Andy Walker’s Scottish Premiership predictions (11-12 August)

Andy Walker’s Scottish Premiership predictions for the upcoming midweek games have been revealed, and it’s got people talking on social media.

The Scottish former footballer played as a striker for several clubs in Scotland and England between 1984 and 2000, including Motherwell, Celtic, Newcastle, Bolton, Sheffield United, Hibernian, Raith, Ayr, Carlisle, Partick and Alloa.

He also made three full international appearances for Scotland. Since retiring as a player, Walker has become a TV pundit as well as a commentator, and now works for Sky Sports.

DUNDEE UNITED v HIBERNIAN

He said: A very promising start to life back in the Scottish Premiership for Micky Mellon and Dundee Utd, but I was at Livingston on Saturday to see Hibs put on a very attack-minded display that saw them net four goals. A perfect start to his Hibs career for Kevin Nisbet with a hat-trick, I fancy him to notch again here.

SCORE PREDICTION: Dundee United 1-2 Hibernian

 

ST MIRREN v CELTIC

He said: Celtic went from being ruthless and relentless against Hamilton on the opening day of the season to producing a powderpuff performance against Kilmarnock on Sunday. Surely they can’t slip up again in Paisley? Jim Goodwin will have noted Kilmarnock’s tactic of defending deep against the champions and pinpointing Christopher Jullien’s weakness for a physical battle.

SCORE PREDICTION: St Mirren 0-2 Celtic

 

ABERDEEN v HAMILTON

He said: It’s a heavily depleted Aberdeen side after eight first-team players have been asked to self-isolate, with two players testing positive for Covid-19. Craig Bryson, Johnny Hayes and Scott McKenna will be particularly missed, and it’s a chance for Hamilton to take advantage. It was surprising that they couldn’t follow up their adventurous display against Celtic on Saturday with a win against Ross County, but they can get their first point of the season in these bizarre circumstances.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1

MOTHERWELL v LIVINGSTON

He said: No-one expected Motherwell to be without a point after the opening two games of the season, so there’s a bit of pressure on the home side to get something on the board before they play the bigger clubs. Stephen Robinson seems to be happy with the amount of possession his team are having, and having witnessed Livingston put in such a poor display at home to Hibs at the weekend, maybe one goal will win it.

SCORE PREDICTION: Motherwell 1-0 Livingston

RANGERS v ST JOHNSTONE

He said: What exactly does Steven Gerrard do with Alfredo Morelos? As well as all the problems he has given the Rangers manager, he also delivers goals on a regular basis. A double at the weekend took all the pressure off the home side and made it a convincing win over St Mirren. He’s the man Saints have to stop. Calum Davidson’s side had an unwanted free weekend to prepare for this one, but this is where he’ll learn a lot about his players.

SCORE PREDICTION: Rangers 2-0 St Johnstone

ROSS COUNTY v KILMARNOCK

He said: It’s been a perfect start to the season for Stuart Kettlewell and Ross County, I couldn’t be more impressed. Hamilton Accies will be fellow relegation candidates and to go there and win was a huge result. I just wonder how the Kilmarnock players will react after the high of their level of performance against Celtic to the contrast of a game in the Highlands? A draw isn’t a bad result for either side.

SCORE PREDICTION: Ross County 1-1 Kilmarnock

Meanwhile, The Scottish Government and Scottish football authorities are meeting on Tuesday, after @CelticFC defender Boli Bolingoli breached Covid-19 protocol by taking a trip to Spain and then playing against @KilmarnockFC without isolating.

A Scottish government statement read: “The Scottish government is aware of reports of a Celtic FC player having broken quarantine rules last week.

“We are currently in discussion with the club and football governing bodies to establish the facts.

“If confirmed as another serious incident within Scottish football, where protocols have been breached at the risk of wider public health, then the Scottish government will have little choice but to consider whether a pause is now needed in the resumption of the game in Scotland.”

Reacting on Twitter, Scottish Justice Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Utterly unacceptable from Bolingoli. With a number of incidents, Scot Govt left with little choice but to consider whether pause is now needed in resumption of the game.

“Operational matter for Border Force & Police Scot, I support whatever enforcement action they deem necessary.”

The Scottish government has threatened to “pause” the Premiership season after Celtic’s Boli Bolingoli broke coronavirus quarantine rules.

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 11, 2020

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is certainly angry with Bolingoli, and the club has condemned the actions of the defender in a statement on Tuesday.

“Celtic football club unreservedly condemns and apologises for the behaviour of the player Boli Bolingoli in travelling to Spain without informing the club and in failing to observe quarantine restrictions,” the statement read.

“It is difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action in current circumstances and we find it beyond explanation. The Club will take immediate action through our own disciplinary procedures.

“Celtic are in touch with every SPFL club today, and with all relevant authorities, to apologise for the fact that one of our employees has created so much additional difficulty through his actions.

“All of our playing and backroom staff have been tested twice for COVID-19 since this incident and all, including the player in question, have tested negative. While this comes as a relief to all concerned, it in no way diminishes the seriousness or stupidity of the player’s actions.

“Since the COVID-19 crisis began, we have had a safe and healthy squad of players, recording not one positive test. As a club, we have worked tirelessly to ensure a sustained, safe environment for all.

“We have led the way in working with the football authorities and Scottish Government to establish the most rigorous, effective protocols and working practices, which ultimately led to the resumption of football. We could have done no more in this area.

“It is a matter of the deepest regret to us that the behaviour of one individual has jeopardised that reputation and reflected discredit on football more generally.”