Exciting Boxing Day Matches in Scottish Premiership

This year’s Boxing Day in the Scottish Premiership may not follow tradition, but the matches scheduled for December 27 promise excitement, with critical implications at both ends of the league table.

Hibernian is set to host their Edinburgh rivals Hearts at Easter Road in the early kickoff on Saturday. Defending champions Celtic will travel to face bottom-placed Livingston, while an intriguing matchup unfolds at Ibrox as Rangers take on Motherwell, ranked fourth and third, respectively.

Struggling Kilmarnock will make the trip to Paisley to challenge St Mirren, Dundee will welcome Falkirk, and Aberdeen faces Dundee United in the late kickoff.

Key highlights to watch include the much-anticipated Edinburgh derby, which marks 150 years since the first meeting of these sides. Hearts have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table, potentially going nine points clear if they secure victory and Livingston manages to upset Celtic at Almondvale.

Despite the outcomes in West Lothian, Hearts’ manager Derek McInnes understands that a win would provide momentum heading into 2026, especially after recent victories over both Old Firm clubs.

Looking ahead, Hearts have favorable fixtures against lower-ranked teams, including Livingston, Dundee, and St Mirren, before a highly anticipated clash at Tynecastle against Celtic on January 25.

For Hibs, not only is there the opportunity to hinder Hearts’ title ambitions, but a win could bring them within a point of Rangers in fourth place.

The previous Edinburgh derby in October was fiercely contested, with Hearts’ Craig Halkett scoring the decisive goal in injury time, volleying in from Sabah Kerjota’s assist.

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has been exceptional this season, leading the Premiership with 26 chances created from open play. He is expected to return for the fixture against Livingston after missing out on the win over Aberdeen due to illness. Under new manager Wilfried Nancy, Hatate has been an integral part of the squad, starting four of the five matches since Nancy’s arrival, despite the team’s struggles.

On the other hand, Motherwell, managed by Jens Berthel Askou, has emerged as one of the most entertaining teams in the league this season, displaying a possession-based style that belies their limited budget. Key players like Elliot Watt and Tawanda Maswanhise have made significant contributions, with Maswanhise being among the top scorers in the Premiership.

Defensively, Motherwell has showcased remarkable form, remaining unbeaten in their last 10 league games and achieving six consecutive clean sheets. They have conceded only 15 goals this season, a record surpassed only by Celtic and Hearts.

Statistical analysis suggests Motherwell is enjoying their best defensive record in the league since the 1931-32 season. As the saying goes, ‘Attacks win matches, but defences win titles,’ which bodes well for the Steelmen as they prepare to face Rangers at Ibrox. Given Rangers’ challenges in the attacking department this season, it wouldn’t be surprising if Motherwell’s impressive run continues into 2026.