When the Christmas leftovers are tucked away and the wrapping paper has been discarded, Scottish football fans have a full Boxing Day fixture card to look forward to. With matches scheduled from lunchtime to evening, here’s a detailed look at what’s in store.
Game of the Day: Hearts vs. Hibernian (12:30 GMT)
The Edinburgh Derby takes center stage as city rivals Hearts and Hibernian clash for the second time this season at Tynecastle.
- The previous meeting ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw at Easter Road, with Hearts scoring late to deny Hibernian the win.
- Both teams have struggled this season but have shown signs of improvement recently. Hibs have won three of their last four league games, including a significant 3-1 victory at Aberdeen on Saturday.
- Hearts, meanwhile, moved off the bottom of the table after beating St Johnstone 2-1. Their European commitments earlier this season may have hindered their league form, but they now have the chance to focus entirely on domestic fixtures.
A win for Hearts will propel them above Hibs in the standings, while a victory for Hibs would create a five-point gap between the sides. With four of the last five meetings ending in draws, Thursday’s match promises to be another tight contest.
Player to Watch: Topi Keskinen (Aberdeen)
Aberdeen started December in second place, trailing Celtic. However, six winless games have dropped them to third.
- Finnish winger Topi Keskinen, 21, remains one of Aberdeen’s standout players, having scored five goals since his summer arrival from HJK Helsinki.
- Keskinen opened the scoring against Hibernian on Saturday with a deflected goal, but Aberdeen ultimately lost 3-1.
- Aberdeen face Kilmarnock on Thursday in a rematch of their 2-0 victory earlier this season. Keskinen’s flair and creativity could be key to reigniting Aberdeen’s season and securing a return to form.
Manager Spotlight: Simo Valakari (St Johnstone)
Simo Valakari, one of the newest managers in the Scottish Premiership, is under pressure to turn things around at St Johnstone.
- Currently bottom of the table, St Johnstone have managed just one point in December, although their losses have been narrow.
- Valakari’s side faces Dundee United on Boxing Day, with the Finnish manager aiming to guide his team out of the relegation zone before the New Year.
Despite their struggles, St Johnstone remain within touching distance of safety in a league where one win can dramatically change fortunes. Valakari will be hoping to inspire his players to secure a vital three points.
Boxing Day Fixtures to Watch
- Hearts vs. Hibernian (12:30 GMT)
- Kilmarnock vs. Aberdeen (15:00 GMT)
- St Johnstone vs. Dundee United (17:00 GMT)
With exciting matches and pivotal moments expected, Scottish football fans are in for a thrilling Boxing Day.
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