Edinburgh derby tops festive bill

Valdas Ivanauskas (left) and John Collins both have player problems

The Scottish Premier League festive programme throws up some mouth-watering clashes on Boxing Day.

Hearts entertain Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle, with both sides having to battle their share of troubles off the pitch.

SPL champions Celtic will look to extend their lead at the top of the table when they entertain Dundee Utd.

Basement side Dunfermline host Motherwell, St Mirren face Falkirk and Aberdeen will play Kilmarnock.

Hearts' season has gone from bad to worse, from the departure of captain Steven Pressley, to the disciplinary hearings for Paul Hartley and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

The players have remained tight-lipped after attending the hearings, held following Pressley's public disclosure of "dressing-room unrest" at the Tynecastle club.

We are in the dark and do not know what is going on Hearts full-back Robbie Neilson

Gordon was dropped for the 1-0 win over Dundee Utd, the day after urging Hearts to be more open with the fans about what was going on at the club.

Head coach Valdas Ivanauskas said the 23-year-old missed the game because he was ill.

But Hearts full-back Robbie Neilson said he did not think the goalkeeper had been unwell.

"Craig did not look ill. I don't think he was," said Neilson.

"Craig is keeping his cards close to his chest - he is that type of guy and does not let much out.

"It is a sensitive situation. We are in the dark and do not know what is going on.

"But Craig will want to get it sorted this week and we all hope he will be back for the Hibs game on Tuesday."

Edinburgh rivals Hibernian travel to Tynecastle with storm clouds gathering over star midfielders Scott Brown and Kevin Thomson.

Kevin Thomson and team-mate Scott Brown are seeking a move from Hibs

The players' agent Willie McKay had suggested manager John Collins told the pair they would be dropped for the Hearts game, after they had sought transfer talks with the club.

But Collins denied this was the case.

"It never came from my mouth. Whoever has come out and said it is telling a complete lie," said Collins.

"Scott picked up an injury on Thursday at training. Nothing too serious, hopefully he will be back with us tomorrow. But it was enough to keep him out of the (St Mirren) game.

"Kevin is back fresh after a day off. Both are in contention."

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan said he was content his side were 16 points ahead at the top of the table, despite "not firing on all cylinders" this season.

"Luckily we're doing well and not getting beat," he added.

Dundee United will be looking to bounce back from Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Hearts.

Arabs boss Craig Levein said the loss of striker Noel Hunt through injury had blunted his side's attacking threat.

Dundee United are missing the attacking threat of Noel Hunt

Dunfermline boss Stephen Kenny is aiming to turn around the Pars' season and knows they need a run of victories - starting with the Boxing Day visit of Motherwell.

The Fifers are languishing five points adrift of St Mirren at the bottom of the SPL.

Well boss Maurice Malpas said his players had responded well to recent criticism, with a fine 2-1 win away to Kilmarnock and will look to continue that form at East End Park.

St Mirren know that victory over Falkirk would take them to within a point of the Bairns in the SPL.

Buddies boss Gus MacPherson will be hoping his players can bounce back from Saturday's 5-1 mauling by Hibs at Easter Road.

Falkirk manager John Hughes saw his side lose 1-0 in an ill-tempered but entertaining encounter at Celtic Park on Saturday, and will be looking to Arsenal loan signing Anthony Stokes to fire the Bairns to victory.