Andy Walker’s Scottish Premiership predictions (15-16 August)

Andy Walker’s Scottish Premiership predictions for the upcoming weekend fixtures 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.

Hamilton vs St Mirren

He said: Hamilton have been boosted by the signing of experienced defender Lee Hodson. Brice Rice will know him well from the time they had together at St Mirren. The home side will be desperate for their first points of the season and have to make more of the games against teams they’ll be competing with in the lower half of the table.

It was no disgrace to lose by three goals at Ibrox for St Mirren and a great pity that they didn’t have the chance to play against Celtic at home in midweek.

SCORE PREDICTION: Hamilton 1-0 St Mirren

Kilmarnock vs St Johnstone

He said: Chris Burke is the top man for Kilmarnock just now having scored in all three Premiership games so far; he’s an inspiration to all the younger guys at the club. Killie’s level of concentration against Celtic was very impressive but they just couldn’t maintain that form in the Highlands against Ross County.

Calum Davidson was happy enough with his team at Ibrox with their first game in 11 days and he’ll be determined not to get into the habit of losing.

SCORE PREDICTION: Kilmarnock 1-1 St Johnstone

Ross County vs Dundee United

He said: Stuart Kettlewell has led his team to a wonderful start in the Scottish Premiership. Seven points from nine is a terrific cushion to have when many were considering them for the drop this season.

It was dull and uninspiring watching Dundee United lose at home to Hibs on Tuesday; Micky Mellon will be hoping for much more as he journeys to the Highlands.

SCORE PREDICTION: Ross County 0-0 Dundee United

Hibernian vs Motherwell

He said: I like the way Hibs players have shared the responsibility so far this season. On the opening day of the season Martin Boyle scored a double, Kevin Nisbet got a hat-trick against Livingston the following week and then on Tuesday, Christian Doidge got the all-important winner at Tannadice.

While Jack Ross has good options to consider, Stephen Robinson must be wondering how his team have struggled so badly to hit the form we know they’re capable of. Signing Scotland international Stephen O’Donnell on a short-term contract is a good move and the other bonus for Motherwell is seeing David Turnbull back to full fitness and scoring goals but they need much more.

SCORE PREDICTION: Hibernian 3-1 Motherwell

Livingston vs Rangers

He said: A much-needed point for Livingston at Motherwell on Wednesday got them off the mark for the season and they have been known to give Rangers a problem on this artificial surface. Lyndon Dykes is their key player but will he be fit for this one after picking up a knock at Fir Park?

Rangers must realise that they have a wonderful opportunity to go 11 points clear of Celtic before the champions play again if they win here and at home to Kilmarnock next Saturday. Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten are beginning to get valuable game-time but the constant story will be the future of Alfredo Morelos. Will he still be with the club before the transfer window closes?

SCORE PREDICTION: Livingston 1-2 Rangers

Celtic and Aberdeen’s next two Premiership games have been postponed after high-profile breaches of coronavirus quarantine rules.

Celtic’s Boli Bolingoli broke quarantine rules days after Aberdeen players tested positive for coronavirus following a visit to a bar in Spain ahead of the match and did not quarantine on his return – something the club were unaware of until after the game.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused players of being “incapable of living up to their responsibilities”, and added that the league season could be forced to be halted again.

Chair of the Joint Response Group, Rod Petrie, warned clubs there would be “no more scope” for further breaches.

“While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable,” he said.

“The JRG members were astounded to learn of the recklessness demonstrated by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in his breach of government public health guidance and football protocols. We echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in their condemnatory statement and commend the club’s swiftness in opening a disciplinary investigation.

“That this comes on the back of eight Aberdeen players showing similar disregard for public health is disrespectful not just to every football team-mate, fellow player and colleague but also to every fan in this country. It is also hugely damaging to the image, reputation and sustainability of the game.

“We sympathise with the position this puts the Scottish Government in as the country is tentatively easing its way out of lockdown restrictions.

“We agree wholeheartedly with the unequivocal message relayed to managers and captains by the National Clinical Director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, last night. Clubs and players are in no doubt that there is now no more margin for error and no more scope for further breaches.”

The SPFL’s chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “We have only been able to restart matches thanks to the enormous efforts and sacrifices of literally thousands of people across the Scottish game.

“For anyone to put that in jeopardy in such a thoughtless and selfish manner is just beyond belief.

“The vast majority of players and officials who have strictly observed the necessary restrictions will rightly see this as a real kick in the teeth.

“Everyone knows that this season’s fixture schedule is already horrendously tight without having to reschedule matches because of the irresponsible actions of a handful of players.”

Nicola Sturgeon has warned clubs that the Premiership season could be suspended if there are further breaches of coronavirus protocols.

“I don’t want the season to be in jeopardy. I don’t want people who are not responsible for this to pay the price but we have to be very clear that this situation is not acceptable,” she said at a press conference on Tuesday.

“We’ll set out the conclusion of the talks later today but as a minimum, you should not expect to see Aberdeen or Celtic play over the course of the coming week.

“By putting this as clearly as I can in language that the football world will understand, consider today the yellow card. The next time it will be the red card because you will leave us with absolutely no choice.”