Smith's SPL predictions

BBC Sport Online pundit Gordon Smith offers his predictions for this Saturday's SPL games.

Rangers v Hibernian (1735BST)

This was an exciting fixture last year with both teams vying for second place in the league.

Hibs haven't had as good a start as they did last year.

They've found it harder to pick up points this season although, by all accounts, they've been playing quite well.

I'm certain, though, that they'll come to form and will finish well up the league again.

But they may have to wait another week before picking up any more points - Rangers bounced back to form with a vengeance last week.

A win away to Dunfermline is always a good result and they will be on a bit of a high after that.

They're also getting a few players back from injury and I think they can continue where they left off last weekend.

Gordon's prediction: Home win

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Aberdeen v Motherwell

It's probably a good thing that these teams are facing each other as it gives them a realistic chance of recording their first win of the season.

With Aberdeen being at home, they're probably favourites but they haven't really looked like winning so far this year.

They really lack firepower and whenever they go a goal down, they look dead and buried.

Motherwell have done only slightly better, recording two draws so far.

They lost heavily on the first day of the season in their only other away fixture so far against Dunfermline.

They did well to come back twice against Killie last week but I wasn't particularly impressed by them.

I feel that goals will be at a premium and they might well be shared.

Gordon's prediction: Score draw.

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Dundee United v Dunfermline

A good game is in prospect at Tannadice.

United have done well so far and have improved drastically since this time last season.

This match offers them the opportunity to show that their early season form has not been a flash in the pan.

Dunfermline, on the other hand, after an excellent start, have a mountain to climb to restore confidence after the defeat by Rangers.

I believe Dunfermline will finish in the bottom six this year, while I think Dundee United can bea top-six side.

So this game will be a good indication as to whether my feelings are correct.

I think United's greater confidence will see them through.

Gordon's prediction: Home win

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Hearts v Dundee

This is a good game on paper. Hearts were criticised for their performance and tactics at Celtic Park last week, but usually they are an attacking side.

They will open up against Dundee and have a go at the visitors - it will be a completely different performance than last week's.

Dundee are another side who like to attack and even when they go a goal up, they continue to push forward.

This will be a good, open game and both sides will be able to find space and I think there will be a few goals.

Dundee have made an excellent start to the season and I think they will get a result.

Gordon's prediction: Away win

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Kilmarnock v St Johnstone

The managers of these sides won't thank me for saying this, but this is usually quite a boring game.

That's not because either team goes out to play that style of game, but both sides are quite similar and well matched.

Kilmarnock played well against Motherwell and were a little unlucky not to win, especially with 10 men.

They've started the season in decent form, although they only have two points to show for it.

St Johnstone have made a poor start to the season and are finding goals extremely hard to come by.

I don't think this will be a great game, but I think Killie will edge it.

Gordon's prediction: Home win

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Livingston v Celtic

This will be an interesting match and it provides Livingston with their second chance of the season to pit themselves against the Old Firm.

Livingston like to attack and I'm sure they'll give Celtic a few problems at points in the match.

But the fact that Livvy do like to attack will be welcomed by Celtic because they will be able to find space in behind them and I think they will capitalise on that.

If Celtic get an early goal, I think they could go on to get two or three.

Celtic are just so strong at the moment and are looking very good.

With the game against Ajax coming up in midweek, Martin O'Neill could change things around again and John Hartson might well play again.

Steve Guppy and Momo Sylla could also come into contention.

Gordon's prediction: Away win