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 big question will be whether Gordon Strachan and the Dundee board will admit they made a mistake or persist in hoping for a turnaround.
Mack Kelly – 12th
Initially, I wasn’t jumping on the anti-Pressley bandwagon due to the good things the playing squad had said about his training sessions. That being said, the results in the Premier Sports Cup have been dreadful, and their transfers have not adequately replaced their departures. Also, I don’t see Simon Murray having the same season as last following Tony Docherty’s bizarre sacking.
Michael Shuel – 12th
A difficult summer on and off the pitch sets the tone for Dundee. Question marks over the Steven Pressley as manager, recruitment, and squad depth make this look like a long, hard season ahead. They struggled last year and have lost key players like Josh Mulligan.
Ryan Niven – 12th
With Steven Pressley’s unpopular managerial appointment and a lack of transfer business, the Dark Blues have lost key players Cameron, Sylla, and Mulligan. It will be a season of struggle for the Dark Blues.
Scott Bradley – 11th
Many were shocked to see Steven Pressley returning to Scottish football. It was an appointment that hadn’t exactly gone down well with large parts of the Dee fan base, and it’s understandable considering the great work Tony Docherty has done at the club. Pressley hasn’t managed in six years, and his CV doesn’t prove he should warrant the job. They could be in serious trouble.
Dundee United
Callum Hart – 7th
I see them finishing 7th.
Cameron Caldwell – 8th
A top-six finish was an excellent achievement for The Arabs in their first season back in the Premiership. However, a high turnover of players might make it challenging for them to replicate that success.
Jack Cranmer – 8th
United qualified for Europe after a strong return to the top flight, and they’ve looked good in pre-season. However, they’ve lost several homegrown players, and with that goes the grit and identity needed to succeed in this league. They seem short up front without Sam Dalby’s goals and Louis Moult’s leadership. A European push looks unlikely this time, but at least they’ll still be the best team in the City of Discovery.
Mack Kelly – 9th
I could be way off with this prediction, but I can envision a poor season for United compared to recent campaigns. They’ve lost Sam Dalby’s goals this season, which were always impossible to replace. They won’t be in trouble of going down, but I don’t see them challenging for the top six again this year.
Michael Shuel – 6th
There are lots of new signings, mostly foreign. Well done on beating the team from Luxembourg, UNA Strassen, in their Conference league qualifier. Only one Scottish player was in the starting XI in the second leg of that tie. It’s not a great story for domestic talent, but they should do well this season.
Ryan Niven – 9th
Without Sam Dalby and Glenn Middleton, I can see United struggling to recapture their form from last season.
Scott Bradley – 7th
Bold one here: Jim Goodwin’s men were the surprise package of last season, finishing in the top four, but due to how much the Edinburgh clubs have strengthened, and with many unknown new signings, I can see them falling off a bit this season.
Falkirk
Callum Hart – 11th
Expect them to be around 11th.
Cameron Caldwell – 6th
With back-to-back league titles, I believe John McGlynn’s exciting style of play will translate into success for Falkirk in the top flight.
Jack Cranmer – 6th
In successive seasons, Falkirk have won League One and the Championship, and they arrive with a winning mentality that many Premiership sides lack. They’re dangerous out wide and have added experienced campaigners like Scott Arfield in January alongside Scott Bain and Brian Graham this summer. Some see them as relegation candidates, but I’ve seen enough in pre-season to believe they’ll shock a few and push for a top-six spot. Right now, I’d tip them to make it.
Mack Kelly – 8th
The Bairns have been quieter than expected in the transfer market, but sometimes that can be good. There’s a real togetherness and determination amongst this Falkirk squad, and with a gaffer like John McGlynn, I expect them to steer well clear of relegation this campaign.
Michael Shuel – 10th
They have recruited well, albeit not many signings like other clubs. They try to play a particular style of football that I think will cost them points at times, but they have the firepower to try to steer clear of the bottom. Scott Bain in goal could be an interesting watch this season, as he has been unconvincing in pre-season.
Ryan Niven – 8th
This is a club with a winning mentality and a solid playing style. They will adapt to the league well and pick up some big wins.
Scott Bradley – 8th
The Bairns have been brilliant under John McGlynn, getting back-to-back promotions. They have a solid enough team and structure to survive relegation.
Hearts
Callum Hart – 3rd
I think Hearts will edge third due to not playing in European competitions.
Cameron Caldwell – 3rd
Derek McInnes achieved four second-place and two third-place finishes at Aberdeen. When you combine this with Hearts’ recent investment and transfer business, I am confident the Jambos will return to the top 3.
Jack Cranmer – 4th
Derek McInnes is a savvy appointment for Hearts. His Premiership experience and reputation for building solid squads bode well. The Jambos impressed in the Premier Sports Cup group stage and followed that with a strong win over Sunderland in pre-season. They’ll push Hibs for third place, and the Edinburgh derbies could be decisive in that race.
Mack Kelly – 3rd
There is no European football this season. A manager who will get the best out of what is, on paper, a great squad with depth can only see good things for the Jaguars this season.
Michael Shuel – 3rd
They have lots of new signings. Although their League Cup campaign has proven that it’s no problem! Derek McInnes is a good manager. Yes, the teams they beat are teams they are expected to put to the sword. However, other Premiership teams have shown it’s not that easy. Hearts have done it, though. They have a lot of dangerous players; Lawrence Shankland will return to firing ways. Pick of the bunch, though? Claudio Braga, top drawer. Keep an eye out, rest of the league.
Ryan Niven – 4th
Derek McInnes is experienced at the top end of the table, and Hearts look to have strengthened well in the transfer market.
Scott Bradley – 3rd
Appointing Derek McInnes was a very smart move by the Jambos. He’s an experienced manager who knows Scottish football inside out. They’ve made some shred business with Claudio Braga and Stuart Findlay.
Hibernian
Callum Hart – 5th
On balance, 5th seems about right.
Cameron Caldwell – 4th
David Grey’s team lost just 2 out of 22 Scottish Premiership matches from December 14, 2024, onwards. I expect another strong showing this season, with them challenging for third place.
Jack Cranmer – 3rd
Hibs were imperious in the latter stages of last season, and I expect them to carry that momentum into the new campaign. Recruitment has been strong, with the additions of Josh Mulligan and Jamie McGrath domestically, and the club has spent more than most outside the Old Firm have in recent years. It’ll be a tight battle for third place, but I fancy Hibs to edge it.
Mack Kelly – 4th
The only reason I see them doing worse than last season is that I expect them to qualify for the league phase of European football. I can see it taking its toll, but their quality is still a level above the rest of the league.
Michael Shuel – 4th
Losing Nico Triantis is a huge blow in midfield, yet they have recruited well with the creative force Jamie McGrath and the powerhouse Josh Mulligan. If Grant Hanley is confirmed, that is a good replacement for Lewis Miller despite his less-than-convincing performances for Scotland. Thibault Klidje is their record signing, but he’ll be a slow burner; they will need to rely on Martin Boyle to continue his goalscoring from last season and on Kieron Bowie to continue his explosion onto the scene. The one stickler is Europe; if they beat Partizan Belgrade to move into the Conference League, that could impact their domestic campaign.
Ryan Niven – 3rd
They have recruited very well this summer with the additions of Jamie McGrath, Josh Mulligan, and Thibault Klidje, and they are retaining Junior Hoilett and Rocky Bushiri. Hard to look past them for 3rd, a winning mentality, and a quality squad to match.
Scott Bradley – 4th
The Edinburgh club have had a sensational turnaround under boss David Gray last season, securing third place, and has been bold in the transfer market, spending £1.15 million on Thibaul
t Klidje. Still, with the possibility of playing in the Conference this season, that may see their arch-rivals clinch that third spot.
Kilmarnock
Callum Hart – 10th
They’ll likely end up 10th.
Cameron Caldwell – 9th
Stuart Kettlewell returns to Scottish football after a brief hiatus. His Motherwell teams were always solid, and I expect his Kilmarnock side to be no different.
Jack Cranmer – 10th
Last season was underwhelming for Killie, and with Derek McInnes departing and Stuart Kettlewell arriving, it’s hard to see much improvement. Despite an unbeaten League Cup group stage, their transfer business feels like-for-like, with no real upgrades. Expect more of the same: a season spent hovering around the lower mid-table.
Mack Kelly – 10th
This is probably my boldest prediction, but I don’t think this Killie squad possesses the quality to do much better than the 10th, and Stuart Kettlewell’s hiring does not inspire me.
Michael Shuel – 9th
I think Stuart Kettlewell is an excellent appointment and the right successor for McInness. I don’t think they’ll pull up any trees this season, but he has enough kettle (see what I did there?) to keep Killie steaming ahead of the rest of the dross.
Ryan Niven – 10th
Despite a decent transfer window, Kilmarnock will struggle for goals that will ultimately be their undoing throughout the season.
Scott Bradley – 9th
Stuart Kettlewell might not have been the most exciting appointment, with hard shoes to fill in replacing McInnes, but he’s experienced enough to ensure Killie won’t be in any bother. Losing key players such as Danny Armstrong and Corrie Ndaba will hurt Kettlewell’s men this season in terms of finishing in the top six.
Livingston
Callum Hart – 9th
I think they will finish 9th.
Cameron Caldwell – 11th
Davie Martindale has guided Livingston back to the Scottish Premiership at the first time of asking. A tough challenge awaits, but they’ll be good enough to win the playoff.
Jack Cranmer – 11th
David Martindale is practically part of the furniture at Livingston, and his loyalty was rewarded with another promotion the first time he asked. Working with a modest budget as always, he’s built a capable squad. Veterans like Danny Wilson and Stevie May can steady the ship, and Livi should avoid automatic relegation. They’ll be hard to beat at home but may lack the firepower to win key games. Even if they finish in the relegation playoff spot, don’t be surprised if Martindale conjures up another survival miracle.
Mack Kelly – 11th
For a change, I think their transfer business has been surprisingly good compared to their previous seasons in the Premiership. Martindale knows how to keep Livingston in the top division, so they won’t be an easy team to play against, but I think the quality in the rest of the division will see Livi qualify for the playoffs this term.
Michael Shuel – 11th
Their quality compared to other Premiership teams probably leaves something to be desired, but they will battle hard. David Martindale knows this league and what it takes to stay up. They could survive the playoffs, but avoiding relegation altogether will be difficult.
Ryan Niven – 11th
Despite many new additions, they will struggle to make a dent in the league. Sticking to their Championship playstyle will see them ship goals weekly.
Scott Bradley – 12th
David Martindale has done a great job at Livi, but I think this promotion has come too soon, and the jump up from the Championship to the top flight will be too much this season.
Motherwell
Callum Hart – 6th
Although Motherwell’s cup results seemed close, the new manager’s style of football seems like it will work well.
Cameron Caldwell – 10th
Jens Berthel Askou has been Motherwell’s fourth different manager since January 2025. He’s got a significant job at Fir Park to steady the ship.
Jack Cranmer – 9th
An ageing squad could spell danger for Motherwell unless they start to plan for the future. Stephen O’Donnell, Andy Halliday, and Paul McGinn are all nearing the end of their careers. Retaining Lennon Miller may prove difficult, with major bids expected. How the club reinvests that money will be crucial. New signing Tawanda Maswanhise and last season’s recruit Apostolos Stamatelopoulos look promising up front and should be enough to keep the Steelmen from relegation trouble.
Mack Kelly – 6th
It’s a toss of a coin between the Well and the side I have 7th (St Mirren). Both sides fought it out on match week 33 last season for the final top 6 spot. I fancy Motherwell this season with a new manager and potential Lennon Miller money to reinvest to pip the competition for 6th. However, they’re nowhere near a European finish.
Michael Shuel – 8th
Motherwell is probably the one team I’m not sure about. This is the only reason they are in the middle of the road. They don’t have enough quality to challenge the top of the pack, but they do have enough to stay afloat and away from danger.
Ryan Niven – 7th
They have added quality to the side, and from the Premier Sports Cup games, there seems to be a clear identity and a good style of play.
Scott Bradley – 10th
‘Well appointed Jens Berthel Askou – a unique appointment, but one that is too risky. The Steelmen did this with Michael Wimmer, and that didn’t work out, and I can see them in a dogfight this season.
Rangers
Callum Hart – 2nd
I’d be surprised if they didn’t finish 2nd.
Cameron Caldwell – 2nd
Russell Martin’s playing style promises more domestic consistency for Rangers. I anticipate a tighter title race, but I believe this season will come too soon for the Ibrox side to reclaim the top spot.
Jack Cranmer – 1st
This prediction is rooted in belief. Rangers’ business so far this window looks strong on paper, and if they continue in this vein, I can see things clicking and a real challenge being mounted to Celtic’s dominance. Russell Martin appears to have a clear plan, and for the first time in years, Rangers seem to have a modern footballing structure. If they can continue strengthening the squad and retaining key assets like Nico Raskin and Hamza Igamane, there’s every reason to think a title challenge is on the cards. They may also need Celtic to regress for it to come to fruition.
Mack Kelly – 2nd
Expect them to be a lot stronger this season. They won’t quite get over the finish line, but they will be a much better-looking side in the latter part of the season.
Michael Shuel – 2nd
I’m not convinced. Flattered to deceive at Swansea, did well with a team that outspent their rivals in the Championship with Southampton, before capitulating in the English Premier League. Revolutionary? We will see. They have made a lot of signings, promising ones from the English lower leagues. They are still to settle into the team, but there are many question marks over their forward options with Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers. However, Mikey Moore is a steal. He will never join permanently, but what a signing of intent. Djeidi Gassama looks like a threat, too. Both lightweight? Possibly. Although the former is a feisty little fella. They’ll do alright, though, better than last season.
Ryan Niven – 2nd
A summer rebuild and a completely different style of play, I think it will take a season to iron out the kinks as the squad develops and gets used to the Russell Martin style of play.
Scott Bradley – 1st
The Ibrox club has made some very interesting summer signings, including ones with proven quality, such as Joe Rothwell, Djeidi Gassama, and Theo Assgaard. It’s early days in the Russell Martin era, but once his style of play clicks, the Light Blues will be a force to be reckoned with this campaign.
St Mirren
Callum Hart – 8th
My prediction is 8th.
Cameron Caldwell – 5th
Stephen Robinson’s team has consistently finished in the top six for the past three seasons. Despite their smaller club size and no European qualifiers this year (unlike last), The Buddies could be the league’s surprise package again.
Jack Cranmer – 7th
The Buddies come into the season after a top-six finish and an unbeaten Premier Sports Cup group stage. They’ve added seasoned SPFL players like Liam Donnelly and Shamal George, alongside the impressive Jamaican Richard King, and have secured Killian Phillips permanently. However, I think Falkirk’s high-tempo style may catch them off guard and edge them out of the top six, though it’ll likely go down to the wire.
Mack Kelly – 7th
Stephen Robinson has done a fantastic job in Paisley so far this season. I can’t put my finger on why, but I can’t see him finishing in the top 6 for the fourth season running. Expect them to be formidable nonetheless.
Michael Shuel – 7th
Expect another consistent, solid season from Stephen Robinson’s men. They will be a proper battle for any team they face, but don’t expect them to defy expectations. They could sneak into the top six, but I believe they’ll miss out as other teams have strengthened their squads.
Ryan Niven – 6th
Stephen Robinson knows how to get into the top six, and I feel their transfer business has gone under the radar.
Scott Bradley – 6th.
Stephen Robinson has built a steady ship at the Saints, making them a solid top-six club. They can give any team in the league a good game, and they’ll be just fine this season.
