As the SPFL season is just around the corner, let’s take a look at some of our SNN Predictions ahead of the Scottish Premiership season.
Liam Smith
Champions – Rangers
I personally think Rangers have had an excellent window, especially with the signings of Devlin and Shankland, who did outstandingly last season, coming so close to the title, and of course McInnes — a manager who came so close to the title and is a big Rangers fan himself. I personally think they’ll do it this year, but I think it will be very tight between them and Celtic.
Player of the season – Duran (Celtic)
Despite me not thinking Celtic will win the league, I believe Duran will have an exceptional first season at Celtic, as we’ve seen at Qarabag. He’s very versatile across the attacking area and is known for his off-the-ball work and finding space in behind defenders. Just missing out on the top goal scorer award and the title, and with Daizen Maeda joining Ipswich, I think this will be a very good replacement for Daizen.
Top goal scorer – Shankland (Rangers)
Shankland is back at his boyhood side under McInnes, who we obviously know he thrives under, as he did last season leading the line at Tynecastle. For me, Shankland will score over 20 goals for the Ibrox side and be a crucial player for Derek McInnes’ side, as we saw during his time under McInnes at Tynecastle, leading the line for Hearts.
Surprise team – Kilmarnock
Killie for me must be the surprise team. They have recruited very well, as well as keeping John-Jules and Hugill in attack, as well as bringing in the former St Mirren captain, Mark O’Hara, to the midfield. I would say Killie may be in for a shout at top six, and some might even say Europe, compared to their relegation battle last campaign. Although their League Cup campaign so far hasn’t looked promising, I fully expect Neil McCann to get things heading in the right direction soon.
First manager sacked – Craig McLeish
A manager who I wasn’t impressed with during his interim spell, who then got the job full-time, which I found surprising despite avoiding relegation by a thread. I personally don’t rate McLeish at all and believe St Mirren could’ve taken in someone with higher quality. I don’t think he’s going to do well or last long at all, and he will be first sacked for me.
Charlie Douglas
Champions – Rangers
It’s never easy to predict who will be the champions before the season is underway, as proven last season, but as of right now I fancy Rangers to win it. I’ve been impressed with how Rangers have gone about their business this summer; however, the same can’t be said for Celtic at this stage.
A lot has been made over the recruitment at the Ibrox club in recent years, but this summer it feels as though they’ve got it spot on, especially with the additions of Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin, who have already proven themselves in the league.
Celtic managed to get the title over the line eventually last season, but the disconnect between the fans and the board has continued throughout the summer with the failure to re-sign Marcelo Sarrachi and Kelechi Iheanacho, and with only one signing in the door, Celtic have a lot to do between now and the end of the transfer window.
Top goal scorer – Shankland (Rangers)
Lawrence Shankland eventually got his move to Rangers this summer, reuniting with his old manager Derek McInnes.
The Scotland international’s goalscoring record in recent seasons speaks for itself, and there are few better than him in the country. Shankland played a big part in the success that Hearts had last season, and I can see him thriving under Derek McInnes and proving to be a real asset this season.
Player of the season – Duran (Celtic)
If Celtic are to have the success they had last season again this season, then new signing Camilo Duran is certainly going to have a big say in that. With Daizen Maeda earning a move to the Premier League, Duran is now left to fill his boots, and I expect him to hit the ground running for Celtic and have an impressive first season in Scotland.
Surprise package – Kilmarnock
I expect Killie to have a strong season. The appointment of Neil McCann came as a surprise to some last season, but he came in and got results while making Rugby Park a real tough place for teams to come and get a result at. Despite losing some key players this summer, such as Findlay Curtis, David Watson, and Lewis Mayo, I think Killie could have a good shot at claiming a top six spot.
First manager to be sacked – Craig McLeish
Despite enjoying silverware success last season, St Mirren avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth and really struggled to get the required results at times, resulting in a relegation playoff. Craig McLeish was appointed permanent manager in the summer after managing to keep Saints up; however, I expect them to have another underwhelming season. I think Craig McLeish’s inexperience will end up costing him in the end.
Mack Kelly
Champions – Celtic
Somehow, Celtic are in a weaker position than they were this time two months ago. Their board has put them and their reputation at risk of becoming a national, if not continental, laughing stock, but they usually (with the exception of last year) eventually get their business done, and I back their higher-ups to give Martin O’Neill what he wants — but equally it could be a car wreck.
Top Goal Scorer – Lawrence Shankland
Lawrence Shankland eventually gets his move to the team he has been destined to play for. No one this decade has scored goals on a more consistent basis than the former Hearts captain, and after reuniting with his former Tynecastle gaffer, Derek McInnes, I think he will score for fun this season for his boyhood club.
Player of the Season – Alistair Johnston
Alistair Johnston will be Celtic’s most important player this campaign if the Hoops keep hold of him. There’s already rumoured interest in the Canadian after an excellent World Cup, and he showed just how precious he is to Celtic in their title run-in in the split last season. Keep him fit, keep him on the books, and he will have the best season of his life before a move to a better league.
Surprise Team – Kilmarnock
I really fancy Kilmarnock to do well this season. They were laughed at by some for appointing Neil McCann earlier this year, but he got results and got them in abundance. Question marks perhaps over the time he spent as a pundit in America rather than preparing for this season are warranted, but I still have faith in him to deliver Killie a top six finish this season.
First manager to go – Stephen Robinson
I never rated the appointment, much like a lot of Aberdeen fans didn’t either. The amount of time it took for him to get appointed was ridiculous, and he has barely set the world alight since moving to the North East. He was due a move to a bigger club, but I think his stock fell at just the wrong time, and he will not be able to deliver the results expected at arguably the country’s third biggest club.
Scott Bradley
Champions – Rangers
They’ve signed well and have a good, solid manager in Derek McInnes with a serious point to prove. They’re strong favourites for me.
Player of the season – Shankland
He’s the best striker in the country, and if he gets the right service he’ll set the house on fire for Rangers.
Surprise team – Kilmarnock
McCann did a great job keeping them up last year. He’s a solid tactical coach, and they’ve made some decent signings. I can see them making a strong push for top six.
First manager to be sacked – David Gray
I think Gray has taken Hibs as far as he can. They were underwhelming last season, and I don’t expect much from them this time round while Gray is still at the helm.
Craig Baigrie
Champions – Celtic
I don’t think Rangers have done enough to change their real weaknesses, especially at centre half, and Hearts won’t be the same as last season. Celtic’s transfer tactics are smart — they don’t rush and try to make sure they’re worth the risk. £6m on Duran and potentially £11m on Hogh — two players who, on paper, look to be an upgrade on what Celtic had last year. It’s not unpreparedness or penny-pinching, it’s making sure the deal is right.
Player of the Season – Claudio Braga
Assuming Hearts hold on to him — Hearts played a strong team in Sturm Graz, and the 4-0 scoreline was a little unfair on them. Braga played well but was let down by teammates who couldn’t finish the chances he created for them. I think his performances will remain at a high level.
Top Goal Scorer – Duran
Struggling to pick between Duran and Shankland. Shankland will have more motivation than ever to do well at his boyhood club, and he’ll score plenty, but I think Duran just edges it. It’s a big shout, considering it’s his first season in this league, and I might end up looking silly with this pick — it depends on how well he copes with playing against low blocks almost every week — but I’ll go for Duran.
Surprise Team – Aberdeen
A lot of new players are looking to be gelling together well, having just won 4 out of 4 League Cup group games, albeit against lower league opposition. Premiership teams haven’t done well overall, but the Dons have. Steven Robinson is an experienced Scottish league manager who will get more out of the squad than others could. I expect Aberdeen could push top six and maybe Europe.
First manager sacked – Jim Goodwin
A Dundee derby here for me — either Goodwin or Steven Pressley. I’ve watched them both play League Cup games and wasn’t overly impressed with either, but United have a lot of promise that I think they’re struggling to show. Plus, if they lose Will Ferry, I think it’ll maybe be curtains for Goodwin.
Fayez Akram
Champions – Celtic
Despite how much of a mess they’ve been, not only this summer but for the last year, they always find a way to get it over the line, and I can’t see this season being any different.
Player of the Season: Cameron Carter-Vickers
He missed a lot of last season due to injury, but at his best he’s the best CB in the league. I think he could play a massive part in Celtic’s season if he stays fit.
Top Goal Scorer – Lawrence Shankland
I think Shankland will continue the great form he showed last season. Signing with Rangers and still playing under McInnes will give him a bigger boost, and he’ll be a big asset to the club this season.
Surprise team – Kilmarnock
Neil McCann came in and saved the club from relegation last season. Despite losing names like David Watson and Lewis Mayo, I think solid additions like Mark O’Hara and Bailey Rice will help the club get to a solid mid-table position.
First manager to be sacked – Jim Goodwin
After a mixed bag last season, I feel Dundee Utd may be in for a struggle this season, especially after losing experienced names in Sibbald and Strain. Bad news could be waiting quite soon for Goodwin.
Blane Lacey
Champions – Celtic
Martin knows how to do it — the Duran signing, as well as a couple of other incomings (Haugh, Hassan), could push Celtic over Rangers. I think Derek will be haunted by last season.
Top goal scorer – Shankland
I believe he, along with the other Hearts players and manager, will fit into the Rangers side like a glove.
First to be sacked – Craig McLeish
Poor squad, plus a lack of managerial experience in terms of Craig McLeish — I can see them having a poor start and opting for another manager.