Scottish Premiership Weekend Preview: Title Race Heat, Key Clashes & Rising Stars
A tactical breakdown of this weekend's Scottish Premiership action featuring Rangers' redemption bid, Celtic's dominance, and Kilmarnock's resurgence under new leadership.

Key Matchup: Rangers Seek Redemption in Paisley
St Mirren vs Rangers (Sun 12:00 BST) Rangers face mounting pressure after two league draws and a disastrous UCL qualifier. Historical stats reveal St Mirren's surprising 3-game unbeaten streak against the Glasgow giants, including last season's 2-1 Boxing Day upset. Manager Russell Martin's road record (8 away wins in 2022/23) faces stern test against Stephen Robinson's organized Buddies.
Defensive Dynamo Alert
Stuart Findlay: Hearts' Set-Piece Secret Weapon The center-back leads scoring charts with 3 goals, channeling Rudi Skacel's 2005 heroics. His aerial threat could prove decisive against Motherwell's shaky Tynecastle record (6 losses in 7 visits).
Tactical Chess at Rugby Park
Kilmarnock vs Dundee: Resurgence vs Reality Check Stuart Kettlewell's analytical rebuild shows promise:
- 6-game home unbeaten streak vs Dundee
- New strike duo Dackers/Daniels already scoring
- Teen sensation Ben Brannan breaking through
Celtic's Fortress Remains
Livingston's Mission Impossible
- 0 wins in 21 Celtic Park visits
- Ange Postecoglou's side averaging 3.2 goals/game
- Potential debut for new Japanese signing Maikuma
European Hangover Watch
With Aberdeen/Hibs postponing league games for Euro playoffs, rivals gain potential advantage in early table positioning. Hearts could go 3 points clear with victory.
By the Numbers
- 1989: Last time Rangers failed to win first 3 league matches
- 6: St Mirren goals vs Rangers in last 3 meetings
- 26-0: Celtic's aggregate score vs Livingston at home since 2018