same competition in 2004. Although why would you change a winning team. With 8 straight wins in all competitions they are currently the form team in the top flight.
Hamilton Accies v Dundee United - Saturday 15:00
Brian Rice's only win in their last five games came against local rivals Motherwell. Both Lanarkshire teams were dealt a massive blow during the week when a judicial panel overturned their 'walk-over' wins after St. Mirren and Kilmarnock admitted to breaching COVID protocol.
Micky Mellon will be hoping that Lawrence Shankland's (5.1) wonder goal against St. Johnstone on Tuesday night can kick start his season, having been out performed by strike partner Nicky Clark (4.3) up till now. This game presents a perfect opportunity for him they face an Accies side that has conceded the most goals so far this season and who haven't won back to back games at home since March 2018.
Hibernian v Kilmarnock - Saturday 15:00
On-loan keeper Matt Macey (2.6) made his debut against Celtic and will look to keep his spot as Kilmarnock travel to the Capital. Hibs managed to stop the rot with Kevin Nisbet's (5.9) injury time equaliser, but can they keep the results going in a positive direction against a Killie side that are unbeaten in their last 3 games.
A big part of Alex Dyer's sides recent success is partial helped by Greg Kiltie (2.9) stepped up after Nicke Kabamba's (4.7) drop off after his early season success. Easter Road has not been a happy hunting ground for the Ayrshire men who haven't won their since 2014.
Ross County v Aberdeen - Saturday 15:00
John Hughes is trying to get Ross County's first win at home since the first game of the season. He will have to do this with the worst attack in the league, 14 goals in 23 games so far this campaign.
Aberdeen have two of FFS' most popular midfielders. But is it time to sell Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Hedges? Well the latter will miss this match after his red card against Rangers, but with Lewis Ferguson seeming losing penalty taking duties to Sam Cosgrove and David Turnbull's recent run is it time for a switch? Or why not both?
St. Johnstone v St. Mirren - Saturday 15:00
I have lost count of the number of games St. Johnstone have dominated and yet haven't got what they deserve out of the game. The bonus for Callum Davidson is the performance of Guy Melamed (4.9) getting his first St Johnstone goal and looking lively throughout. Paul Brown (2.3) will still remain on the sideline after his positive COVID test. Club captain Jason Kerr (2.6) hasn't been in the team since the last time these two sides met but should return soon. With only 4 goals in 11 home games it may be worth staying away from any Perth assets this week.
Motherwell v Rangers - Sunday 12:00
The Lanarkshire side are the only team to score in both their games against Steven Gerrard's side. Will they be able to make it three out of three? Probably not. Since it has been 19 years since they last beat Rangers in the league.
James Tavernier (7.0) had an absolute disaster last week brining home a season low -1 points. Or -2 for those of us who religiously captain him week after week. Although without an attacking return in six games is it time for a change of the armband?
Scout XI
Despite Celtic having a double gameweek only two players feature since at least 6 or 7 changes will happen between the two games. Turnbull and Frimpong shouldn't be any of these however and that is why the get the captain and vice-captain selections respectively.
With Kemar Roofe still out injured the scoring burden will once again fall on the
shoulders of Alfredo Morelos.
I am still not convinced Hibs have turned their form around yet, so Killie's poor record at Easter Road doesn't put me off from picking Greg Kiltie.
Differential Picks
Matt Macey - £2.6 - 0.0% - Kilmarnock (H)
Joe Shaughnessy - £2.6 - 3.2% - St. Johnstone (A)
Leon Balogun - £2.4 - 3.3% - Motherwell (A)
Scott Robinson - £3.8 - 2.2% - Celtic (A) & Celtic (H)
Ian Harkes - £3.4 - 2.6% - Hamilton (A)
Guy Melamed - £4.9 - 0.1% - St. Mirren (H)
Oli Shaw - £4.5 - 1.0% - Aberdeen (H)
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