Summary

  • Rangers nine points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic

  • Dundee United bottom, two points below Ross County

  1. Four changes for St Mirren; Anderson on bench for Livingstonpublished at 14:47 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    St Mirren v Livingston (15:00)

    St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson makes four changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Dundee United.

    Joe Shaughnessy and Charles Dunne come in for fellow defensive counterparts Richard Taylor and Scott Tanser. Greg Kiltie ad Alex Greive also drop to the bench for Thierry Small and Tony Watt.

    David Martindale makes just two changes from the side that beat Ross County 2-1.

    Bruce Anderson and Cristian Montano both start from the bench with Kurtis Guthrie and Jack Fitzwater given starts this afternoon.

    Stephen RobinsonImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Stephen Robinson could find himself in the top six come close of play today

  2. Five Saints changes against unchanged Donspublished at 14:45 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    St Johnstone v Aberdeen (15:00)

    While Aberdeen manager Barry Robson sticks with the same starting line-up after three straight wins, St Johnstone counterpart Callum Davidson makes five changes as he looks to end that seven-game run without a home win.

    Midfielder Daniel Phillips starts following suspension despite a late return from international duty with Trinidad and Tobago, but defender James Brown drops to the bench after his stint with Malta.

    On-loan Celtic left-back Montgomery also returns to the starting line-up along with fellow defender Ryan McGowan, midfielder David Wotherspoon and on-loan Dundee striker Zak Rudden.

    On-loan Millwall defender Alex Mitchell, winger Graham Carey and striker Theo Bair are the others to drop to the bench, while midfielder Cammy MacPherson misses out.

    There's a possibility of a debut for 16-year-old Jackson Mylchreest, with the forward also listed among the substitutes.

    Aberdeen's Matty Kennedy and St Johnstone's Adam MontgomeryImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Matty Kennedy is on the bench for Aberdeen but Adam Montgomery starts for Saints

  3. Robson focus on game rather than futurepublished at 14:44 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    St Johnstone v Aberdeen (15:00)

    Barry Robson says his "focus has never changed" despite being told he is Aberdeen manager at least until the end of the season after a promising spell as caretaker.

    The former Scotland midfielder stresses to BBC Scotland he is taking nothing for granted.

    "I've been in this game a long time and, the minute you think you have achieved something, something always comes round the corner," he says. "So the message is clear to the players - this is how it's got to be every week.

    "We need to be at it and, if we are not at it, we will lose games. If you are at it, you have a great chance to win games.

    "St Johnstone - organised, well drilled. The surface of the pitch isn't the best but a lot of pitches are like that at this time of the year so we are going to be at it, bring some speed to the game and try to get some goals."

    Aberdeen manager Barry RobsonImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Barry Robson has won four of his six games in charge of Aberdeen this season

  4. Hibs' Johnson frustrated at touchline banpublished at 14:42 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Hibernian v Motherwell (15:00)

    Hibernian manager Lee Johnson tells Sportsound: "I've achieved four bookings - not a feat I'm particularly delighted about. It's a little bit ambiguous up here because you can get bookings based on not controlling your technical area.

    "We're strong in our XI and from the bench today. Players are getting fitter and more understanding about how each other works.

    "Everybody should be optimistic. Motherwell are a good side. They've picked up a lot. There were signs of that before the change, but the managerial change gives everyone a fresh start."

  5. Neilson tells players 'don't listen to the noise'published at 14:40 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Kilmarnock v Hearts (15:00)

    Hearts manager Robbie Neilson tells Sportsound: "It's always difficult here, it's hard to play a lot of football. It's more of a direct game - set plays, corners, throw ins, wide free-kicks. We have to deal with them first and foremost and try and play the game in their half.

    "The objective is to finish third and we're there at the moment. Yes, we've had a difficult period but you're going to have that throughout a season. The key is to respond and make sure you get out of it.

    "We had a chat about the position we're in and the perspective of it. We had a difficult three games and yes, we're disappointed with the performances but we've got to look at the bigger picture. We're four clear. Don't listen to the noise and the background."

    Robbie NeilsonImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Robbie Neilson's Hearts are looking to protect third place

  6. Unchanged Kilmarnock; Neilson swaps three as McKay drops outpublished at 14:39 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Kilmarnock v Hearts (15:00)

    After a terrific showing in the 1-1 draw with St Johnstone before the break, it's no real surprise that Derek McInnes names a completely unchanged squad for the visit of Hearts.

    Ben Chrisene, Liam Polworth and Innes Cameron continue to miss out through injury.

    Robbie Neilson appears to have reverted to four at the back - although Alan Forrest could certainly fill in at right wing-back.

    There's another three changes from the 3-0 drubbing at Aberdeen - James Hill, Alex Cochrane and Barrie McKay drop to the bench. Jorge Grant, Stephen Kingsley and Forrest come in.

    Cammy Devlin misses out with a concussion picked up on international duty with Australia. Yutaro Oda recovers from injury to make the bench.

    Derek McInnesImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Derek McInnes has selected an unchanged Kilmarnock side

  7. Nisbet in for Hibs; Mandron starts for Wellpublished at 14:36 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Hibernian v Motherwell (15:00)

    Lee Johnson makes three changes to the XI that lost to Celtic before the break. Elie Youan is suspended after his red card in that match, while Marijan Cabraja and Lewis Miller drop to the bench.

    Chris Cadden replaces the latter after returning to fitness, while Kevin Nisbet - who scored a hat-trick the last time these teams met - comes into the side too.

    Just one change for Motherwell from the defeat by Rangers. Suspended midfielder Callum Slattery is replaced by striker Mikael Mandron.

    Former Ross County midfielder Harry Paton, who's just joined as a free agent, could make his debut from the bench.

    Motherwell's Harry Paton before a cinch Premiership match between Hibernian and Motherwell at Easter RoadImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Harry Paton is one of Motherwell's substitutes

  8. McGregor 'wants little fuss'published at 14:33 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Rangers v Dundee Utd (15:00)

    Rangers manager Michael Beale has been talking to Sportsound ahead of kick-off and started by talking about his history-making goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

    "He'll want little to no fuss, but after today he'll look back with huge pride," Beale said. "He's had a fantastic career, and he's not finished yet. We're delighted for him.

    "He's a mentor to the younger players in terms of standards, and he's a big influence in the dressing room as well."

    On rumours suggesting Malik Tillman will be signing for Rangers permanently from Bayern Munich, Beale explained: "[Director of football] Ross [Wilson] is talking to Bayern. We obviously want to activate the clause we've got. He's been really good for us, injured of late, but it's nice to see him, Todd [Cantwell] and Ryan [Kent] playing together.

    "I'm looking forward to the game. We know Dundee United have got nine cup finals ahead of them and Jim [Goodwin] going in there - it's a manager that knows us well. It will be a tough game, it's important we get back in our stride quickly today."

  9. Three Rangers changes; Freeman replaces Smith for Unitedpublished at 14:32 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Rangers v Dundee Utd (15:00)

    Michael Beale makes three changes to the XI that eventually saw off the challenge of Motherwell before the international break.

    Borna Barisic, back from international duty with Croatia, replaces Ridvan Yilmaz at left-back, while Malik Tillman and Alfredo Morelos come in for Antonio Colak and Fashion Sakala.

    Jim Goodwin makes just one change to his Dundee United side from the battling 1-1 draw against St Mirren as they look to spring a shock.

    Kieran Freeman starts in place of Liam Smith at right wing-back.

    Dundee United playersImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Kieran Freeman (centre) returns for United today

  10. Leagues 1 & 2published at 14:30 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Scottish League 1 fixturesImage source, BBC Sport
    Scottish League 2Image source, BBC Sport
  11. Friday night actionpublished at 14:27 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    The first match of the SPFL weekend took place last night with Arbroath beating Ayr United 2-0 in the Scottish Championship.

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  12. Second tierpublished at 14:24 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    All kick-offs 15:00 BST

    Scottish Championship fixturesImage source, BBC Sport
    The Scottish Championship tableImage source, BBC Sport
  13. Wins elusive recently for both sidespublished at 14:21 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Kilmarnock v Hearts (15.00)

    Kheredine Idessane
    BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park

    What both sides here would give for a win today. In the past two months, between them, Kilmarnock and Hearts have amassed the mighty total of just three league victories.

    Last time Killie won in the Premiership was exactly two months ago, 1 February, against Dundee United. As for Hearts? Since they put five past Aberdeen in mid-January, they've won just twice in the league and have lost their past three matches in all competitions. Last time Robbie Neilson's men celebrated three points was nearly a month ago, at home to St Johnstone.

    What gives today, as Hearts look to consolidate third while Killie look to move away from the dreaded drop zone?

    Rugby ParkImage source, SNS
  14. Robson on the charge for Europe with Donspublished at 14:18 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    St Johnstone v Aberdeen (15:00)

    Tyrone Smith
    BBC Scotland at McDiarmid Park

    Games between St Johnstone and Aberdeen, aren’t usually goal-laden affairs and don’t be surprised if this one is no different.

    Much of the focus in the build-up to the McDiarmid Park encounter has been on the resurgent visitors.

    Having won four of the six games he has presided over, interim boss Barry Robson has been handed the job until at least the end of the season.

    Barry RobsonImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Barry Robson was confirmed as Aberdeen manager for the rest of the season earlier this week

    The challenge for him now, is to keep the momentum going, get the third or fourth place that puts the Dons into Europe and make it impossible for him not to be given the role for the long term.

    St Johnstone won’t care about all of that, currently in eighth position. This is a game they have to win if they are to have any chance of rekindling their flickering top-six hopes.

    However to do that, they will need to improve on a disappointing run of just two wins in their past 12 league games.

  15. McGregor 500 uppublished at 14:15 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Rangers v Dundee Utd (15:00)

    Jane Lewis
    BBC Sport Scotland at Ibrox

    It's a big occasion for Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor this afternoon as he makes his 500th appearance for the Ibrox club.

    The question is will he have much to do against a Dundee United side who've only scored five goals in their past nine games? He'll want to be in the thick of it that's for sure as Rangers look to extend their impressive run under manager Michael Beale.

    Jim Goodwin's side could do with something from this match, least of all to end their terrible run of form, but also to end his personal record against Rangers. As a manager he's never led a team to victory over the Ibrox side.

    Allan McGregorImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Allan McGregor arriving at Ibrox earlier

  16. LINE-UPS from McDiarmid Parkpublished at 14:12 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    St Johnstone v Aberdeen (15:00)

    St Johnstone: Matthews, Wright, McGowan, Gordon, Considine, Montgomery, Phillips, Hallberg, Wotherspoon, May, Rudden.

    Substitutes: Sinclair, Brown, Mitchell, Murphy, Mylchreest, Bair, Moreland, Gallacher, Carey.

    Aberdeen: Roos, McCrorie, MacDonald, Scales, Pollock, Hayes, Shinnie, Clarkson, Ramadani, Duk, Miovski.

    Substitutes: Lewis, MacKenzie, Markanday, Myslovic, Watkins, Duncan, Richardson, Kennedy, Bavidge.

  17. LINE-UPS from Paisleypublished at 14:10 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    St Mirren v Livingston (15:00)

    St Mirren: Carson, Fraser, Shaughnessy, Dunne, Strain, Baccus, O'Hara, Gogic, Small, Watt, Main.

    Substitutes: Urminsky, R Taylor, Gallagher, Tanser, Flynn, Kiltie, Jamieson, Offord, Greive.

    Livingston: George, Boyes, Fitzwater, De Lucas, Devlin, Holt, Shinnie, Pittman, Penrice, Nouble, Guthrie.

    Substitutes: Hamilton, Brandon, Montano, Omeonga, Stephen Kelly, Bradley, Bahamboula, Anderson.

  18. LINE-UPS from Rugby Parkpublished at 14:08 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Kilmarnock v Hearts (15:00)

    Kilmarnock: Walker, Mayo, Wright, Dorsett, Armstrong, Watson, Donnelly, McKenzie, Jones, Doidge, Vassell.

    Substitutes: Hemming, Taylor, Alebiosu, Chambers, Power, Alston, Lyons, Murray, Robinson.

    Hearts: Clark, Smith, Sibbick, Rowles, Kingsley, Grant, Kiomourtzoglou, Snodgrass, Forrest, Ginnelly, Shankland.

    Substitutes: Stewart, Atkinson, Halliday, McKay, Cochrane, Humphrys, Kuol, Hill, Oda.

  19. LINE-UPS from Ibroxpublished at 14:06 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Rangers v Dundee Utd (15:00)

    Rangers: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Lundstram, Jack, Cantwell, Tillman, Morelos, Kent.

    Substitutes: McLaghlin, Yilmaz, Colak, Souttar, Matondo, Kamara, Wright, Sakala, Arfield.

    Dundee Utd: Birighitti, McMann, Edwards, Behich, Ayina, Freeman, Sibbald, Harkes, McGrath, Pawlett, Fletcher.

    Substitutes: Newman, Graham, Niskanen, Djoum, Sadat, Fotheringham, Cudjoe, Thomson, O'Donnell.

  20. LINE-UPS from Easter Roadpublished at 14:04 British Summer Time 1 April 2023

    Hibernian v Motherwell (15:00)

    Hibernian: Marshall, Cadden, Fish, Hanlon, Stevenson, Egan-Riley, Jeggo, Doyle-Hayes, Campbell, Hoppe, Nisbet.

    Substitutes: Johnson, Miller, Cabraja, Tavares, Newell, Devlin, Henderson, McKirdy, Kukharevych.

    Motherwell: Kelly, Johnston, McGinn, Casey, Furlong, Butcher, Goss, Cornelius, Spittal, Mandron, Van Veen.

    Substitutes: Oxborough, O'Donnell, Lamie, Mugabi, Aitchison, McKinstry, Blaney, Miller, Paton.