The Scottish Premiership returns with a stacked midweek card packed with intrigue, headlined by Derek McInnes’ fiery return to Tynecastle as Rangers boss, Jim Goodwin’s in-form Dundee United heading to Celtic Park, and Marink Reedijk chasing a first win as Hibernian manager.
Tynecastle (Credits: BBC Sport)
After a drama-filled weekend played out amid a wild storm, the league wastes no time getting back underway — and the storylines could hardly be richer.
McInnes Braces for Fiery Tynecastle Return With Rangers
A visit from one of Glasgow’s big two under the lights at Tynecastle is always something to anticipate. Then you throw in the added spice of this one. Just four points behind Rangers, Hearts have a fresh opportunity to show last season was not a one-off after collapsing in spectacular fashion at Celtic Park 10 days ago.
Wednesday’s trip to Gorgie also marks the return of McInnes, who came within minutes of leading the Jambos to a historic title triumph in May. Then came the summer: McInnes was prised away by the Ibrox hierarchy after striker Lawrence Shankland had already made the move to Govan, with midfielder Cammy Devlin following thereafter. Injured pair Shankland and Devlin will miss the trip back to Tynecastle, but McInnes, who admitted feeling “guilt” about his exit, can probably expect a frosty reception despite the wonders he worked during his year at the club.
“Well, the hope would be you get on to the pitch and clap the fans and there’s an acknowledgement both ways,” McInnes said. “But that’s not going to happen. I totally understand it, though.”
Goodwin’s Entertainers Face Celtic Park Curse
Dundee United are emerging as one of the stories of the season as Goodwin’s side continue to thrive following a radical change in style from their manager. As a coach, and certainly as a player, expansive, continental-inspired football was never really something associated with Goodwin, a Scottish football veteran who has been part of the furniture for more than 16 years.
But the former Aberdeen and St Mirren boss has said he has taken inspiration from Jens Berthel Askou’s work at Motherwell last season to reshape himself, and his side are lighting up the league after overcoming a difficult start. An exhilarating 3-2 victory over Aberdeen in chaotic weather at Tannadice extended United’s unbeaten run to five matches, moving them up to fourth.
Now they face the Premiership’s acid test: a trip to Celtic Park. Goodwin has got the better of the champions in two of his past three encounters with them, but both of those victories came at Tannadice last season. Staggeringly, Celtic are unbeaten in 51 home games against United in all competitions since a 1-0 league defeat in December 1992.
Reedijk Eyes First Hibernian Win at St Mirren
Despite Sunday’s narrow defeat by Celtic leaving Hibs rooted to the foot of the Premiership, manager Reedijk says the reaction from supporters after the game told him “we are in the right way”. The Leith club travel to face a St Mirren side who ended their own wretched run by defeating Dundee on Saturday, bringing a five-game losing streak to an end.
The fact Hibs have lost on only two of their past 14 Premiership visits to St Mirren is perhaps a good omen for Reedijk, although fans remain unconvinced. The desperate tactical decision to bring on centre-back Grant Hanley as a striker on Sunday raised red flags for some supporters, but Reedijk says it is not something people can expect to see again. Paisley could be where his reign finally ignites after three straight defeats.
Also Read: Alistair Johnston Felt Something Again After 21-Minute Celtic Comeback, Says Martin O’Neill
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
