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Scottish Premiership opening weekend predictions

By Ian Crocker and Andy Walker

Friday 5 August 2016 17:32, UK

This weekend sees the return of the Scottish Premiership. Andy Walker talks through his predictions for the 2016/17 title race.
Image: This weekend sees the return of the Scottish Premiership. Andy Walker talks through his predictions for the 2016/17 title race

Preparations for the new Scottish Premiership season are already well under way, and Sky Sports Scotland's commentary team have made their predictions for the opening set of fixtures.

Ian Crocker and Andy Walker will be on duty for both Rangers v Hamilton tomorrow afternoon and Hearts v Celtic at Tynecastle on Sunday. 

And ahead of the opening weekend they have given their expert predictions and opinions for each of the six fixtures. 

Rangers v Hamilton Accies
Saturday 12.30pm kick-off - Live on Sky Sports 1 & 5

Live SPFL Football

Andy Walker's prediction - 
Rangers 3-1 Hamilton Accies (Sky Bet Odds)

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Key player: Niko Kranjcar
He has the ability to light up any game with his intelligence and passing.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 25: Niko Kranjcar of Rangers celebrates after he scores his team's third goal during the Betfred Cup match between Rangers and St
Image: Niko Kranjcar of Rangers celebrates after he scores his team's third goal during the League Cup match against Stranraer

Ian Crocker's prediction:
Rangers 3-1 Hamilton Accies (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Joey Barton
After all the talk it's time to play.  He's quite good at that too.  A welcome addition to Scottish football.  

Rangers' Joey Barton (right) in action against Burnley's Scott Arfield
Image: Rangers' Joey Barton (right) in action against Burnley's Scott Arfield

Kilmarnock v Motherwell
Saturday 3pm kick-off

Andy Walker's prediction:
Kilmarnock 1-1 Motherwell (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Jacob Blyth
Can the striker score the goals Motherwell need in the absence of the injured Louis Moult?

Motherwell's Jacob Blyth will need to replace the goals of the injured Louis Moult.
Image: Motherwell's Jacob Blyth will need to replace the goals of the injured Louis Moult

Ian Crocker's prediction:
Kilmarnock 0-1 Motherwell (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Marvin Johnson
Scored in three League Cup ties already and with Louis Moult out of action, Motherwell will want to fend off interest from English clubs.

Motherwell's Marvin Johnson with a shot on goal in the first half against Rangers
Image: Motherwell's Marvin Johnson with a shot on goal in the League Cup against Rangers

Partick Thistle v Inverness CT
Saturday 3pm kick-off

Andy Walker's prediction:
Partick Thistle 2-1 Inverness CT (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Stuart Bannigan
A boost for Alan Archibald that he's kept hold of such a key player amid reports of interest from other Scottish Premiership clubs.

Partick Thistle's Stuart Bannigan committed himself to Partick Thistle despite reports linking him with a move away.
Image: Partick Thistle's Stuart Bannigan committed himself to Partick Thistle despite reports linking him with a move away

Ian Crocker's prediction:
Partick Thistle 2-1 Inverness CT (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Chris Erskine
Has returned to Firhill (yet again!) after Dundee United's relegation.  A goal threat and can make things happen.

Partick Thistle's Chris Erskine scores their opening goal
Image: Partick Thistle's Chris Erskine scores their opening goal against Queen's Park in the League Cup group stage

Ross County v Dundee
Saturday 3pm kick-off

Andy Walker's prediction:
Ross County 2-2 Dundee (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Faissal El-Bakhtaoui
Can he score as regularly as Kane Hemmings? Thirty goals for Dunfermline in Scotland's League 1 last year shows he has potential.

Dunfermline Athletic's Faissal El Bakhtaoui celebrates the first of his three goals which clinched the League One title
Image: Dunfermline Athletic's Faissal El Bakhtaoui scored 30 goals for Dunfermline in all competitions last season

Ian Crocker's prediction:
Ross County 1-1 Dundee (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Brian Graham
Not always a regular starter for Ross County but six goals in four League Cup ties should earn him a slot.

Ross County's Brian Graham celebrates against Linlithgow Rose
Image: Ross County's Brian Graham celebrates scoring against Linlithgow Rose

St Johnstone v Aberdeen
Sunday 12.15pm, kick-off

Andy Walker's prediction:
St Johnstone 0-1 Aberdeen (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Blair Alston
It's good to see a young Scot getting a move. He should prosper under the impressive Tommy Wright.

Blair Alston has left Falkirk after signing for St Johnstone
Image: Blair Alston left Falkirk after signed for St Johnstone for the 2016/17 Premiership season

Ian Crocker's prediction:
St Johnstone 1-1 Aberdeen (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Danny Swanson
The Saints usually give Aberdeen a match - and a bit more. If Swanson's on his game he should make a significant contribution.

Danny Swanson netted twice from the spot
Image: St Johnstone midfielder Danny Swanson

Hearts v Celtic
Sunday 2.15pm kick-off - Live on Sky Sports 1 & 5

Live SPFL Football

Andy Walker's prediction:
Hearts 1-2 Celtic (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Eoghan O'Connell
Amazing he hasn't played more often in recent seasons given Celtic's problems in defence.

Eoghan O'Connell playing for Celtic in Astana in the Champions League qualifier
Image: Eoghan O'Connell playing for Celtic in Astana in the Champions League qualifier

Ian Crocker's prediction:
Hearts 2-3 Celtic (Sky Bet Odds)

Key player: Leigh Griffiths
He suffered an injury scare midweek but it would be hard not to pick him as he is one to watch every week.  An admirable 40 goals last season and with his Hibs connections he loves a strike against Hearts, especially at Tynecastle.

Celtic's Leigh Griffiths celebrates scoring from the penalty spot
Image: Celtic's Leigh Griffiths celebrates scoring from the penalty spot against Astana during the week.

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