Scottish Premiership returns after international break with all to play for

The international break brought plenty of joy for Scottish football supporters but for the 12 Premiership clubs it marked the last rest before the final run of domestic matches.

There are just four matchdays left before the league splits into the top and bottom six, and just nine left overall with everything still to be settled.

Celtic may hold a big advantage in the title race over Rangers with a nine-point lead but both sides will be aiming to warm up for next week’s derby with a win this weekend.

Celtic travel to face Ross County on Sunday, while Rangers play host to a Dundee United side rooted to the bottom of the table.

The battle for third place has been hotting up for some time and Hearts, Aberdeen and Hibs are all looking to see where a strong finish to the season could take them.

Hearts return to action with a trip to Kilmarnock, whose manager Derek McInnes says they need to land some big results to boost the fight against relegation. Hibernian are at home to a Motherwell side that has enjoyed a resurgence under Stuart Kettlewell.

Aberdeen made a big decision during the international fortnight, opting to give Barry Robson the manager’s job until the end of the season at least. After improving results when he took over from Jim Goodwin, Robson will be looking to continue his audition for the permanent job with a win over St Johnstone on Saturday.

Arguably the biggest game of the weekend will take place in Paisley, where St Mirren and Livingston will go toe to toe in their battle to reach the top six.

It’s David Martindale’s Livi side who are currently in the top six, just a point ahead of their weekend opposition. That sets up a tense afternoon at the SMiSA Stadium, where a win for either side would be a major step towards their target.