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    <title>Kilmarnock Standard - Scottish Premier League</title>
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    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2008-02-08:/scottishpremierleague//934</id>
    <updated>2009-04-03T11:14:18Z</updated>
    
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<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Falkirk v Rangers</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/04/prediction-falkirk-v-rangers.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.128678</id>

    <published>2009-04-03T10:24:57Z</published>
    <updated>2009-04-03T11:14:18Z</updated>

    <summary>BOTTOM of the pile, Falkirk host Rangers who are the first visitors to the Falkirk Stadium since the Bairns demolished Inverness Caley Thistle 4-0 in their last league game. Rangers&apos; last fixture was the home tie with Hearts which the...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="falkirkfc" label="falkirk fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="rangersfc" label="rangers fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>BOTTOM of the pile, Falkirk host Rangers who are the first visitors to the Falkirk Stadium since the Bairns demolished Inverness Caley Thistle 4-0 in their last league game.</p>

<p>Rangers' last fixture was the home tie with Hearts which the Gers were winning 2-0 at half time but ended up drawing 2-2.</p>

<p>The second placed team will be desperate for a win in a game which, on paper, should be comfortable for them.</p>

<p>But, despite their league position, Falkirk have managed a few decent results recently and are certainly no push-over.</p>

<p>They will also be spurred on with an Old Firm double header this week, with Celtic coming up on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Taking points from either or both of these matches could really make or break their season.</p>

<p>So this one could be closer than the SPL table suggest but I think Rangers will do enough to win but only by the odd goal.</p>

<p>I think it will be 2-1 to the away side.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Motherwell v Aberdeen</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/04/prediction-motherwell-v-aberde.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.128677</id>

    <published>2009-04-03T10:24:57Z</published>
    <updated>2009-04-03T11:09:01Z</updated>

    <summary>ABERDEEN are four points clear of Motherwell who are battling for a top six place in the SPL. The Dons are sitting in fourth place on 44 points with the Fir Park men in seventh place on 40. This could...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="aberdeenfc" label="aberdeen fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="motherwellfc" label="motherwell fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>ABERDEEN are four points clear of Motherwell who are battling for a top six place in the SPL.</p>

<p>The Dons are sitting in fourth place on 44 points with the Fir Park men in seventh place on 40.</p>

<p>This could be a closely fought match as both teams are battling to end their season on a high and both still have a chance of making the all important European spot.</p>

<p>I think Motherwell's home advantage will really count and I think they will win 1-0.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Inverness Caley Thistle v St Mirren</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/04/prediction-inverness-caley-thi.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.128674</id>

    <published>2009-04-03T10:24:57Z</published>
    <updated>2009-04-03T10:54:19Z</updated>

    <summary>A WIN for Inverness Caley Thistle could blow the relgation fight up in the air. The Highlanders are currently one point clear of bottom placed club Falkirk who have a game in hand. And St Mirren, who have also played...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="invernesscaleythistle" label="inverness caley thistle" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="stmirren" label="st mirren" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>A WIN for Inverness Caley Thistle could blow the relgation fight up in the air.</p>

<p>The Highlanders are currently one point clear of bottom placed club Falkirk who have a game in hand.</p>

<p>And St Mirren, who have also played one less game, are only two points better off than Inverness.</p>

<p>So a victory for Terry Butcher's men could really shake things up and I think that will be the case.</p>

<p>I think they will bounce back from the 4-0 defeat away to Falkirk on their last outing and record a 1-0 win over St Mirren.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Hearts v Kilmarnock</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/04/prediction-hearts-v-kilmarnock.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.128672</id>

    <published>2009-04-03T10:24:57Z</published>
    <updated>2009-04-03T10:44:18Z</updated>

    <summary>STRUGGLERS Kilmarnock face a very tough trip to the capital to face third placed Hearts. Killie are currently sitting in nith place on the same points as St Mirren who have a game in hand. The Ayrshire sides are just...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="heartsfc" label="hearts fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="killiefc" label="killie fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>STRUGGLERS Kilmarnock face a very tough trip to the capital to face third placed Hearts.</p>

<p>Killie are currently sitting in nith place on the same points as St Mirren who have a game in hand. </p>

<p>The Ayrshire sides are just three points clear of bottom placed Falkirk who have also played one game less.</p>

<p>Inverness Caley Thistle are up-to-date with games but are just two points behind the Rugby Park side.</p>

<p>Hearts, on the other hand, are sitting pretty five points clear in third place.They will be hoping to at least maintain that with a home win.</p>

<p>I think Kilmarnock will put up a good fight but, in the end, I believe Hearts will be far too strong and will win 2-1.<br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Celtic v Hamilton</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/04/prediction-celtic-v-hamilton.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.128669</id>

    <published>2009-04-03T10:24:57Z</published>
    <updated>2009-04-03T10:38:26Z</updated>

    <summary>SPL leaders Celtic host Hamilton at 3pm on Saturday. Before the international break, Celtic had been enjoying a run of good form but only managed a 2-2 draw after going ahead at Dundee Utd. Hamilton, on the other hand, had...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="celticfchamiltonfc" label="celtic fc hamilton fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>SPL leaders Celtic host Hamilton at 3pm on Saturday.</p>

<p>Before the international break, Celtic had been enjoying a run of good form but only managed a 2-2 draw after going ahead at Dundee Utd.</p>

<p>Hamilton, on the other hand, had hit a poorer run of form than the one they enjoyed earlier this year but they sit six points clear of bottom placed Falkirk.</p>

<p>So Billy Reid's men will be looking to propel themselves further from the drop zone and Celtic will hope for a win to put pressure on second placed Rangers who don't play until Sunday.</p>

<p>I think Celtic are strong at home and will take care of Hamilton with a 3-1 win.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Dundee Utd v Hibernian</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/04/prediction-dundee-utd-v-hibern.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.128665</id>

    <published>2009-04-03T10:24:57Z</published>
    <updated>2009-04-03T10:29:14Z</updated>

    <summary>HIBERNIAN travel to Tannadice in Saturday&apos;s early kick-off to face Dundee Utd. The first game back following the international break sees SPL&apos;s fifth and sixth place got head-to-head. Hibs could close the gap on fourth placed Dundee Utd with a...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="dundeeutd" label="dundee utd" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="hibernianfc" label="hibernian fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>HIBERNIAN travel to Tannadice in Saturday's early kick-off to face Dundee Utd.</p>

<p>The first game back following the international break sees SPL's fifth and sixth place got head-to-head.</p>

<p>Hibs could close the gap on fourth placed Dundee Utd with a victory but Dundee Utd, could gain ground on Hearts in third spot if they get a victory and other results go their way.</p>

<p>It is set to be a tight match against two fairly evenly matched sides but I think Dundee Utd will make home advantage count.</p>

<p>2-1 to Craig Levein's men.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>SPL weekend: 21-22 March</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/03/spl-weekend-21-22-march.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.127869</id>

    <published>2009-03-30T10:39:14Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-30T12:37:57Z</updated>

    <summary>THE race for the SPL hotted up as both Rangers and Celtic faced tough opposition in the shape of Hearts and Dundee Utd resepectively. Rangers looked to be cruising at half-time with a 2-0 lead and Hearts struggling to get...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Clubs" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="celticfc" label="celtic fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="dundeeutd" label="dundee utd" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="heartsfc" label="hearts fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="rangersfc" label="rangers fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>THE race for the SPL hotted up as both Rangers and Celtic faced tough opposition in the shape of Hearts and Dundee Utd resepectively.</p>

<p>Rangers looked to be cruising at half-time with a 2-0 lead and Hearts struggling to get close to Allan McGregor's goal.</p>

<p>But the Tynecastle side must have been given an inspirational talk by boss Csaba Laszlo at half-time as they came out all guns blazing.</p>

<p>Nacho Novo however managed to get a shot in which hit the bar before Hearts raced up the park and scored through Christos Karipidis.</p>

<p>And just three minutes later, Ruben Palazuelos fired home to claim a point for the Jambos.</p>

<p>There were still set to be twists and turns despite many Celtic fans and Rangers fans handing the title to Celtic as the Parkhead side played Dundee Utd the following day.</p>

<p>Celtic took the lead midway through the second half with a header from Scott McDonald.</p>

<p>But Dundee Utd were also on the end of a top team talk at half-time. Craig Levein must have given a top-class speech which spurred the Tangerines on.</p>

<p>Francisco Sandaza netted a double in just over 10 minutes to take the lead.</p>

<p>But Celtic managed to get an equaliser with a wonder strike from Lee Naylor on 81 minutes.</p>

<p>These results also meant little change in the race for third place, as Hearts remain five points clear in third with both Aberdeen and Dundee Utd on 44 points in fourth and fifth spots.</p>

<p>Hibernian and Aberdeen played out a 0-0 draw at Easter Road with the Dons reduced to ten men on 84 minutes as Mark Kerr got sent off.</p>

<p>Meanwhile Falkirk romped to a 4-0 victory over fellow strugglers Inverness Caley Thistle.</p>

<p>This result, along with Killie drawing with Motherwell and St Mirren earning a point away to Hamilton tightens up the bottom of the table.</p>

<p>Only three points separate ninth placed Kilmarnock and bottom of the pile, Falkirk.</p>

<p>St Mirren sit on joint points with Killie on 30 but have a game in hand against Rangers.</p>

<p>So any one of these teams and Hamilton on 33 points in seventh place could still be relegated.</p>

<p>With few league games to be played, nothing looks certain at the moment with two teams in contention at the top and at least four if not five in the relegation dog-fight.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Dundee Utd v Celtic</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/03/prediction-dundee-utd-v-celtic.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.126769</id>

    <published>2009-03-20T12:10:00Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-30T10:36:16Z</updated>

    <summary>DUNDEE UTD looked set to be &apos;the best of the rest&apos; before the season kicked off but have been fairly inconsistent this season. In saying that, Craig Levein&apos;s men have still managed, four draws against the Old Firm in the...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="celticfc" label="celtic fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="ciscup" label="cis cup" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="dundeeutd" label="dundee utd" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>DUNDEE UTD looked set to be 'the best of the rest' before the season kicked off but have been fairly inconsistent this season.</p>

<p>In saying that, Craig Levein's men have still managed, four draws against the Old Firm in the SPL this season although in the last game they went down 2-0 against Rangers at Ibrox.</p>

<p>But looking at regular league form, you have to go back to January 24 to find their last win although that was the sensational comeback from being 2-0 down to winning 3-2 against St Mirren.</p>

<p>Celtic on the other hand have weathered a storm of poor results and last weekend jubilantly picked up the first silverware of the season.</p>

<p>The Parkhead side lifted the Co-operative Insurance Cup after a 2-0 extra-time win over bitter rivals Rangers at a sunny Hampden Stadium.</p>

<p>They are also sitting three points clear at the top of the table and, if Rangers win against Hearts on Saturday, which I think they will, Celtic won't want to surrender their lead.</p>

<p>So what will happen at Tannadice at 2pm on Sunday?</p>

<p>Well who knows but I'm willing to guess that it will be a tight affair but I think Celtic's determination and resilience will pull them through a gruelling 90 minutes with all three points after a 2-1 win.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Rangers v Hearts</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/03/prediction-rangers-v-hearts.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.126766</id>

    <published>2009-03-20T12:10:00Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-20T12:45:53Z</updated>

    <summary>RANGERS face a tough match just six days after the heartbreak of losing in extra time to bitter rivals Celtic in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final. But it&apos;s back to league business for the Ibrox side who will turn their...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="heartsfc" label="hearts fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="rangersfc" label="rangers fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>RANGERS face a tough match just six days after the heartbreak of losing in extra time to bitter rivals Celtic in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final.</p>

<p>But it's back to league business for the Ibrox side who will turn their focus to the ultimate prize and a chance of a league and Homecoming Scottish Cup double.</p>

<p>The home side will be without Davie Weir who picked up a red card in the last league outing when they lost 1-0 to Inverness Caley Thistle at Ibrox.</p>

<p>But the visitors are also a man down after suspension with keeper Janos Balogh out of the game after being dismissed during last weekend's Edinburgh derby.</p>

<p>Hearts beat Rangers last time the two sides met with a 2-1 win at Ibrox and will be hopsing to repeat the feat again.</p>

<p>They are coming off of a defeat against their rivals after losing 1-0 to Hibernian last week.</p>

<p>So both sides will surely be fired up to collect a win come Saturday afternoon.</p>

<p>But I think the notion of going top of the league will be enough to steer Rangers to victory and I think it will be a 2-0 victory to the home side.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Hibernian v Aberdeen</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/03/prediction-hibernian-v-aberdee.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.126765</id>

    <published>2009-03-20T12:10:00Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-20T12:37:49Z</updated>

    <summary>ABERDEEN faced cup misery on Wednesday night when they were knocked out of the Homecoming Scottish Cup following a penalty shoot-out with Dunfermline. The Dons will now have to pick themselves up for their visit to Easter Road at 3pm...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="aberdeenfc" label="aberdeen fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="hibernianfc" label="hibernian fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>ABERDEEN faced cup misery on Wednesday night when they were knocked out of the Homecoming Scottish Cup following a penalty shoot-out with Dunfermline.</p>

<p>The Dons will now have to pick themselves up for their visit to Easter Road at 3pm on Saturday.</p>

<p>Could their cup defeat spur them on to an emphatic victory in Edinburgh?</p>

<p>Hibernian have managed to turn their fotunes around in the past couple of weeks thanks to two wins out of two against Hamilton and Hearts.</p>

<p>This is a very difficult one to predict but I will have a shot anyway. Aberdeen are four points better off than Hibs but I think home advantage will be a major factor.</p>

<p>A high scoring affair could be on the cards and I think it will be 3-2 to HIbernian.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Hamilton Accies v St Mirren</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/03/prediction-hamilton-accies-v-s.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.126763</id>

    <published>2009-03-20T12:10:00Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-20T12:33:17Z</updated>

    <summary>ST MIRREN could replace Accies in eighth place this weekend if Kilmarnock lose at home to Motherwell. This could give a real boost to the Buddies who have been rather inconsistent this season. But Hamilton, who have been on a...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="hamiltonfc" label="hamilton fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="stmirren" label="st mirren" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>ST MIRREN could replace Accies in eighth place this weekend if Kilmarnock lose at home to Motherwell.</p>

<p>This could give a real boost to the Buddies who have been rather inconsistent this season.</p>

<p>But Hamilton, who have been on a pretty good run of form since the turn of the year will be setting their sights very firmly on all three points.</p>

<p>Although, it is looking increasingly unlikely either side will be relegated, a win for either of these clubs would ensure a but of daylight between them and the drop zone.</p>

<p>This could well be one of the toughest matches to call on the card for this weekend.</p>

<p>But I think Hamilton's home advantage will be the difference and I predict that they will pick up all three points courtesy of a 1-0 win.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Falkirk v Inverness Caledonian Thistle</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/03/prediction-falkirk-v-inverness.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.126758</id>

    <published>2009-03-20T12:10:00Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-20T12:28:03Z</updated>

    <summary>A BASEMENT battle will ensue at the Falkirk stadium when Inverness Caley come calling. The two sides who are tussling not to be bottom of the pile will go face-to-face at 3pm tomorrow. Terry Butcher, since coming to manage the...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="falkirkfc" label="falkirk fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="invernesscaleythistle" label="inverness caley thistle" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>A BASEMENT battle will ensue at the Falkirk stadium when Inverness Caley come calling.</p>

<p>The two sides who are tussling not to be bottom of the pile will go face-to-face at 3pm tomorrow.</p>

<p>Terry Butcher, since coming to manage the club earlier this year, has had a huge impact on the team.</p>

<p>Inverness have only lost one game in the SPL since he was put in charge and they have successfully managed to take four points off the Old Firm in the process.</p>

<p>Falkirk however have been faltering in the league and have to go back to January to find their last league win.</p>

<p>In saying this, the two sides met just two weeks ago in the Homecoming Scottish Cup when Falkirk were victors by 1-0 and this was away from home for the Bairns.</p>

<p>So this one is a very tough one to call. I think, however, that Inverness will be looking for revenge after their cup exit and will win this one 2-1.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Prediction: Kilmarnock v Motherwell</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/03/prediction-kilmarnock-v-mother.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.126757</id>

    <published>2009-03-20T12:10:00Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-20T12:21:59Z</updated>

    <summary>KILMARNOCK have yet to record their first victory this year and have been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week. Reports suggest chairman Michael Johnston had revealed that, if the club were to go down, Killie FC...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Predictions" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="killiefc" label="killie fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="motherwellfc" label="motherwell fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>KILMARNOCK have yet to record their first victory this year and have been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week.</p>

<p>Reports suggest chairman Michael Johnston had revealed that, if the club were to go down, Killie FC could be forced out of business.</p>

<p>These must be words which strike fear into the hearts and minds of the die-hard Killie contingent.</p>

<p>But the most important thing for everyone to do from a Killie mindset is to go at Motherwell on Saturday and get the win.</p>

<p>Not an easy task when you are up against a team who are very much on-form.</p>

<p>The Fir Park men have lost only one game in the SPL this year and that was to Hearts who are sitting pretty, five points clear in third place.</p>

<p>So it will be very interesting to see how this 12.30 kick off turns out and could be a very tight affair.</p>

<p>I think Killie will continue on their poor run but, in saying that, I think they will manage a point which is not be sniffed at when facing tough opposition.</p>

<p>I predict a 1-1 draw.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>SPL: 14 March</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/03/spl-14-march.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.125777</id>

    <published>2009-03-16T11:34:34Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-16T12:06:11Z</updated>

    <summary>WHILE the top two were wrapped up in CIS Cup action at the weekend, there were still four matches being contested in the SPL. The SPL weekend kicked off with the Edinburgh derby when Hearts travelled across the capital to...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Clubs" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="aberdeenfc" label="aberdeen fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="dundeeutd" label="dundee utd" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="hamiltonfc" label="hamilton fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="heartsfc" label="hearts fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="hibernianfc" label="hibernian fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="invernesscaleythistle" label="inverness caley thistle" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="killiefc" label="killie fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="motherwellfc" label="motherwell fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="spl" label="spl" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>WHILE the top two were wrapped up in CIS Cup action at the weekend, there were still four matches being contested in the SPL.</p>

<p>The SPL weekend kicked off with the Edinburgh derby when Hearts travelled across the capital to Easter Road for the early kick-off.</p>

<p>It was Hibs who managed to get the win thanks to a goal in the 14th minute from Stephen Fletcher.</p>

<p>Both sides were reduced to ten men before the half-time break when Hearts keeper Janos Balogh brought Fletcher down oustide the box.</p>

<p>This was just a few minutes before Sol Bamba fouled Christian Nade on the stroke of half-time and was also shown the red card.</p>

<p>Hearts failed to get back on level terms and HIbs are now on the same points as Motherwell and sit in sixth place.</p>

<p>Hearts are still in third place, five points clear of Aberdeen.</p>

<p>Aberdeen recorded an impressive 1-0 home win against Hamilton on Saturday. </p>

<p>The home side took the lead with what proved to be the ultimate winner from Chris Maguire on 28 minutes. </p>

<p>Hamilton who have recently been on a good run of form but failed to get back on level terms at Pittodrie.</p>

<p>Inverness went 2-0 up against Kilmarnock within just three minutes in the first quarter of the game.</p>

<p>The Highlanders scored through Richie Foran and Ian Black on 19 and 21 minutes respectively.</p>

<p>Kilmarnock defender Simon Ford got a consolation goal shortly before half-time.</p>

<p>Motherwell continued on their winning streak when Dundee Utd came calling to Fir Park on Saturday.</p>

<p>They took the lead on 27 minutes through John Sutton but Dundee Utd equalised with a goal from Francisco Sandaza before David Clarkson got the winner with 15 minutes to go.</p>

<p>Dundee Utd dropped to fifth place following the defeat and Motherwell remain in seventh but are pushing for a top six place. </p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Celtic win the CIS Cup</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/2009/03/celtic-win-the-cis-cup.html" />
    <id>tag:blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk,2009:/scottishpremierleague//934.125770</id>

    <published>2009-03-16T11:34:34Z</published>
    <updated>2009-03-16T11:50:01Z</updated>

    <summary>CELTIC claimed the first trophy of the season when they picked up the Co-operative Insurance cup yesterday. The league leaders and reigning champions were taken to extra time by rivals Rangers but a Darren O&apos;Dea header in the first minute...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Lorraine Waddell</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Clubs" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="celticfc" label="celtic fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="ciscup" label="cis cup" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="rangersfc" label="rangers fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/scottishpremierleague/">
        <![CDATA[<p>CELTIC claimed the first trophy of the season when they picked up the Co-operative Insurance cup yesterday.</p>

<p>The league leaders and reigning champions were taken to extra time by rivals Rangers but a Darren O'Dea header in the first minute of extra time and an Aiden McGeady penalty at the death sealed the victory.</p>

<p>Both sides did not appear at their best when they took to the Hampden pitch at 3pm yesterday.</p>

<p>The previous SPL Old Firm game was very cagey and it appeared that both sides were too scared of losing to go for the win.</p>

<p>This also seemed to be the case at the first final of the campaign.</p>

<p>Both Rangers and Celtic looked subdued during the match until Celtic seemed to be rejuvenated when they were given a talk by boss Gordon Strachan after 90 minutes.</p>

<p>But is this an indicator as to where the SPL trophy will go at the end of the season?</p>

<p>At this stage, who knows?!</p>

<p>On one hand, the win could give Celtic the confidence and impetus to go on and win the double of the CIS Cup and league trophy.</p>

<p>On the other hand though, it could anger Rangers enough to give the players fire in their bellies to win the championship.</p>

<p>Regardless, I don't think we will know any better who is likely to be crowned champions come May.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

</feed>
