The SNL returns to action this weekend after a festive break with a strange quirk in the fixtures.

We’re seeing a round of games where the top two meet, battles between third and fourth as well as fifth and sixth, with the bottom two meeting to complete the picture.

Starting at the top, it’s almost a sell out at the time of writing as Aberdeen Lynx and Dundee Tigers go head-to-head to start the New Year and it promises to be a cracker.

Although they are the top two in the standings, both teams couldn’t have more constrasting form as momentum favours the league leaders, Lynx, with seven straight wins.

Tigers’ form has taken a dip with five losses in their last six and having played three games more than Aberdeen, they’ll be hoping to start the New year afresh.

Victory for the Tigers wouldn’t dislodge Lynx at the top though.  Head to head has Lynx ahead of them just now so should Dundee win, it would come down to goal difference, which favours Aberdeen so a big night is ahead.

Murrayfield has enjoyed a lot of good Saturday nights recently and will hope for the same when Paisley Pirates make their way along the M8 in this fourth versus third clash.

Home team Edinburgh Capitals are revelling in the glow of a Hogmanay 3-2 overtime win over Kirkcaldy Kestrels and will have an eye on third place.

Victory would achieve that and would be the latest for what’s been a largely successful return to action for the Caps.

For Pirates, a loss to Edinburgh was the only blip of a recent run of seven games where they won six of them.  However, it’s a first visit to the capital, which will present a different challenge altogether.

Sunday’s only game sees fifth take on sixth as Kirkcaldy Kestrels head to Tayside for a date with Richard Hartmann’s Dundee Comets.

With four points on offer, it’s a chance for one of these teams to possibly get themselves back into the top half of the table.

While at the bottom, it’s an Ayrshire derby as Kilmarnock Thunder play host to North Ayrshire Wild where the victors may get more points, but their position won’t change.

Thunder are seven points ahead going into this one, but with teams picking up victories prior to the festive break, will feel confident of starting the New Year in winning style.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

SATURDAY

Kilmarnock Thunder v North Ayrshire Wild (5.30pm)
Edinburgh Capitals v Paisley Pirates (6.30pm)
Aberdeen Lynx v Dundee Tigers (7.15pm)

SUNDAY

Dundee Comets v Kirkcaldy Kestrels (7pm)