Aberdeen's chance to overhaul Celtic

With the battle for honours in Scotland looking increasingly like a contest for second place, Celtic's visit to Aberdeen today could be crucial.

Rangers are 14 points clear at the top of the table, but second-placed Celtic have Aberdeen breathing down their necks only a point behind. Aberdeen, however, have not beaten Celtic since last April and today they will again be without the suspended Stewart McKimmie.

Celtic have Paolo Di Canio back in the squad after his recent suspension, while Jackie McNamara has an outside chance of returning from injury. Andreas Thom is a slight doubt, but Pierre Van Hooydonk could return after missing three games since facing Rangers on 14 November.

Rangers, who are at home to Raith Rovers, will expect to extend their excellent Premier League home record, which reads eight wins and one draw from nine games. Joachim Bjorklund, Craig Moore and Peter Van Vossen rejoin the Rangers squad. Raith are seeking their first ever Premier League win against the champions.

John Robertson will be looking for his 200th Scottish League goal for Hearts when they travel to Dunfermline. The home side will be aiming to extend the remarkable run which has lifted them to fourth in the table.