Scotland's top-flight football is about to get a lot more intense, with the hectic winter schedule in full swing. The upcoming matches will have significant consequences at both the top and bottom of the division.
Hearts are facing a Motherwell side that has been on a roll, with four wins from their past five league outings. However, the Jambos' recent form has not been as strong, with them stumbling for the first time this season after losing 1-0 at Pittodrie last weekend. This loss will have dropped points in three of their four matches since they beat Celtic last month.
Despite their struggles, Hearts could go seven points clear of Celtic with a win against Motherwell, which would put significant pressure on the champions to respond. The defending champions, however, could reduce that deficit back to four when they take on Hibernian on Sunday.
For Motherwell, this match represents an opportunity to climb up to fourth in the table and make their mark on the season. They have been one of the most consistent teams in recent weeks, and a win would boost their chances of challenging for European spots.
The key matchup will be between Rangers' new-look centre-back partnership against Dundee, who are themselves winless in their past three outings. Wolves loanee Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez were expected to play a crucial role in this match, but Djiga's recent form has been questionable, including a costly mistake against Braga.
The focus will be on Jim Goodwin, the Kilmarnock boss who is facing selection headaches in goal after Yevhen Kucherenko was at fault for all three concessions against Falkirk. Midfielder Panutche Camara could return from injury and play a vital role in this match, which promises to be an intense encounter.
The overall picture suggests that Hearts will look to put the pressure back on Celtic with a win, while Motherwell are hoping to make a statement of their own. The clash between Rangers' new partnership and Dundee's struggling team could also be an exciting one to watch.
Hearts are facing a Motherwell side that has been on a roll, with four wins from their past five league outings. However, the Jambos' recent form has not been as strong, with them stumbling for the first time this season after losing 1-0 at Pittodrie last weekend. This loss will have dropped points in three of their four matches since they beat Celtic last month.
Despite their struggles, Hearts could go seven points clear of Celtic with a win against Motherwell, which would put significant pressure on the champions to respond. The defending champions, however, could reduce that deficit back to four when they take on Hibernian on Sunday.
For Motherwell, this match represents an opportunity to climb up to fourth in the table and make their mark on the season. They have been one of the most consistent teams in recent weeks, and a win would boost their chances of challenging for European spots.
The key matchup will be between Rangers' new-look centre-back partnership against Dundee, who are themselves winless in their past three outings. Wolves loanee Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez were expected to play a crucial role in this match, but Djiga's recent form has been questionable, including a costly mistake against Braga.
The focus will be on Jim Goodwin, the Kilmarnock boss who is facing selection headaches in goal after Yevhen Kucherenko was at fault for all three concessions against Falkirk. Midfielder Panutche Camara could return from injury and play a vital role in this match, which promises to be an intense encounter.
The overall picture suggests that Hearts will look to put the pressure back on Celtic with a win, while Motherwell are hoping to make a statement of their own. The clash between Rangers' new partnership and Dundee's struggling team could also be an exciting one to watch.