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Points Shared between Rangers and Celtic in Dull Derby

Rangers 0-0 Celtic The opening Old Firm ended in a dismal goalless draw as Rangers and Celtic returned to league action. Russell Martin made five changes from their bruising Club Brugge defeat, including a first start for new striker Bojan Miovski, formerly of Aberdeen. Brendan Rodgers also included a new signing in his starting team. Michel-Ange Balikwisha started in a front three beside Benjamin Nygren and Daizen Maeda, after arriving from Royal Antwerp on Thursday. In a frantic start, Rangers looked to wrestle control in a sizzling Ibrox atmosphere. Despite several corner kicks and long throws in the opening exchanges, they could not trouble Kasper Schmeichel in goal. Shortly after, the home support’s penalty protests were waved off by Don Robertson, despite a collision between Miovski and Liam Scales in the box. The home side looked far more structured after their abysmal visit to Belgium. Connor Barron started all four derbies last season and looked an assured presence in midfield. Celtic’s attack was ineffective in the first half. They failed to trouble Jack Butland, with only crosses from Arne Engels and Anthony Ralston coming close to posing a threat Rangers had the next opening after 28 minutes.- Barron lifted the ball forward to Tavernier, but his stabbed cross was put behind for a corner before reaching Miovski. Rangers had the ball in the net four minutes later. John Souttar bravely met Tavernier’s free kick to head past Schmeichel. However, the home side’s celebration was cut short with the Scottish defender fractionally offside. Despite the offside goal, Martin would have been pleased with the solidity of his team. There was a drive about Rangers; their physical nature disrupted Celtic and stopped Callum McGregor from dictating derby day. Rangers looked to build on their encouraging first half. Mikey Moore blazed over for the first second-half chance. Gassama beat Tierney for pace soon after, but Scales blocked his flashed cross. Celtic registered a shot on target at the hour mark. Hatate picked up the ball on the edge of the box but drove his strike straight at Butland to keep the score level. Jack Butland gathered an acrobatic effort after a free kick after 66 minutes, before a double substitution for the away side. Engels and Balikwisha offered little threat and were withdrawn for Shin Yamada and James Forrest. A mix-up in midfield between Gassama and Barron left Yamada through on goal, but Butland was quick to smother the Japanese forward. As the match approached its conclusion, Celtic’s attack sharpened, and a tense atmosphere fell over Ibrox. Neither side was able to force an opener as the game finished goalless. The result means it is four straight draws for Russell Martin’s Rangers. The draw leaves Celtic level on points with Hearts as the first international break beckons. Rangers: Butland 7 Tavernier 7 Djida 6 Souttar 7 Meghoma 6 Barron 7 Diomande 6 Aasgaard 6 Gassama 6 Moore 6 Miovski 6 Substitutes: Antman 6 Dessers 6 Bajrami 5 Celtic: Schmeichel 6 Ralston 6 Carter-Vickers 6 Scales 6 Tierney 5 McGregor 6 Engels 5 Hatate 6 Nygren 5 Balikwisha 5 Maeda 5 Substitutes: Yamada 6 Forrest 6 Saracchi 6

August 31, 2025

Scottish Teams Find Out Their Fate In European Draws

Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen today all found out their opponents for the league phases of the Europa League and the Europa Conference League. Rangers and Celtic were in pots 1 and 2 of the Europa League draw respectively, whilst Aberdeen found themselves in pot 4 of the Conference League draw following their drop down to the competition last night. The pot 1 part of the draw arguably could not have provided Rangers and Celtic with tougher opponents, with both sides hosting Italian giants AS Roma who are the highest ranked side in the competition as per coefficient. Rangers also have to travel to Portugal to take on 2011 winners FC Porto, the second highest ranked side, whilst Celtic travel to De Kuip to take on Eredivisie giants Feyenoord, who they defeated under Arne Slot in 2023 to end a ten-year Champions League hoodoo. In pot 2, both sides have also been pitted against the 2011 runner ups, Portuguese outfit SC Braga, another side that will be flying in to Glasgow on two separate occasions. Celtic’s away tie from this pot sees them travel to Serbia as they were drawn away to the intimidating atmosphere of the Rajko Mitic Stadium, home of Crvena Zvezda, and Rangers also make the journey to Eastern Europe, as they will play Ferencvaros of Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Pot 3 again sees one side fare up against both of the Glasgow giants in Sturm Graz, however unlike AS Roma and SC Braga, they will only need to make their way to the East End of Glasgow rather than the Southside as well, as they have been drawn away to Celtic and at home to Rangers. Rangers’ home tie of this pot sees them host Ludogerets of Bulgaria, who have won their own top flight 14 times on the trot, whilst Danish side FC Midtjylland host another green and white Scottish club, after they knocked Hibernian out late in extra time in the qualifiers to help themselves reach this stage of the competition. In pot 4, Rangers host Belgian side Genk and travel north to face Brann of Norway, who last faced Scottish opposition last season in the form of St. Mirren in Conference League qualifying. Celtic’s draw was concluded with a visit from Dutch side FC Utrecht, where infamous former Hoops goalkeeper Vasilias Barkas currently plies his trade, and they will also make the journey to Northern Italy to take on FC Bologna, captained by Scotland international Lewis Ferguson. As for Ferguson’s former side, Aberdeen, their 6 Conference League opponents were discovered following the Europa League draw. The Dons host Ukrainian side, and European regulars Shakhtar Donetsk from pot 1, and will also see visits from Ligue 1 opposition Strasbourg and Armenian side Noah, who travelled to the UK last season to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the last term’s Conference League, losing 8-0 to the eventual competition winners. There are some enjoyable away days on the cards for the Red Army, as they make the trip to the capital of Czechia to play Sparta Prague. They can also look forward to the slightly warmer climates of Greece’s capital Athens when their side play AEK, and another trip slightly more East to Cyprus, as they face AEK Larnaca, who dumped out a Legia Warsaw side that narrowly beat Hibs last night to deny Scotland having four Scottish sides in European group phase competition.

August 29, 2025

Celtic out of Champions League on penalties after spirited Almaty display

Kairat Almaty (0) 0 – 0 (0) Celtic Kairat Almaty win 3-2 on penalties Temirlan Anarbekov saved two penalties as Kairat Almaty beat Celtic to progress to the Champions League, relegating the Scottish Champions to the Europa League. Celtic made two changes from the first leg six days ago. Anthony Ralston replaced the injured Alistair Johnston, with Adam Idah dropping to the bench for Yang Hyun-Jun. The home side frustrated Celtic for much of the opening leg, and this continued for the first half of the second leg although James Forrest had the game’s first big chance in the 22nd minute as the winger met Reo Hatate’s cross but headed straight at Anarbekov. Kairat’s high press was suffocating Celtic; there was no room for the likes of Benjamin Nygren, Callum McGregor, and Hatate to dominate, but there were positive signs down the left-hand side as Kieran Tierney and Yang had both picked up attacking areas, but lacked the final pass. Almaty were awarded an indirect free kick after Kasper Schmeichel handled Callum McGregor’s looping back pass. A wall of Celtic players held firm to deflect Jorginho’s strike, but it was a warning for Brendan Rodgers’ side. The home side continued to grow in confidence as Valery Gromyko surged forward soon after, but Cameron Carter-Vickers blocked his shot. As the game entered its final 15 minutes, neither team looked likely to open the scoring. Substitutes Adam Idah and Arne Engels linked well, but Engels blazed over from 25 yards. Then Celtic had a golden chance to win the game when Daizen Maeda was released onto Anarbekov in goal. The Japanese striker raced clear of the Kairat defence but blazed his shot over the bar, the first clear-cut chance of the game and a golden opportunity wasted for the visitors. Schmeichel had to be alert to tip minutes later to tip Ofri Arad’s header round the post as the game reached its climax. The match trundled into extra time and Celtic had another opening when Idah found the onrushing Hatate after a clever channel run. A yellow jersey blocked the resultant shot to keep the scores level. Callum McGregor and Gromyko traded shots from 25 yards before Anarbekov saved a powerful Nygren strike. Luke McCowan had the first chance of the second extra time period, but his deflected strike was palmed off the line by Anarbekov with Colby Donovan pouncing on a loose ball and pulled back for Nygren, but the Swede’s close-range strike was stopped again by home keeper. Kairat Almtay held their nerve in the resultant penalty shootout, scoring four of their five to progress to the Champions League. Anarbekov was the hero once again, saving from McCowan and Idah as Celtic’s two lacklustre displays see them head for the Europa League for the first time in four seasons. PLAYER RATINGS Kairat: Anarbekov 9 Luis Mata 7 Jorginho 8 Martynovich 8 Arad 7 D Glazer 7 Tapalov 8 Mrynskiy 8 Gromyko 8 Sorokin 7 Ricardinho 8 Celtic: Schmeichel 6 Ralston 5 Carter-Vickers 6 Scales 6 Tierney 6 McGregor 5 Hatate 5 Nygren 6 Forrest 6 Maeda 5 Yang 5

August 26, 2025

Celtic left frustrated in Almaty blank

Celtic 0 Kairat Almaty 0 Going to Almaty was going to be long enough, but Celtic have to do it the hard way if they are to secure a place in the Champions League group stage this season. The Kazakh champions came to Glasgow and put in one of the best performances they could have on the European stage to frustrate and stifle the attacking talent at Celtic’s disposal. They deserved immense credit for the way they stuck to the game plan and kept the Premiership champions at bay. Now Brendan Rodgers’ side must make the 7,000 mile trip and hope his team can take a big win and into the group phase. Fans have wondered why the club haven’t spent to help give the team a fighting chance to bring in the quality they need to take them to the next level. On this display, it could be a decision that could backfire big time on them. There was an early scare on 11 minutes when Kairat’s captain Alexsandr Martynovich had space in front of the Celtic net and put the ball into the net, but the offside flag went up. The home side had their own chance a few minutes later as Kieran Tierney played a low ball into the centre, but James Forrest just couldn’t get the ball from under his feet. Kairat posed a threat going forward and Jorginho must have rued his thinking process after being fed the ball by Edmilson. Instead of shooting, he ended up dithering and seeing it taken away from him. It was a lacklustre first half hour and there was real concern when Alistair Johnston had to be carried off with a suspected hamstring injury. Anthony Ralston was his replacement. They finally got sight of goal as Benjamin Nygren played in Daizen Maeda, but Kairat goalie Alexandr Zarutsky rushed from his goal line to narrow the angle. Celtic needed much more from their forward players, who saw the first half pass them by. Rodgers thought the same as he withdrew the ineffective Adam Idah for Hyunjun Yang. And what an impact he had initially. The second period was barely a minute old when Yang played to Forrest, who controlled to take it on his left foot, but struck the base of the post with his shot. Zarutsky grabbed it gratefully. Moving Maeda into the centre, where Idah had vacated was a good move from the Celtic manager as they started to cause problems. Nearly at the hour mark, Cameron Carter-Vickers caused a problem of his own as he briefly switched off, watching the ball roll away from him in horror where Edmilson took the initiative. Spotting keeper Kasper Schmeichel off his line, he tried one from just outside the centre circle, but luckily for the Danish goalie and the centre half, it went over the crossbar. The atmosphere was a nervy one as time ticked on among the home support, who perhaps had hopes of seeing their team rack up a favourable scoreline before the daunting trip to the far end of Kazakhstan next week. Liam Scales did well to find space to meet the corner, but could only direct it over. It was a chance that was to end Zarutsky’s night, as he hobbled off injured, where he was replaced by Temirlan Anarbekov. The biggest chance of the night fell to Maeda as the ball landed in his path and his shot low on Anarbekov was in the right place to deny the Celtic hitman deep in injury time. It summed up the kind of night it was as Almaty held on for the draw, to the delight of those hardy fans who made the mammoth trip. Celtic will hope they will be smiling in Kazakhstan in Tuesday’s return leg. Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston (Ralston 35), Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney (Trusty 76) Nygren (Yamada 76), McGregor, Hatate, Forrest (Engels 70), Idah (Yang 46), Maeda Subs Not Used: Sinisalo, Simpson-Pusey, McCowan, Osmand, Kenny, Bernardo, Murray Booked: McGregor (26), Tierney (31)

August 20, 2025

Celtic put four past Falkirk to claim last eight League Cup berth

Celtic 4-1 Falkirk Maeda (25′) Johnston (54′) Murray (61′) Henderson (64′ 0g) Adams (67′) Celtic progressed to the Premier Sports Quarter Final Draw after a convincing four-goal victory against Falkirk. Maeda headed the champions into the lead after 25 minutes, before three more goals in a ruthless 10-minute second-half spell killed off the Bairns, who pulled one back through Keelan Adams which was nothing more than a consolation. Brendan Rodgers made six changes from Celtic’s 2-0 victory at Pittodrie on Sunday against a Falkirk team unbeaten in their group, who themselves made two changes from the disappointing 3-1 league defeat at Livingston last weekend. Celtic started brightly, establishing a high tempo for much of the opening period. James Forrest cushioned a Maeda cross into the path of Johnny Kenny, but the striker flashed wide for the opening chance of the game. Liam Henderson almost gifted Celtic the lead on 11 minutes when his attempted backpass caught out Scott Bain, but luckily trickled past the post to keep the scores level. Kieran Tierney was next to try his luck, but Bain was alert to turn his fizzing strike behind for a corner. Arne Engels crashed a free kick off the crossbar before Celtic eventually took the lead minutes later. Callum McGregor clipped a delicate ball to Tierney, the left back cushioned his header across goal for the onrushing Daizen Maeda to head home for a deserved opener. Falkirk rarely threatened Viljami Sinisalo in the Celtic goal but looked a threat on the counter. The Finnish goalkeeper was alert to tip Calvin Millar’s 20-yard strike past the post, and block Alfie Agyeman’s low strike. Forrest had a golden chance to double the lead, but he headed Luke McCowan’s back-post cross over the bar. Despite wave after wave of Celtic attacks, they were unable to add to Maeda’s heading finish. Celtic started the second half exactly how they ended the first – on the front foot. Forrest’s powerful strike was tipped behind by Bain, and the former teammates exchanged a wry smile as the goalkeeper came out on top again. A barrage of Engels corner kicks followed before the home side eventually doubled their lead. It was the unlikely source of right back Alistair Johnston who fired a left-footed strike into the bottom corner after Millar surrendered possession. The 3rd goal followed on the hour mark as Engels whipped another pinpoint corner kick, which Dane Murray glanced home, rounding off a dream day after signing a new three-year deal hours before. Celtic had the ball in the net again three minutes later. Yang burst down the left, and his cross was met by the knee of Falkirk defender Henderson. He could only watch helplessly as the ball trickled into the Falkirk net. It was a blistering ten-minute spell from Celtic, showcasing the attacking intent that secured a fourth straight Scottish Premiership title last season. The visitors did find consolation soon after, an arrowing Adams strike from the right-hand side of the box whistled past Sinisalo in goal. Celtic regained their composure soon after and they were unable to add to their lead, but Rodgers will be pleased with the comprehensive nature of their victory against the Championship winners.

August 15, 2025

Rodgers ready for Bairns cup test

Brendan Rodgers has nothing but praise for Falkirk boss John McGlynn but insists there’s no way his Celtic team will take them lightly in their Premier Sports Cup tie. The cup holders enter the competition against last season’s Championship winners in a Friday night contest as the tournament heads into the knockout phase. And Rodgers showed his appreciation of the work done by his opposite in achieving back-to-back promotions to the top flight. “I’m so happy for him as a guy and his football,” he said. “I think what John has demonstrated in his time since he’s gone back into management is that talent and technique will always override power. “Unless you have the resources and the money to get power, technique and talent then it’s sometimes a difficult askespecially when you’re trying to play football “I look at his teams at Raith and I look at what he’s done at Falkirk in bringing them up. You see how they play and you see the attitude, the energy they have in the game and the technical qualities they have. “He deserves all the accolades he gets been absolutely fantastic and they’ve demonstrated that game idea and how they want to play. “They have an inherent belief in that football philosophy, which has allowed Falkirk to get promoted for the first time in years. “For us we don’t underestimate them. We’ll be ready for them and from the first whistle to be really aggressive in the game.” Bairns boss McGlynn says organisation is the key as they return to Celtic Park on League Cup business, almost a year after losing there 5-2 in the quarter finals in a game where they acquitted themselves well. “They’re always going to go and attack and attack and attack so with the intensity of the game and the tempo it can become relentless,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure that we are very well organised. We are going to have to be nice, bright and sharp with them without the ball. “The ball can come back into play very quickly at a certain part. Whether it’s a goal kick, a throw in, or you know, set play. They’re doing things quickly and they try to you catch out. “So, we cannot turn our back on anything. We’ve got to be so switched on. And if we can do that and have a good shape about us. If we can stay in the game then you know we can cause one or two problems. Friday’s tie between Celtic and Falkirk will be shown live on Premier Sports, kick off 7:45pm.

August 15, 2025

Celtic and their Champions League gamble

As if facing a lengthy trip to the far end of Kazakhstan isn’t daunting enough, Celtic fans are left wondering when or if Brendan Rodgers will get to splash the cash. With the play-off tie against Kairat Almaty starting with next week’s first leg in Glasgow, what should be the start of another exciting Euro adventure is already fraught with nerves as Celtic’s reinforcements are slow in arriving. Last season, Rodgers’ men successfully navigated the group phase, but were undone by Bayern Munich in the knockout play-off round. Apart from a sound trashing by Borussia Dortmund, they made a great account of themselves in Europe’s premier competition and the assumption would be they would look to kick on and go again. So far, the transfers haven’t exactly whipped the fans into a frenzy. Eight players have been signed – two free transfers, one loan and four involving fees totalling somewhere between £4 million and £5 million. All of whom will no doubt do a job in some capacity, maybe in the long term, but it’s not exciting the supporters. Last year, they spent over £40 million and broke their transfer record twice by bringing in Adam Idah from Norwich for £9 million and Arne Engels for £11 million, both of whom haven’t quite set the heather alight. So who is to blame for this lack of activity? The Celtic boss has remained diplomatic in his comments when it comes to transfer activity, but the undercurrent seems to be of a man frustrated that his attempts to really strengthen the team haven’t come to fruition. Rodgers is a man with ambition. Since the day he first walked into Celtic Park, he’s always wanted to take them to the next level. Last season, he did. This season, who knows? Between the reported £30 million – £40 million in prize money, depends on who you read, not to mention the sale of Nicolas Kuhn to Como for £16 million, the coffers have been swelled again. Now, it’s not for this writer to expect Celtic to splash the money once it starts burning a hole in their pocket, but fans are right to wonder just where the cash is going if they’re not spending it to upgrade the team. Why are the board so frugal and are they willing to irk Rodgers again? Let’s not forget, the Northern Irishman has seen this movie before, which played its part in him leaving for Leicester. The squad deadline is 11pm tonight to register any new players for the Kairat tie and, barring any major development, the current squad, as is, will be trusted to try and get them to the group stage. If the plan is to wait and see if Celtic can do it before they splash the cash in the manner they did in the final week of last August’s transfer window, it’s a risky strategy. If they don’t qualify, what then? It’s a Europa League campaign, which is where they don’t want to be ideally. Failure to reach the Champions League will lead to further disgruntlement for the fans and maybe even tip Rodgers towards the exit door again. The next couple of weeks will really show the level of ambition the Celtic board have. Domestically, there shouldn’t be any problems, but complacency could be a killer for them.

August 14, 2025

SPFL Weekly – Matchday 1: Five Talking Points

Russell Martin blows his top after a lacklustre showing, Luke McCowan spares blunt Celtic with late heroics, and Derek McInnes’ Jambos breezed into pole position for title challenge. Kieron Bowie was the Starman at Den’s Park, and it was a level start on opening day for promoted sides. We’re back! Here’s our round-up of the big talking points from Matchday 1 in the 2025/26 SPFL season. Martin Fires Warning Shot The post-match talk to the press is rarely more explosive than the game. Yet the new man in the dugout, Russell Martin, let rip in his Sky Sports interview after their opening SPFL game at Fir Park, criticising the mentality of his squad. He accused some of his Teddy Bears of ‘reverting to type’ and needing to ‘drop their egos’. An impressive second-half performance from Motherwell saw Emmanuel Longelo’s powerful strike cancel out James Tavernier’s first-half header in the 1-1 draw. The Lanarkshire side could have won, too, with Jack Butland denying Tom Sparrow, who scored their winner at Ibrox in March, in the game’s dying moments. Martin admitted that his ex-Norwich teammate’s side, Jens Berthel Askou, who joined Motherwell in the summer as Head Coach, was ‘braver’ and more ‘aggressive’ than his side and was lucky to get a point. Their supporters booed off the Glasgow side at full-time, echoing déjà vu from last season. The Brighton man, who played for Rangers on loan in 2018, delivered similar criticism in context to Barry Ferguson’s comments last season. Although Martin said it was ‘not an attack on anyone personally’ ahead of tonight’s Champions League qualifier against Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox, he will need to be careful not to alienate his squad. They overcame Panathinaikos over two legs in the previous round of European qualifiers. However, the less-than-convincing performances and players playing out of position have baffled supporters. He said some players must ‘drop their ego’, but perhaps he should be the one to compromise on his tactics and do so willingly if he wants to succeed in Glasgow. He told Sky Sports: “We need to work out who really wants to be all in and who doesn’t.” Martin has been busy in the transfer window, with the recent arrival of Finnish international Oliver Antman, who arrives from Go Ahead Eagles in a £4m deal, pushing the total to nine signings. The gaffer will hope Antman doesn’t shrink under pressure but grows into a giant in attack. Loyal servant and club captain James Tavernier, who has been at the club for ten years, has been an ever-present in this so-called egotistical environment. Still, question marks remain about his ability to instil a positive culture. Maybe Martin, Tavernier, fresh faces, and player exits can finally push the club in a new direction. Rodgers Needs Firepower After McCowan Bailout Luke McCowan saved Celtic’s blushes with a deflected strike in the last ten minutes of the game against a stubborn St Mirren side at Celtic Park. It was hard to say what was less surprising: Stephen Robinson’s men, unbeaten in last season’s top-six split and fresh off a third consecutive top-half finish, proving they are no pushovers, or McCowan coming off the bench and positively changing the game for the Hoops. The Bhoys started with a party. A rousing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone rang out, Kris Boyd pleading for Scott Brown to keep talking on Sky Sports so he doesn’t have to hear it. Lisbon Lion John Clark, who passed away in the summer, had a tifo unveiled in his memory. And the club welcomed back 90s legend Paul McStay before he unfurled the league champions’ flag at Celtic Park. Unfortunately, that’s where the shindig faded. The home side struck the woodwork four times and saw a Callum McGregor second-half strike correctly ruled out for handball. It wasn’t until McCowan’s 12-minute cameo that the game came to life. The 27-year-old brought energy and the decisive flourish that Benjamin Nygren and the front three of Yang, Adam Idah, and Daezen Maeda lacked. He had a similar role last year, coming on as a substitute 17 times for Celtic in the league, scoring six goals and assisting seven times for his boyhood club. The narrow 1–0 win means the reigning champions have now won their opening league fixture in 17 of the last 18 seasons. It has been a successful period for the club, but Brendan Rodgers will only continue at Celtic beyond his contract, which expires at the end of the season, if the club continues to develop on and off the park. Rodgers wants attacking reinforcements, but Yang is less than convincing. James Forrest is ageing, and the injured Jota is not expected to return until the new year. Adam Idah continues to blow cold, and Jonjoe Kenny and new signing Shin Yamada are both untested in the league. On BBC’s Sportscene, ex-Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew says the club needs two wingers and a striker, which is a fair assessment based on the manager’s recent comments. Hearts Weather the Wind and Bloom into Title Contenders The Jambos were back in league action after cruising in their League Cup campaign the past few weeks. Even Storm Floris caused chaos across Edinburgh, with Fringe shows cancelled, train services halted, and even the Military Tattoo called off. Still, it couldn’t disrupt Derek McInnes’ men with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen. They had no sympathy for the 650 Aberdeen fans attempting the journey south, or for Dons’ captain Graeme Shinnie, who put the ball into the back of his net in the early stages of the game from a Harry Milne cross. Jambos’ summer signing Stuart Findlay finished the scoring with a brave header past an onrushing Dimitar Mitov. Lawrence Shankland thought he had doubled their advantage in the first half with a wonder strike, which was disallowed for offside in the build-up. Managing his first league game for Hearts against a former club, Derek McInnes told Sky Sports afterwards that “we gave everything.” They will

August 5, 2025

Our Writers Predict the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership

The William Hill Premiership is looming, with the opening weekend starting with Killie hosting the newly promoted side of Livingston on Saturday and concluding with the blockbuster clash on Monday when Aberdeen visit Hearts. Fresh optimism, big questions and plenty of intrigue await. Will Celtic continue their domestic dominance? Can Hearts, Hibs, or Aberdeen close the Old Firm gap? And who’s facing a scrap at the bottom? The transfer window is still open, and predictions may hinge on late window shenanigans. However, our team of journalists has examined all 12 clubs and offered their early predictions for this season. Aberdeen Callum Hart – 4th I’m tipping them to finish 4th. Cameron Caldwell – 7th Guaranteed European football until January will be a double-edged sword for Jimmy Thelin’s squad. Balancing these demands with the busy domestic calendar will be a struggle. Jack Cranmer – 5th Jimmy Thelin pulled off a shock by guiding Aberdeen to Scottish Cup glory and European group stage qualification. However, that European run could become a burden. The squad is decent, but its depth is questionable. Thursday-Sunday football has hurt clubs like Hearts, and Aberdeen may suffer similarly. Recruitment has been shrewd, but whether it’s enough to maintain a top-four challenge remains to be seen. Mack Kelly – 5th They have had a lot of activity in the transfer window this season, and Thelin is now properly putting his stamp on the squad. I think European football this season will act as a derailer for the Dons and hold them back in the table. That said, I can see the Reds going on a run in the Conference League. Michael Shuel – 5th The Dons have been busy in the transfer market, but losing Jamie McGrath on a free is a blow. Hopefully, their recruits can prove effective. The extension of Alfie Dorrington’s loan is a good move, as he will continue to develop into a top defender. They hope to continue last season’s success, which saw them pick up silverware. Ryan Niven – 5th Inconsistent last season, and with the addition of European football, I feel the Pittodrie club will struggle. Scott Bradley – 5th Despite the historic Scottish Cup win against Celtic last season, we can’t forget the Dons had a poor second half of the season, only managing to win five of their last 26 league games. The Dandies played in Europe under former boss Barry Robson, and they struggled to cope with that Thursday-to-Sunday schedule; the same could happen this season. Celtic Callum Hart – 1st Celtic still seems to be the better team between them and the Rangers; however, I think the gap will be closer this year than last. Cameron Caldwell – 1st While there’s still work to do in the transfer market, Celtic’s established core should be consistent enough to secure their fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title. Jack Cranmer – 2nd Celtic remain favourites, but a storm may be brewing. Brendan Rodgers’ recent comments hint at dissatisfaction with the club’s backing during the summer window. Nicolas Kühn’s departure is a blow, and while Benjamin Nygren appears a capable replacement, it’s hard to argue he’s an upgrade on an in-form Kühn. If he stays fit, Kieran Tierney will be an improvement on Greg Taylor, but that’s a big ‘if’ across a 50+ game season. Up front, serious concerns remain: Jota won’t be fully fit until late in the campaign, Adam Idah is still unconvincing, Kyogo Furuhashi still hasn’t been truly replaced, and the new options lack the quality Celtic have had in recent years. Rodgers has a track record of third-season stagnation, and if he’s not backed, he could walk. If that happens, chaos could open the door to a Rangers resurgence. Mack Kelly – 1st It will be much tighter at the top end of the table this season, but I think the squad’s quality and experience will deliver the Celtics’ fifth consecutive title by no more than six points. Michael Shuel – 1st With the Rangers experiencing a tactical revolution (or mess, as some could call it) and the mastermind Russell Martin joining, the Celtics should be scared. Not really. It will take time for Rangers to gel, and the Hoops have too much quality in all areas of their squad. Could they do with more wingers now? Sure. But that’ll come. Are there question marks around Adam Idah? Look, he will still get 15-20 goals this season. If that’s what you call a flop (even at a staggering £9m), then so be it. Ryan Niven – 1st With the Rangers being rebuilt, Celtic will bring home another title. However, their lack of transfer business so far makes me believe it’ll be a closer title race than last season. Scott Bradley – 2nd Despite winning a double last season, Brendan Rodgers’ men have dropped in form and standards over the last few months. There doesn’t seem to be a real buzz and excitement surrounding the Scottish champions at this moment in time, and the lack of transfer business is a concern, especially amongst the Celtic faithful. I believe this will be Rodgers’ last season, and if he loses the first Old Firm game at Ibrox, the alarm bells will start ringing. Dundee Callum Hart – 12th After Dundee’s poor start to the campaign, I think it’ll continue into the league season. Cameron Caldwell – 12th Steven Pressley hasn’t been a manager since 2019. This lack of recent experience could prove problematic for a Dundee team that only narrowly avoided relegation last year. Jack Cranmer – 12th I don’t want to be too harsh on Steven Pressley; he’s done his homework at Brentford, but alarm bells are already ringing. Losses to Airdrieonians and Alloa in the League Cup, plus a narrow win over Lowland League Bonnyrigg Rose, don’t inspire confidence. Their recruitment, mainly from English lower leagues and loans from Brentford youth, looks risky. Pressley’s man-management has also been questioned, and losing Josh Mulligan and Lyall Cameron won’t help. If results don’t pick up soon, the

August 2, 2025

Polish side Lech Poznań have opened discussions over a potential move for Luis Palma

Polish side Lech Poznań have opened discussions over a potential move for Luis Palma. The Celtic wide man is being targeted in a proposed loan agreement, which would include a purchase clause for the following summer. Palma, 25, last featured on loan at Olympiacos during the second half of the previous campaign.

July 18, 2025

Celtic