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Rangers boss Walter Smith has a defensive dilemma after David Weir was ruled out of the SPL clash with third-placed Hearts due to suspension.

Falkirk (12) v Inverness (11)

Falkirk boss John Hughes is without captain Darren Barr, who begins a two-match suspension. Kevin McBride is in contention for a return to the squad after two months out with a back injury, while experienced pair Jackie McNamara and Neil McCann are also set to feature.

Inverness striker Eric Odhiambo is sidelined with a knee injury. Midfielder Russell Duncan returns to the squad after recovering from a thigh strain and forward Andy Barrowman is pushing for a start following his goal in the reserves' midweek win over Motherwell.

Last season: Falkirk 2 Inverness 1, Inverness 0 Falkirk 1, Falkirk 1 Inverness 0, Inverness 4 Falkirk 2

Last five league matches: Falkirk W D L D L; Inverness D W L W W

Top scorers: Steve Lovell (Falkirk) 10; Adam Rooney (Inverness) 6

Referee: C Murray (Scotland).

Hamilton (8) v St Mirren (10)

Hamilton midfielder James McArthur (knee) and defender Martin Canning (groin) need operations but both are set to start, while striker Richard Offiong could return after a cameo appearance at Aberdeen.

Defender Trent McClenahan (hernia), Brian Easton (hamstring), Simon Mensing (suspension) and long-term absentees David Elebert (hamstring) and Mark Corcoran (hip) are all out.

St Mirren midfielder Hugh Murray starts a three-match ban but on-loan defender Scott Cuthbert returns to the squad after being ineligible for the Homecoming Scottish Cup clash with Celtic. Tom Brighton, Steven Robb, Stephen O'Donnell and Franco Miranda remain on the sidelines.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Hamilton L W L L L; St Mirren D D D L D

Top scorers: Richard Offiong (Hamilton) 6; Billy Mehmet (St Mirren) 11

Referee: S Finnie (Scotland).

Hibernian (6) v Aberdeen (4)

Hibs defender Sol Bamba is suspended after his dismissal in last weekend's derby against Hearts, while winger Alan O'Brien is also a doubt after being replaced with a hamstring problem during the 1-0 victory. However, the versatile Ian Murray could come into contention for a starting berth.

Darren Mackie (hamstring) is likely to miss out for Aberdeen, while fellow striker Lee Miller (hamstring) is also unlikely to figure. Midfielder Gary McDonald should return after hip trouble and winger Jamie Smith should be available despite suffering a knock in the Homecoming Scottish Cup loss to Dunfermline.

Last season: Aberdeen 2 Hibernian 1, Hibernian 3 Aberdeen 1, Aberdeen 3 Hibernian 1, Hibernian 3 Aberdeen 3

Last five league matches: Hibernian D L D W W; Aberdeen L D D D W

Top scorers: Derek Riordan (Hibernian) 9; Lee Miller (Aberdeen) 10

Referee: M McCurry (Scotland).

Referee: D McDonald (Scotland).

Rangers (2) v Hearts (3)

Rangers defenders Madjid Bougherra (calf) and Kirk Broadfoot (foot) face late fitness tests. David Weir is suspended, meaning Lee McCulloch, Christian Dailly or Andy Webster could be drafted into defence.

Hearts winger Andrew Driver has a hamstring problem and manager Csaba Laszlo is reluctant to risk him, while Laryea Kingston, Gary Glen and Jason Thomson miss out with the same injury. Goalkeeper Janos Balogh is banned but striker Mike Tullberg is in the squad after a five-month lay-off with a torn thigh muscle.

Last season: Hearts 0 Rangers 4, Rangers 2 Hearts 1 Hearts 4 Rangers 2

Last five league matches: Rangers W D W W L; Hearts W D W W L

Top scorers: Kris Boyd (Rangers) 24; Calum Elliot (Hearts) 11

Referee: C Thomson (Scotland).

Sunday, March 22

Dundee Utd (5) v Celtic (1)

Dundee United midfielder Scott Robertson is ruled out after he failed to recover from a groin complaint.

Prince Buaben and Andis Shala have recovered from minor knocks and will come into contention, while manager Craig Levein hopes an extra day's rest will help Jon Daly (hamstring) and Darren Dods (calf) recover in time.

Left-back Lee Naylor has recovered from a calf injury and will be in Celtic's squad.

Japanese midfielder Koki Mizuno is back from a hamstring injury, but Barry Robson (groin), Shaun Maloney (hamstring) and Paddy McCourt (hamstring) are still out.

Last season: Dundee Utd 0 Celtic 1, Celtic 0 Dundee Utd 0, Dundee Utd 0 Celtic 2, Celtic 3 Dundee Utd 0

Last five league matches: Dundee Utd D D L W L; Celtic D D D W W

Top scorers: Jon Daly (Dundee Utd) 9; Scott McDonald (Celtic) 15

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