SPL Opening Fixtures
Games to be played on the first day of the new season
The new Scottish Premier League season is scheduled to begin on Saturday 9th August when last season's runners-up Rangers face a tricky trip to Falkirk, with an early kick-off. Defending champions Celtic play St. Mirren the following day when an enthusiastic home support will celebrate the achievement of three league titles in a row.
Opening Day Fixtures - 9th August
Aberdeen v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Aberdeen will hope to build on their fine form at the end of last season when they defeated Rangers 2-0 in their final game at Pittodrie. Manager Jimmy Calderwood has lost several key players since then such as Barry Nicholson, but the prospect of a passionate North East derby against Inverness; those who remain such as Lee Miller and Zander Diamond should be too strong for Thistle, especially with home advantage. The main objective of Inverness manager Craig Brewster for the 2008-09 season will be to consolidate the club's SPL status.
Falkirk v Rangers
A crucial game for the Ibrox side as they bid to wrestle the SPL trophy from their Old Firm rivals Celtic for the first time since 2005. Rangers Manager Walter Smith has already added three strikers to his squad, former Hearts player Audrius Velicka, former Celtic player Kenny Miller and Northern Ireland international Kyle Lafferty seek to add some much needed firepower up front. Falkirk have a number of promising young players such as Patrick Clegg starting to develop into important contributors. A draw would not be a surprising result in what promises to be a fierce contest.
Hearts v Motherwell
An interesting pairing as Hearts tried to lure Motherwell manager Mark McGhee to the Edinburgh club during the summer months. Both teams have much to prove in the new season, Hearts have just had one of their poorest seasons in decades while the Lanarkshire club qualified for the UEFA Cup by virtue of their heroic exploits last term despite the sudden and untimely death of club captain Phil O'Donnell. A high-scoring draw cannot be ruled out at Tynecastle.
Kilmarnock v Hibernian
This is traditionally an open fixture and with players such as Steven Fletcher (reputedly a target for Real Madrid) on show it should make for an entertaining contest. It remains to be seen what if any new players will be acquired during the close season, but respective managers Mixu Paateleinen and Jim Jefferies will attempt to improve on last season's mid-table showing by both clubs.
Falkirk open the season at 12.30pm against Rangers while the other games are at the traditional time of 3.00pm
Sunday 10th August 2008
Celtic v St. Mirren
Celtic have the right blend of youth (epitomised by Aiden McGeady and Scott Brown) and experience (mainstays such as Shunsuke Nakamura and Jan Venegoor of Hesselink) in their squad; the other teams will find it difficult as usual to get points at Celtic Park. St. Mirren boss Gus McPherson can only dream about having a fraction of the resources that Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has available to him. Since Celtic can focus on the league fixtures without having to worry about Champions League commitments until Mid-September, they will be expected to win their opening game against 'The Buddies' with a few goals to spare.
Old Firm Derby
The first Old Firm derby game takes place on Saturday 30th August with a 3pm kick-off, although this may be adjusted to meet broadcasting requirements. It is difficult to see past another closely contested SPL title chase involving the main protagonists Celtic and Rangers. Can Motherwell sustain their terrific form from last season or can another surprise packet such as Aberdeen or Hearts emerge from the pack to present an alternative challenge? Here's looking forward to another memorable season in Scotland.
