The Weekend Ahead

Rushed this week as I prepare to host a dinner party. Middle class excess and all that. Still I hold on to the fact that I'll always be more Morrison's Value than Bullingdon Bertie. Such small moral victories keep us on the side of the righteous.

On football matters I have been a bit detached this week. That two draws on the road is some kind of European triumph says all that needs to be said about this season.

And so to our predictions for the weekend ahead:

Hearts v Hibs (ESPN, 12.30)

Flaming Nora. Many more derbies and I'll just get the glazier to move in such is the frequency with which I am forced to cast my form book out the window. Hibs arrive as favourites and in second place. The hosts are short of form, short of luck and short of goals. A dead cert away win then? Well, these games have a habit of throwing up surprises. They also have a habit of being dour and tense, enlivened more by red cards than goals. Still I'm backing Hibs to add to the Tynecastle malaise.

Aberdeen v St Johnstone

A topsy-turvy start for both teams. Aberdeen are a team in transition with finances causing a major hangover. St Johnstone seem to have brought everything but consistency to the SPL party. Fancy an away win though.

Hamilton v Motherwell

Another derby clash. Hamilton will be buoyant after last week while manager of the month Jim Gannon continues to get impressive results with a team he does not seem entirely happy with. Could be close but I back Motherwell to edge it.

Kilmarnock v Dundee United

After last week's defeat at Celtic Kilmarnock will be glad of home comforts and main man Kevin Kyle will be asked to deliver the goods again. I expect them to be outdone by a United team that has more strength and will not be overawed by a physical battle. Away win.

Rangers v St Mirren

Rangers will look to clear the memories of that last minute goal on Wednesday with a barnstorming home display. St Mirren's good run was brought to a shuddering halt by Hamilton last week. Can't see past the home win.

Falkirk v Celtic (12.45, Sunday)

Away win. Simple as.

How I Stand: 21 out of 53 after an almost unheard 4 out of 5 last week.