Scottish Premiership returns: Celtic impress, Rangers have work to do, Hibs battle, Dundee derby drama & extra

The Scottish Premiership is again with new gamers, new managers, renewed rivalries and extra. 

Nonetheless, one factor stays a continuing – Celtic’s dominance. Brendan Rodgers’ aspect kicked off their title defence with a 4-0 win at dwelling to Kilmarnock and, with additional additions to their squad anticipated this month, any crew seeking to catch the Hoops have their work reduce out.

The standard of gamers like Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley and Kyogo was clear to see – as was Nicolas Kuhn who might be hoping to maintain his spot after a wonderful pre-season. Nonetheless, this win wasn’t about people – there was an actual depth to the crew’s play – with every part accomplished at velocity to place their opponents below stress.

As for Kilmarnock – Derek McInnes’ aspect might be glad to get their journey to Parkhead out the best way. It adopted a visit to Belgium within the Europa League and it was little shock the hosts seemed the brisker of the 2 sides. Robby McCrorie was saved busy and appears like a optimistic addition, whereas the likes of Matty Kennedy, Kyle Vassell and David Watson will hope to impress once more for the Rugby Park aspect.

Rangers’ rebuild, in the meantime, stays a piece in progress after their goalless draw at Hearts. Whereas boss Philippe Clement has assured enhancements will come within the months forward, followers will hope their aspect are nonetheless inside touching distance of Celtic when that point arrives.

Jack Butland, once more, appears like he might be a key participant for the Gers, whereas Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron might develop a robust partnership in midfield. Nonetheless, questions might be requested of the crew in defence and up entrance. Ben Davies appeared to battle and whereas he might be changed by new signing Robin Propper, an absence of targets might be a priority for followers – solely time will inform if Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and co can ship when it issues.

As for Steven Naismith’s Hearts – one other optimistic season might be on the playing cards. Summer season signing Gerald Taylor impressed at right-back, as did James Penrice and Yan Dhanda. With the likes of Frankie Kent, Kenneth Vargas and Lawrence Shankland from final season’s group additionally set to be key gamers, Jambos followers will anticipate one other good marketing campaign forward.

St Mirren had been the opposite massive winners on the opening weekend as they eased previous a poor Hibernian aspect below new head coach David Grey. The Easter Street legend labeled the loss as “unacceptable” and “not good enough” – maybe some reinforcements might be required to assist flip issues round at Easter Street and forestall his inventory from dwindling.

As for the Buddies – Stephen Robinson might be delighted his aspect kicked off with a win following their Convention League success and to see two of his summer season recruits, in Roland Idowu and Oisin Smyth, rating. After ending in a European spot final season, the problem for the Paisley membership was to show they will go once more this day out and, on their opening exhibiting, the indicators look good.

Dundee United’s top-flight return virtually started with derby delight. Nonetheless, regardless of twice taking the lead in opposition to Dundee – they had been made to accept a draw at Tannadice Park. United boss Jim Goodwin mentioned the end result felt like a defeat – maybe exhibiting the ambition his membership maintain this season. Armed with a bunch of recent signings – together with some potential gems in Jort van der Sande, Kristijan Trapanovski and David Babunski – the United followers might be excited for the season forward.

As for Tony Docherty’s Dundee, the Dens Park boss was left wanting extra. The membership completed within the high six final season, regardless of solely returning to the Premiership final summer season, and the problem for him might be to copy that when once more. Conserving a maintain of Luke McCowan might be key, whereas summer season signings Simon Murray and Seb Palmer-Houlden might show to be two bits of shrewd enterprise.

Elsewhere, Ross County and Motherwell each misplaced key forwards within the form of Simon Murray and Theo Bair over the summer season and maybe that advised of their season opener. Murray netted 23 targets throughout all competitions for the Dingwall membership final season whereas Bair’s 15 targets noticed him earn a transfer to France in the summertime.

Each golf equipment struggled to seek out the online in their goalless opener however maybe the FIr Park membership would be the happier of the 2 groups, having created extra. A clear sheet will please each managers, but when they’re to keep away from a bottom-six battle this season, a extra ruthless method might be required on the high finish of the pitch.

Scottish Premiership & SWPL on Sky Sports activities

Sky Sports activities – From 2024/25 as much as 60 Scottish Premiership video games might be accessible throughout Sky Sports activities’ flagship channels, together with Sky Sports activities Soccer and Sky Sports activities Most important Occasion, plus at the very least 5 SWPL matches.

Sky Sports activities Information – Working 24 hours a day, seven days per week, Scottish soccer followers can get pleasure from Sky Sports activities Information’ (channel 409) rolling editorial protection of the Premiership and SWPL all through the season.

Sky Sports activities Digital – Comply with all the newest from Scottish soccer throughout SkySports.com and app, together with unique options and interviews, plus devoted reside weblog protection, in-game clips from matches reside on Sky Sports activities and free highlights.

Sky Sports activities Social – Alongside protection and visibility for the league throughout all Sky Sports activities’ foremost social media channels, the bespoke X web page @ScotlandSky will proceed to be the house of all Scottish soccer content material on Sky Sports activities.

Highlights present – Tune in for a devoted round-up from the cinch Premiership each week on Sky Sports activities Soccer.

Sky Sports activities is the house of home soccer within the UK and Eire, with motion from the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Girls’s Premier League, Premier League, WSL, EFL, and extra.

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