Five things to look out for in the SPFL this weekend


The annual tradition of a full fixture card in the SPFL on Boxing Day is taking place once again. 


There are six games in Scotland’s top flight on the day after Christmas. These are St. Johnstone v Celtic, Aberdeen v Dundee, Dundee United v Hibernian, Hearts v Ross County, Motherwell v Livingston and Rangers v Ross County. 


As a result of Covid, said games will be the last to be played in Scotland until the 17th of January 2022 and today, I’ll be talking about five things to look out for in the SPFL on Boxing Day. Let’s waste no more time and begin. 


Motherwell v Livingston - Two on-form teams 


Outside the Old Firm, Livingston and Motherwell are arguably the two most high flying sides in Scotland’s top flight. The Steelmen have two wins, a draw and a loss from their last four and Livi are unbeaten in their previous three. 


The pair will face off at three o’clock on Sunday afternoon at Fir Park with Graham Alexander looking to build on his side’s thorough 2-0 victory over St. Johnstone last weekend. On the other hand, Livingston were rather unfortunate not to pick up what would’ve been a tremendous three points against Ross County on Saturday; Jason Holt hit the bar deep into stoppage time after Ayo Obileye equalised on the eighty ninth minute. 


David Martindale has been bullish about his side’s survival hopes and this game could provide the Lions with a significant opportunity to bring some daylight between themselves and the sides below them. However, Motherwell will be keen to build on their fourth place spot in the Scottish Premiership and make it two wins on the bounce. 


Alfredo Morelos’ goalscoring form


After failing to add to his seven Scottish Premiership goals this season against Dundee United last weekend, Alfredo Morelos will be eager to get his name back on the scoresheet against a fairly depleted St. Mirren side. 


Although he didn’t score, it didn’t mean Morelos was short of opportunities last Saturday. The Colombian had a goal ruled out for offside and had a total of five shots. He should feel hard done by not to score for the fourth game running. 


Playing at Ibrox against a St. Mirren team who will surely be tiresome after giving their all against Celtic midweek provides Morelos with the ideal chance to continue his rejuvenation under Giovanni van Bronckhorst. You’d be surprised not to see the striker’s name on the scoresheet this weekend. 


Calvin Ramsay’s return


One of Aberdeen’s brightest sparks this season, Calvin Ramsay, returned to the side midweek, playing forty five minutes from the bench against Hibs. This was after an injury kept the youngster on the sidelines for just shy of two months. 


Prior to his return, the eighteen year old registered four assists in ten games from right back. Ramsay has caught the eye of many with his dazzling displays on Aberdeen’s right flank and will surely start as Dundee are welcomed to Pittodrie on Sunday. 


Dundee United and St. Mirren’s Covid situations


Dundee United and St. Mirren, two sides riddled with Covid, will both undoubtedly be thankful for the bringing forward of the winter break in the Scottish Premiership. 


Both teams were forced to field teams mostly consisting of academy graduates and fringe players when they recently played Rangers and Celtic alike. St. Mirren were able to earn a rather respectable point against the Hoops and Dundee United were unfortunate not to take anything off Rangers at Ibrox. 


Going into the weekend, the predicament at both clubs regarding availability among players is unclear. Dundee United face Hibs at Tannadice whereas St. Mirren face a tough trip to Ibrox. Nonetheless, the performances of both sides in their most recent matches will provide them with great encouragement going into the twentieth round of fixtures in the Scottish Premiership. 


Shaun Maloney’s Hibernian


The Leith side will be looking to get their first away win since the end of November when they face Dundee United on Sunday who themselves, have not been the greatest lately even though they’ve been suffering from Covid issues. Said fixture will provide Shaun Maloney with the chance to continue to build more positivity at Hibs. It will be intriguing to see what the new manager will conjure up for his first away game as manager. 


Maloney took charge of his maiden Hibernian game on Wednesday evening, leading his side to a narrow 1-0 win over Aberdeen. Martin Boyle looked dangerous as ever alongside Kevin Nisbet, who should’ve had his name on the scoresheet after heading over the bar from a minimal number of yards out. 


We seen glimpses of what Maloney was trying to implement at Hibs on Wednesday night, lining up in a 3-4-3 formation with Josh Doig looking to get high and wide on the left hand side. The Hibees looked to embrace wide areas and were very expansive in their play. 


Wednesday’s result meant Hibs leapfrogged Dundee United into fifth place in the Scottish Premiership. This provides Shaun Maloney with a solid platform to build on going into Sunday and beyond. 


As mentioned, the next round of fixtures in the SPFL are the last of the year. Football in Scotland’s top flight will take a break for a few weeks and return on the 17th January 2022. 


Although it will be miss for many, including myself, it is for the best considering the situation. 


Finally, this is my final article before Christmas. I’d like to thank everyone who’s read my blog  throughout this year for your continued support. As always, you can leave a comment below if you have any opinions and also, don’t forget you can get in touch with me on Twitter @Josh_Footblog. 

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