Talking points as Premiership prepares for international break

What the report says

The BBC Sport Football preview says the Scottish Premiership returns for one final round of matches before the November international break, with six games spread across five kick-off times. The weekend is framed by contrasting European results for Celtic and Hearts: Celtic recovered from their domestic defeat by beating Besiktas in the Europa League, while Hearts lost away to Thun, leaving both clubs with important league games on Sunday.

At the top end, Rangers’ home win over Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final and Celtic’s slip at Falkirk have tightened the title race. Rangers could cut Celtic’s lead to a point if they beat St Mirren on Saturday, but BBC Sport notes that St Mirren have been difficult to beat at home and already pushed Rangers close in their last meeting. Celtic then host Kilmarnock, with the champions still four points clear of Rangers.

Elsewhere, Aberdeen host Hibs in a match between sides looking to improve poor league form. Hibs ended a long winless run by reaching the League Cup final, but they remain bottom after taking only one point from 12 in the league under new coach Marink Reedijk. Aberdeen are also under pressure after back-to-back league defeats before their cup loss.

The mid-table picture also remains crowded, with Dundee United against Motherwell and St Johnstone against Dundee among the key fixtures. BBC Sport says several clubs are close enough in points to move up the table, while Hearts host in-form Falkirk in a test that could shape the early-season top-six race.