The top two for goal involvements in the Premiership are Celtic's Nicolas Kuhn (three goals, four assists) and Aberdeen's Jamie McGrath (two goals, four assists).

Image source, SNS

Dundee United will be content with their return to the top flight. Jim Goodwin's side have won three of their last five outings (D1 L1) - which is as many as they did in their previous 21... (W3 D5 L13).

With a mere five points on the board, Hibs could really do with a boost but have won just one of their last 13 away league games (D7 L5).

St Johnstone are the only team yet to pick up a point at home this season.

With the new gaffer looking on, Saints players will be keen to impress against Ross County, who are winless in 20 away league games (D8 L12).

Ross County manager Don Cowie is hoping to build on his side's performance last time out, when they gave Celtic a fright before losing 2-1.

"Our work rate and shape out of possession has been really good and we managed to nullify a top-quality team for large spells, but now it is how we can carry a bit more of a threat moving forward," he tells BBC Sportsound.

Cowie is also hopeful of going one better than the 3-3 draw the last time they faced St Johnstone, despite noticing some changes in approach since Simo Valakari was appointed manager.

"We watched the game against Rangers a couple of weeks ago and spotted one or two things different they are looking to do," he adds. "Today, they play with three strikers, so they are a real threat going forward."

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell says losing Paul McGinn is a "bitter pill to swallow" but remains confident they can continue their good form without their captain.

"The reshuffle isn't a difficult one, we've got cover in that position," he said.

"But on a human level I'm really disappointed for Paul for how good he's been and how much he's taken to the leadership role as the captain. He's just such a consistent performer.

"I think Dundee are a really good side. They've lost some players but Tony has recruited well and they are a few points short of where they should have been with their performances.

"We have to be on our guard."

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin tells BBC Scotland: "We've had a difficult few weeks, picking up knocks and niggles. It's not ideal. We don't carry the biggest of squads anyway, so when you take key players out it looks light.

"A few of those injuries aren't long-term. We expect Louis Moult to be available next weekend. Ross Docherty should make a full recovery for next weekend. Craig Sibbald hurt his groin in training and it might be a considerable period out of the team.

"We've had to use the whole squad in certain games and everyone who's had to come in has made a positive impact."

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson tells BBC Scotland: "Hearts have got a very good squad, spent a lot of money putting the squad together so, I've no doubt that Hearts will start climbing the table.

"Neil [Critchley] comes with a very good reputation, a really nice guy as well, and obviously a top coach, he's come up through a top football club at Liverpool and had his own success and his own right getting Blackpool promoted.

"So I'm well aware of Neil's teams, his style of play, all the stuff he's done and Blackpool as well as QPR, so we won't be having any surprises today but we obviously know he's a very good manager and a very good appointment.

On his own side's form, he adds: "The basics of defending we need to do better and we've worked tirelessly on that.

"Now it has to be up to individuals to take that responsibility and the team as a collective not to concede goals."

Image source, SNS

Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park

One suspects the St Johnstone programme was sent to printing when there was hope Simo Valakari would be in the home dugout today...

He can, at least, pick up a programme with his coupon plastered over it and read it in the stand.

Hibernian manager David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "It definitely helps to have Joe Newell and Martin Boyle back. They know what it takes to play for the club.

"It's great that everyone came back from international duty healthy. It gave me a bit of a headache in team selection.

"We know where we need to improve, we know we need results, we need a better performance level but it means nothing if you don't get three points.

"You're employed to win games of football, but if we keep putting ourselves in the right positions, things will change."

Dundee manager Tony Docherty says goalkeeper Trevor Carson replacing Jon McCracken is not a reflection of the latter's performance in the late 3-2 loss to Kilmarnock.

"No, not at all I don't think you can single a player out," the Dundee boss said.

"It gives you an opportunity over the international break to look at things. Jon has played 13 games and Trevor has played three so I want that competition throughout my squad.

"Trevor comes in but Jon has done fantastically well, so much so he has got into an international [Scotland] squad.

"I've got huge confidence in this squad. We've got a style of play and we've been performing well but I'm confident the ones who get their opportunity today will take it."

Andy Kirk admits his surprise at leading St Johnstone from the dugout as new manager Simo Valakari continues to wait for a work permit.

"It is unfortunate that the club hasn't managed to get it over the line, but it's just one of those things we've got to deal with," the Northern Irishman tells Sportsound.

"The preparations have been good leading up to the game and the players are ready."

Asked about who prepared the team, Kirk adds: "It has been led by me through communication with the manager because he's obviously not officially allowed to start yet, but we've had loads of conversations about what he wants to do.

"We've varied the training so he's been able to watch all the players - he's been really pleased with what he's seen. There's still an element of them having to impress the manager, so hopefully we get a reaction from them."

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley has been speaking to BBC Scotland in his first trackside media duties at Tynecastle.

"I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere. I just hope we can get the crowd behind us, get us onside and they see a team that they can identify with and be proud of," he says.

"I don't expect it to be perfect today, but I do expect to see certain things on the football pitch, those things are within our control."

On the fan’s wait for a win at home, he adds: "We want to change that. We want to change that feeling in the dressing room, we want to change the feeling amongst the support base and it's a chance for us to do that. It's a new start, if you like."

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin tells BBC Scotland: "We are really focused. We have a clear game plan. We know that Celtic are really strong at home, the history speaks for itself. But we have to believe in what we want to be.

"You have an opponent who will maybe test us in different areas. But we must be clear and better with the ball, hopefully we can take that next step. Today is a big challenge.

"We always respect opponent but no matter who you play, you have to believe you can win the game. We have to give everything to get a strong result from this game.

"We have a long-term idea of what we want to achieve. Now it is about building every week and take it game-by-game, it's a long process.

"If we can get a good result today, it shows we are going the right way."

Image source, SNS

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tells BBC Scotland: "A Celtic-Aberdeen game, traditionally, is a big game. Aberdeen are a big club and we have always treated these games with respect. Today is no different.

"They've made a very good start and we will need to be at a good level to get something from the game.

"They normally play the same way. They will put a bit of pressure on at goal kicks, if they get outplayed, they drop back to a 4-4-2 and become compact. I would expect that. My focus is on us and how we can dominate the game.

"We have been excellent. It's very early, only seven games. What's pleased me more than the results is the performance level and identity of the team. That has been really pleasing.

"It's always a challenge after the international break when players have travelled all over the world and played different systems. I know it won't be perfect today."

Image source, SNS

Both sides at McDiarmid Park show two changes from defeats by the two halves of the Old Firm last time out.

While Simo Valakari is not yet officially in the St Johnstone dugout, you imagine he will have been the one who decided to promote midfielder Jason Holt and striker Adama Sidibeh into the starting line-up.

Defender Aaron Essel and forward Makenzie Kirk drop to the bench following the 2-0 loss to Rangers at Ibrox.

County's Don Cowie makes two changes from the home defeat by Celtic.

In come striker Eamonn Brophy and Scott Allardice as Noah Chilvers and Aidan Denholm make way.

Image source, SNS

New Hearts head coach Neil Critchley makes two changes from the previous starting XI.

Jorge Grant is suspended and Stephen Kingsley drops to the bench as James Penrice and Beni Baningime come in.

Stephen Robinson makes three changes, with Richard Taylor out after hernia surgery, while Caolan Boyd-Munce and Roland Idowu are among the replacements.

Fresh from signing a new deal, Greg Kiltie starts, along with Oisin Smyth and Scott Tanser.

Image source, SNS

Having won their last two matches it's no surprise Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell makes just one enforced change. Paul McGinn has a thigh injury and drops out, but Dan Casey is back from suspension and comes into defence.

Stephen O'Donnell captains the side in McGinn's absence.

The late collapse against Kilmarnock has encouraged Tony Docherty to change four, including his goalkeeper as Scotland squad member Jon McCracken is replaced by Trevor Carson.

Mohammed Sylla is suspended, while Scott Tiffoney and Antonio Portales drop to the bench.

Ryan Astley, Finn Robertson, and Scott Fraser all start.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United are missing first-choice picks Ross Docherty and Craig Sibbald, so there's a slight change of shape. David Babunski comes back in, with Miller Thomson and Glenn Middleton starting on the wings.

Ross Graham is also out injured, with Kevin Holt slotting in. Jort van der Sande drops to the bench.

Hibs are without the suspended Nectar Triantis, with Josh Campbell dropping to the subs.

Joe Newell returns from injury to captain the side, with 18-year-old Rudi Molotnikov restored to the starting line-up.

Image source, SNS

Brendan Rodgers makes one change from the Celtic side that came from behind to defeat Ross County before the international break.

The single change takes place in attack, with Kyogo replacing Adam Idah at centre-forward. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor remain out.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Thelin opts for the same again after his side's 3-2 home victory over Hearts two weekends ago.

Image source, SNS

Liam Fox stepped up from the B team to take the reigns for three matches when Hearts sacked Steven Naismith and all of his backroom staff.

It has been announced that new head coach Neil Critchley will keep Fox working with the first team at Tynecastle, along with assistant Mike Garrity.

Image source, SNS