Unveiling the Scottish Premiership: Must-Watch Highlights of the New Season's Kick-Off
Exciting clashes await as the Scottish Premiership kicks off! Celtic defends their title against Ross County, while Kilmarnock hosts Rangers Dundee battles Motherwell, Livingston takes on Aberdeen, St Johnstone faces Hearts, and Hibernian welcomes St Mirren Don't miss the action on Sky Sports!
The long wait is nearly over as the Scottish Premiership season is set to begin this weekend, featuring two exciting matches that will be broadcast live on We. While many are anticipating a showdown between Brendan Rodgers' Celtic and Michael Beale's Rangers, there is much more at stake than just their rivalry.
Dundee is the newly-arrived team, whereas Ross County aims to have a more comfortable season following their thrilling playoff triumph which guaranteed their survival.
Which teams will secure the top-six positions this season and earn the opportunity to compete in European tournaments?
There is sure to be plenty of excitement and drama over the coming months, but we take a look at what awaits this weekend...
Celtic vs Ross County
Celtic
Ross County
Saturday 5th August 11:30am
Kick off 12:30pm
Celtic will commence their Scottish Premiership title defense on Saturday lunchtime, broadcasted live on We, as they face Ross County. At Parkhead, there has been a significant transformation with Rodgers returning as the manager and five fresh signings prepared to prove their worth in securing the team's 54th title.
Malky Mackay had anticipated a smoother beginning to the season following their thrilling playoff triumph that ensured their stay in the top flight.
Since then, significant alterations have been made at the Staggies, with the addition of eight fresh signings. Their promising performance in the Scottish League Cup group stage provides a ray of hope as they embark on the upcoming campaign.
Celtic have won the last eight meetings between the two, can County shock the Hoops on the opening day?
Kilmarnock
Rangers
Saturday 5th August 5:00pm
Kick off 5:15pm
Rangers kick off their quest to break Celtic's stranglehold on domestic football with an evening match against Kilmarnock on Saturday, which will be broadcasted live on We.
Beale has made significant changes to his team during the summer transfer window, and it is anticipated that a number of the club's eight new recruits will make their debut at Rugby Park.
After securing their survival on the last day of the previous season, Derek McInnes has implemented significant changes at Kilmarnock by adding 11 new players to the team.
Kilmarnock's ability to perform well at home was crucial for them to remain in the league. However, they face a challenging start against a team that they have been unable to defeat since February 2020.
Kilmarnock vs Rangers
Dundee are back in the Scottish Premiership and there is a new man in charge as Tony Docherty takes his first steps into management.
There are twelve fresh recruits at Dens Park as he strives to ensure their triumphant return to the top-flight, although the insufficient progress in the Scottish League Cup group stages has hindered the ideal preparation.
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Will Motherwell cope without Van Veen's goals?
Stuart Kettlewell successfully steered Motherwell to safety in the previous season, and he is optimistic about their ability to continue performing well, despite the departure of their prolific striker, Kevin van Veen. The manager of Fir Park appears to have a fondness for matches against Dundee, having emerged victorious in both encounters during his tenure at Ross County.
Livingston warmed up for the start of the new Premiership season with a strong Scottish League Cup group stage campaign, progressing to the last 16.
David Martindale has lost a number of players but, despite expected interest, he has managed to keep striker Joel Nouble for Saturday's opener against Aberdeen.
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Nicky Devlin joined Aberdeen from Livingston
The Dons had an impressive season under Barry Robson, finishing third and securing European football until Christmas. To further strengthen their position, Robson has made seven new signings. Among them, Nicky Devlin, who recently joined Aberdeen, has the potential to make his competitive debut against his former club.
Dundee vs Motherwell
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It was a tough League Cup campaign for Steven MacLean
St Johnstone's performance in the Scottish League Cup campaign was far from satisfactory, as they lost three games and were unable to advance beyond the group stages.
Up until now, Steven MacLean has made only three new signings this summer, and the statistics do not bode well for the Saints, as they have been unable to secure a victory on the opening day of the league in each of the past five seasons.
Hearts finished the season with a strong performance, clinching fourth place on the last day. They now head to McDiarmid Park with four newly confirmed signings.
At Tynecastle, much of the pre-season discussion revolves around the management structure. Frankie McAvoy, who has been appointed as the head coach, is adamant that he will have the final say in decisions. Steven Naismith will serve as the technical director.
Striker Liam Boyce and midfielder Beni Baningime may make a comeback as they have resumed full training following severe knee injuries that sidelined them for a significant part of the previous season.
Livingston vs Aberdeen
Striker Liam Boyce and midfielder Beni Baningime could be in contention after returning to full training following serious knee injuries that kept them out for much of last season.Hibernian will enter the upcoming Premiership season on a positive note following their impressive 6-1 victory against Inter d'Escaldes, securing their advancement to the next round of the Europa Conference League. Despite suffering a surprising defeat in Andorra, Martin Boyle's impactful return to the team with a brace adds to Hibs' confidence. However, Lee Johnson may face a goalkeeper predicament prior to their Sunday clash with St Mirren.
David Marshall pulled up in Thursday night's warm-up with Jojo Wollacott's debut then cut short by injury.
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Conor McMenamin has joined St Mirren on a two-year deal
St Mirren travel to the capital city, filled with confidence after successfully reaching the last 16 of the Scottish League Cup, which they were unable to accomplish in the previous season. With the support of his summer signings, Stephen Robinson aims to lead the team towards another top-six finish in the current season.
St Johnstone vs Hearts
Up to 48 cinch Premiership games will be accessible on We's flagship channels, including We Football and We Main Event, along with at least five SWPL matches, during the next season. Starting from 2024/25, We will additionally broadcast up to 60 cinch Premiership games, in addition to the SWPL. Scottish football fans can enjoy continuous editorial coverage of the cinch Premiership and SWPL throughout the season on We News (channel 409), which runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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