Scottish Premiership is back on Friday – here’s why you shouldn’t miss it
The Scottish Premiership returns on Friday with Celtic defending the title they won dramatically ahead of Hearts last season. The campaign matters because Hearts came close to ending decades of Old Firm dominance, while uncertainty over both their rebuilding effort and Celtic’s squad could make the title race less predictable.
Hearts have lost manager Derek McInnes, captain Lawrence Shankland and midfielder Cammy Devlin, while new coach Wouter Vrancken has begun under pressure after a 6-0 Champions League qualifying defeat to Sturm Graz. Celtic retained Martin O’Neill after winning a domestic double, but supporters remain unhappy with the board; the club have spent about £15m on Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, while Daizen Maeda has joined Ipswich Town.
- Celtic begin as champions amid squad and supporter uncertainty.
- Hearts must rebuild after key departures and a heavy defeat.
- Friday’s return could bring a more open title race.
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The Scottish Premiership is the top division of Scottish football. This season matters because last year's title race was unusually competitive, with defending champions Celtic edging out Hearts in a dramatic finish after decades in which the Old Firm clubs dominated the league almost unchallenged.
Hearts have undergone significant changes after their near-miss last season, losing manager Derek McInnes, captain Lawrence Shankland and midfielder Cammy Devlin. Their new manager Wouter Vrancken has started under pressure following a heavy Champions League qualifying defeat. Celtic have retained manager Martin O'Neill after winning last season's domestic double, though the club have made only modest spending so far and key player Daizen Maeda has left for English club Ipswich Town.
These changes mean the title race is less predictable than previous seasons, when the Old Firm's financial advantage usually ensured one of them would win. Both Celtic and Hearts are in transition, making this an uncommonly open championship.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The new season offers a credible chance of a closer title race: Hearts pushed Celtic hard last year, and an unsettled Celtic squad could give their rivals an opening. Despite losing key figures, Hearts have a new coach and the incentive to build on last season’s progress, while Celtic’s recruitment and retained manager could help sustain their challenge.
The case against
Celtic remain the defending champions after a domestic double, with Martin O’Neill still in charge and around £15m spent on new players, so they have a strong basis for continuing their dominance. Hearts face substantial disruption after losing their manager, captain and a midfielder, and their heavy qualifying defeat raises doubts about whether they can repeat last season’s challenge.