Battle for fourth, Kirk & Cowie in focus

Motherwell face Dundee United and Don Cowie (right) takes his Ross County side to Hibernian

The League Cup final means a reduced Scottish Premiership card this weekend but there are still big gains - and losses - to be made.

Here are some of the issues at hand.

Game of the weekend - Motherwell v Dundee United (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Two points separate Motherwell in fifth and Dundee United one place above.

Hence, a home victory will change the shape of the table while United will be keen to maintain the status quo with a win or draw.

The Tangerines are unbeaten in five and Well warmed up for this one with a precious away victory over St Mirren in Paisley last Saturday.

It was the Steelmen that came out on top the last time the sides met in the league and Motherwell also won this season's League Cup encounter, again 2-1.

Dundee United cannot go above League Cup holders and finalists Rangers with victory but can at least get closer to them and second-placed Aberdeen, who are not in action this weekend.

Player to watch - Makenzie Kirk (St Johnstone)

Makenzie Kirk bolstered his burgeoning reputation last weekend with the opening goal as St Johnstone drew 1-1 with Aberdeen.

It was the 20-year-old forward's fifth goal in all competitions this season, which includes one for Saints under-20s in the SPFL Trust Trophy.

Kirk is following in the footsteps of his father, Andy, who played and scored in Scottish football with Hearts and Dunfermline Athletic and also represented Northern Ireland. Kirk senior is of course part of the coaching staff at St Johnstone.

For the younger Kirk, St Mirren are in his sights. The Buddies side are coming off a defeat before this Saturday's contest in Perth.

The gap between the sides stands at four points with St Johnstone ninth and St Mirren seventh.

With sixth-placed Dundee among the sides not playing this weekend, it's an opportunity for both sides to make up some ground.

Manager to watch - Don Cowie (Ross County)

Sitting eighth, Ross County are above some of their more illustrious Premiership rivals, including Edinburgh's big two.

However, Don Cowie's side have been beaten in their past two games, conceding eight goals in the process to Glasgow's big two.

Another loss to Hibernian at Easter Road and the Staggies could be dragged into those less comfortable positions.

They drew 0-0 with Hibs in Dingwall back in October and are unbeaten in their past three meetings with the Leith side.

The challenge for Cowie is to mastermind County's first Easter Road win in 23 months and in the process stave off any advance of Kilmarnock, St Johnstone and/or Hearts.