Saturday's Scottish Premiership predictions including Celtic vs. Rangers

Celtic vs. Rangers (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Aiming to take a significant step towards a third straight Scottish Premiership crown, Celtic will welcome arch rivals Rangers to Celtic Park for an Old Firm derby clash on Saturday afternoon.

The Bhoys are in pole position to retain the Scottish crown for another season, whilst the Gers will feel this weekend is the final realistic opportunity to close the gap to their Glasgow neighbours.

We say: Celtic 2-1 Rangers

With essentially a full first-team squad to select from for the first time in the Old Firm derby this season, Celtic should be confident of taking a massive leap towards retaining their Premiership crown.

The onus is on Rangers to beat their arch rivals at Parkhead to keep their title dreams alive, but we feel that the Gers will fall short this weekend.

Hearts vs. Dundee (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Looking to make sure of a third-placed finish in the closing stages of the campaign, Hearts will welcome surprise package Dundee to Tynecastle Park for a Scottish Premiership clash on Saturday afternoon.

The Maroons suffered a heavy defeat at the home of title-chasing Celtic last time out, whilst the Dark Blues endured a difficult afternoon against St Mirren.

We say: Hearts 2-0 Dundee

Having failed to score in the last three matches, it is unlikely that Shankland stays quiet for much longer, meaning that Hearts have a good chance of victory on Saturday.

Dundee's exceptional season is beginning to peter out, and we are expecting a third straight loss in the Premiership for the Dark Blues.

St Mirren vs. Kilmarnock (Saturday, 3.00pm)

St Mirren play host to Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon knowing that only a win will do if they want to retain any hope of securing fourth position in the Scottish Premiership standings.

Meanwhile, the visitors only need to avoid defeat to realistically ensure that they will retain hold of that spot for the remainder of the campaign.

We say: St Mirren 1-2 Kilmarnock

Although both of these teams have been producing contrasting form of late, we still anticipate a competitive fixture. However, Kilmarnock are the favourites for a reason, and they should have enough to edge this contest, perhaps by the odd goal in three.

Livingston vs. St Johnstone (Saturday, 3.00pm)

St Johnstone make the trip to Livingston on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that is required to have a chance of moving outside of the Scottish Premiership relegation zone

At a time when the visitors occupy 11th position in the standings, Livingston have already been relegated after a dismal campaign.

We say: Livingston 1-1 St Johnstone

With Livingston having no pressure on their shoulders now, they could play more freely and pose more of a threat. With that in mind, we see this game ending in a share of the spoils, a result that may not necessarily suit St Johnstone depending on results elsewhere.

Ross County vs. Motherwell (Saturday, 3.00pm)

Aiming to make it back-to-back wins after leaping out of the bottom two in the Scottish Premiership table last time out, Ross County will welcome Motherwell to the Global Energy Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts leapfrogged St Johnstone in the fight for survival with a victory over Hibernian last time out, while their visitors remained seven points better off by beating Livingston.

We say: Ross County 1-2 Motherwell

Both teams will head into Saturday's game with confidence after victories last time out, but we see the visitors having more quality and getting over the line to extend their lead in the relegation group, having shown their attacking threat against Livingston last weekend.