Euro navel gazing & early troubles for Scottish title hopefuls

The start of the Scottish Premiership season has been challenging for the league's top three teams. Celtic, the reigning champions, took an early lead over Heart of Midlothian and city rivals Rangers, who both won their opening matches. However, Hearts suffered a 6-1 defeat away to Benfica, their fourth consecutive loss, while Rangers lost 2-1 away to Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League qualifiers.

The title battle may now come down to the best of a bad lot, but there is room for optimism. Dundee's Steven Pressley received criticism for underestimating Celtic's chances and their own league performance. Despite losing to Celtic, Dundee won their last five home games, including three in the top flight. Aberdeen, managed by Stephen Robinson, have been improving since their opening defeat to Hearts.

They have won four of their last six Premiership games, with only Celtic having won more points since April. St Mirren and promoted St Johnstone meet in Paisley, where Saints aim to start their season with two wins for the first time since 2017. Meanwhile, Motherwell and Hibernian face second-leg Conference League qualifier matches with strong hopes of progress, though Motherwell will need to improve against Falkirk, who have won their last three visits to Fir Park.

Hibs aim to become the first side to win consecutive league games at Ibrox after their May win there, while they also look to maintain their winning streak at home against Rangers. Celtic, without Martin O'Neill due to his hospital stay, could secure a ninth win in a row and a healthy lead over their title rivals. Hearts, who have lost their last three league games at Tynecastle, cannot afford a fifth consecutive defeat.