The Start of the Scottish Premiership Season
The Scottish Premiership is set to kick off on Saturday, 5 August, with the defending champions Celtic hosting Ross County and Rangers taking on Kilmarnock. This year’s season promises to be an exciting one, with the first Glasgow derby taking place on Sunday, 3 September, and the first Edinburgh derby on Saturday, 7 October.
Celtic Begin Title Defence at Home to Ross County
Celtic will begin their defence of the Scottish Premiership title at home to Ross County on Saturday, 5 August. This will be the first of two games that will be broadcast live on TV that day. The Hoops will be looking to retain their title for the ninth consecutive season, and will be hoping to get off to a strong start in their opening game.
Rangers Visit Kilmarnock Later the Same Day
Rangers, last year’s runners-up, will visit Kilmarnock later the same day. This will be the first of two meetings between the two Glasgow rivals this season, with the return fixture taking place on Saturday, 30 December. The Gers will be looking to make a strong start to the season and put pressure on Celtic early on.
Dundee Mark Return to Top Flight at Home to Motherwell
Scottish Championship winners Dundee mark their return to the top flight at home to Motherwell on the opening Saturday. This will be the first of two games that will be broadcast live on TV that day. The Dark Blues will be hoping to make a strong start to life back in the top flight and put themselves in contention for a European place.
Relegated Neighbours Dundee United Begin Attempt to Make Quick Return Away to Arbroath
Relegated neighbours Dundee United begin their attempt to make a quick return from the second tier away to Arbroath on Friday, 4 August, with the game live on BBC Scotland. The Terrors will be looking to make an immediate return to the top flight and will be hoping for a strong start to their campaign.
League 1 Champions Dunfermline Athletic Host Airdrieonians
League 1 champions Dunfermline Athletic host Airdrieonians, who were promoted along with the Fife side to the Championship after winning the play-offs, the following day. The Pars will be looking to make a strong start to life in the second tier and put themselves in contention for a play-off spot.
Stirling Albion Start Campaign at Home to Edinburgh City
Stirling Albion, who won the League 2 title, start their campaign on 5 August at home to Edinburgh City, who on Thursday announced they had changed back to their original name after a season as FC Edinburgh. The Binos will be looking to make a strong start to life in Scotland’s third tier and put themselves in contention for a play-off spot.
Hamilton Academical Host Cove Rangers
Hamilton Academical host Cove Rangers the same day in a match-up between the two relegated sides. The Accies will be looking to make a strong start to life in the second tier and put themselves in contention for a play-off spot.
Spartans Play First-Ever Game in SPFL at Home to Clyde
Spartans, promoted via the Pyramid play-off, play their first-ever game in the Scottish Professional Football League at home to relegated Clyde, while the other side dropping from League 1, Peterhead, visit East Fife. Spartans will be looking to make a strong start to life in Scotland’s third tier and put themselves in contention for a play-off spot.
Conclusion
The Scottish Premiership season is set to kick off with some exciting fixtures and plenty of drama. Celtic and Rangers will both be looking to get off to a strong start as they battle it out for the title, while Dundee and Dundee United will both be hoping for a successful return to the top flight. With so many intriguing games taking place on the opening weekend, it promises to be an exciting start to the season.