SPL: Goodwillie Hunting

Another week of SPL fixtures with the sun still not set on July. An abbreviated card today and an abbreviated run through from me as babysitting duties call.

St Johnstone v Rangers

After the drama of this week's bout of Goodwillie hunting and the unfortunate reverse against Malmo Rangers get back to league business.

An odd transfer saga that played out as an homage to Rod Petrie's approach to the transfer market. As the vendor Dundee United's Stephen Thompson was determined to hold out for the best deal. As the customer Rangers seemed equally determined to blag their way under the asking price.

Immovable object met resistable force and Blackburn were free to nip in with £2 million quid and the promise of all the processed chicken products the Tannadice board can eat.

Rangers have lost out on a quality player. That much is both obvious and not the end of the world. But Goodwillie's arrival would have been a welcome boost for Ally McCoist and soothed some of the concerns over just how competitive Rangers are being in this summer transfer market.

It wasn't to be though. So good news will need to come on the pitch today.

One reading of today's game is that Rangers - held at home by Hearts and beaten at home by Malmo - are there for the taking, leaving St Johnstone free to fill their boots.

That's one reading. Mine is that Rangers will again underwhelm in patches but get the job done today. Away win.

Inverness v Hibs

Such joys Hibs have on their travels to the Highlands. This trips normally represents a graveyard to any hopes of a Hibs win.

There's many a considered Hibs fan at the moment and the thought of a trip up north won't be smoothing out furrowed brows.

For their part Inverness didn't look ready for last week's resumption of duty and neither club will consider their opening fixtures to have been the start they wanted.

But Hibs don't win in the Highlands. Or do they? Probably not. Draw.

Kilmarnock v Motherwell

I'm increasingly of the opinion that the Kenny Shiels revolution at Rugby Park is going to work out just fine.

Stern test today though against a Motherwell side who - dammit why not be hyperbolic - are absolutely chewing up this league at the moment.

Could be a good game this one. Away win but not predicted with any confidence.

St Mirren v Aberdeen

Heartened but not wholly satisfied might sum up how these two felt after draws last week.

Goals. That's what they want. And they want them now.

That being the case it would be nice if both clubs went goal crazy today. I suspect they won't though. This one's another draw for me.