Scottish Premier League preview: Ross County v Celtic

Neil Lennon and Derek Adams

Ross County supporters have waited a long time to witness their team in action against the big guns of Scottish football.

The Staggies were promoted to the SPL for the first time in their history at the end of last season, with the dream of facing the likes of Celtic as their top-flight equals now very much a reality.

It’s been so far so good for Derek Adams’ men. Consecutive 0-0 draws against Motherwell and Aberdeen mean that Ross County’s unbeaten league run now spans over one year.

However, in order to maintain their impressive streak, they must avoid defeat against the odds-on favourites for the title this weekend.

The club’s modest 6,300-capacity Victoria Park stadium hosts the reigning champions, who come into the match strongly fancied to take home all three points.

Celtic were unconvincing in their opening-day fixture against Aberdeen, which they won 1-0 thanks to Kris Commons’ fortuitous late strike, but manager Neil Lennon will be looking for a more accomplished performance from his team of title-winners ahead of the club’s Champions League play-off round fixture against Helsingborgs on Tuesday night.

For the meantime, it’s St Mirren who currently lead the way at the top of the SPL table – having played a game more than both Celtic and Dundee United.

The Buddies face bottom side Hibernian, who drew 1-1 with Hearts last weekend, on Saturday afternoon in Paisley.

Hearts are alongside St Mirren on four points, with the same goal difference, and they will attempt to continue setting the pace at the top of the table with victory over fifth-placed Inverness.

Dundee United are still one place above Celtic, in third spot, following their comfortable 3-0 win against Hibernian at the start of the month.

And how they would enjoy making it two wins from two this Sunday.

Tannadice hosts the City of Discovery derby between Dundee United and visitors Dundee, who took Rangers’ place in the SPL after the Glasgow-based club were liquidated earlier this summer.

Understandably, United are the favourites to earn the all-important bragging rights with victory in the first derby of the new campaign. Dundee, though, have nothing to fear and everything to prove – a dangerous combination for their local rivals.

Along with Dundee and Hibs, Aberdeen and St Johnstone also have just the one point from their opening two games.

On Saturday they go head-to-head at Pittodrie, where the hosts will be full of confidence after beating a Manchester United XI in mid-week.

At the same time, Kilmarnock welcome Motherwell to Rugby Park, with both clubs seeking their first victories of the season.

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