Celtic title favourites as season kicks off
The Scottish Premiership gets underway on August 5th. Celtic are favourites to retain their title ahead of Rangers. Aberdeen and Hearts are thought to be in the mix for a European place.
Hoops host Ross County on Rodgers’ Return
Brendan Rodgers returned to Celtic, hoping to continue their domination of Scottish football continue. Ange Postecoglou departed Glasgow in June to become the new Tottenham manager, having won five trophies in two seasons. Rodgers will be looking to reproduce the success he enjoyed in his first spell, as well as aiming to make a mark in the Champions League.
Yang Hyun-jun, Kwon Hyeok-kyu,Maik Nawrockiaaa, Marco Tilio and Odin Thiago Holm could all make their competitive debuts against Ross County in the opening fixture on Saturday. Jota is the only notable departure to date.
Rangers spend big to close gap
At Rangers there have been a number of changes after a season without a trophy and a disappointing Champions League campaign. Boss Michael Beale embarks on his first full season after replacing the sacked Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November 2022.
Departing the club are Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield, Filip Helander and Allan McGregor who, between them, made over 1000 appearances for the Light Blues.
Rangers have shelled out big money on new forwards Danilo, Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers, while Abdallah Sima has also arrived on loan from Brighton. Jack Butland succeeds McGregor in goal.
Saints and Dees likely to be in relegation fight
Dundee, St Johnstone, Ross County and Kilmarnock are most bookie’s favourites for relegation.
This will be St Johnstone’s 11th successive season in the top-flight but there is concern in Perth that this could come to an end.
In 2021, the Saints were cup-double winners, a superb achievement. However, since then fortunes have taken a turn for the worse. They were almost relegated a year later, only surviving in the play-offs and last season it took a late surge in form to ensure survival last time round. A poor League Cup campaign in July suggests they will struggle this season.
Newly promoted Dundee have also crashed out of the League Cup and will face a battle if they are to preserve their top-flight status.
First Old Firm game scheduled for September
The first Old Firm derby of the season is scheduled to be played at Ibrox on Sunday, September 3 at 12pm.
The season is set to conclude on May 18/19.
