It’s common these days that you can watch all six Premiership games this weekend and argue that at least one manager in each of them is under particular pressure.
Probably starting from Tannadice, where Dundee United host Ross County after both achieved creditable away draws last time out.
Simo Valakari heads to Motherwell on Saturday without worrying about his job, but the Finn will be keen to avoid a third successive defeat that would undermine the feel-good factor that accompanied his move from Riga to become St Johnstone manager last month.
Similarly, and at the same time, Dundee arrive at Pittodrie, where Jimmy Thelin faces the first test of his ability to rescue Aberdeen from a major disappointment after their 16-game unbeaten run since the Swede arrived from Elfsborg stopped in the final. hands of Celtic at Hampden.
Dundee’s comeback from two goals down to beat Kilmarnock 3-2 last weekend will not have helped Derek McInnes maintain his position as bookmakers’ favorite to be the next Rangers manager in the event of Let Clement lose his job.
Shortly after McInnes looks to improve his CV against Celtic on Sunday, Clement will hope to build on Sunday’s League Cup semi-final victory over Motherwell and Thursday’s creditable draw against Olympiakos in Piraeus, and further dispel rumors of a crisis at Ibrox.
However, perhaps the most unique challenge facing a manager comes at Easter Road on Saturday, as Stephen Robinson looks to avoid a fourth successive away defeat with a St Mirren team taking their latest off-field fouls.
After parting ways with defender Shaun Rooney following an assault allegation, Kevin van Veen’s loan from Groningen was terminated this week after the striker appeared in court accused of domestic abuse, while left-back Jaden Brown is awaiting sentencing for driving crimes.
Visiting a Hibs team sitting bottom of the table with head coach David Gray under pressure after a six-game winless streak could be a welcome relief considering they won on both of their visits to Paisley last season.
