The SPFL fixture list has handed Celtic three dates that could shape the entire 2026-27 title race.
Rangers visit Celtic Park twice before the split, while Martin O’Neill’s side travel to Ibrox just once. On paper, that looks like an advantage, but the timing of those meetings may prove even more important.
The placement of the Glasgow Derby fixtures could have a major influence on how O’Neill’s side navigate their title defence.
Celtic begin the campaign at home to Dundee on August 3 before a demanding opening sequence that includes Aberdeen, St Mirren and Rangers before the end of September.
Celtic’s first five 2026/27 Scottish Premiership fixtures
Thoughts Celtic fans? 🤔
Key Celtic 2026/27 fixtures
The fixture list appears favourable in places, but the timing of the derby clashes may ultimately prove decisive.
Key Celtic dates for the 2026-27 season
- August 3: Dundee (H)
- August 9: Kilmarnock (A)
- August 22: St Johnstone (A)
- August 29: Falkirk (H)
- September 2: Aberdeen (H)
- September 5: St Mirren (A)
- September 20: Rangers (H)
- October 17: Hearts (H)
- November 28: Hearts (A)
- January 2: Rangers (A)
- February 13: Hearts (H)
- February 27: Rangers (H)
- April 10: Dundee United (H)
Celtic’s first five fixtures
- August 3: Dundee (H)
- August 9: Kilmarnock (A)
- August 22: St Johnstone (A)
- August 29: Falkirk (H)
- September 2: Aberdeen (H)
That looks like a run O’Neill will expect his side to navigate successfully. Aberdeen at Celtic Park appears the toughest assignment before attention turns to St Mirren away and the first Glasgow Derby on September 20.
Celtic’s fixtures vs Rangers immediately stand out
Celtic will face Rangers three times before the split, with the first meeting arriving at Celtic Park on September 20.
That fixture comes after matches against Aberdeen and St Mirren, giving O’Neill an opportunity to build momentum before the season’s first major test. It is difficult to imagine a more significant fixture before autumn has even arrived.
The second derby takes place at Ibrox on January 2. That date could hardly be more significant. It follows festive fixtures against Motherwell and Dundee United and arrives immediately after the busy Christmas schedule.
The third meeting is scheduled for February 27 at Celtic Park. By that stage of the campaign, title races often begin to take shape. Any advantage gained there could prove crucial heading into the final weeks before the split.
Celtic’s fixtures vs Rangers confirmed
- September 20: Rangers (H)
- January 2: Rangers (A)
- February 27: Rangers (H)
On paper, having two of the three scheduled derby fixtures at Celtic Park looks favourable. Whether it proves decisive will depend on where both sides stand when those dates arrive.
Hearts fixtures could have a major impact on Celtic’s campaign
They may not attract the same headlines as the Glasgow Derby, but these are exactly the sort of fixtures that often end up shaping a championship race.
O’Neill’s side face Hearts three times before the split, with the first meeting arriving at Celtic Park on October 17, less than a month after the opening derby of the season.
The trip to Tynecastle on November 28 stands out most. It falls at the start of a demanding winter run that also includes Aberdeen away, Dundee United away and Rangers at Ibrox.
Celtic then host Hearts again on February 13, just two weeks before welcoming Rangers to Celtic Park. Those fixtures could provide the platform for a title push or leave O’Neill’s side chasing ground before another crucial derby encounter.
Celtic’s fixtures vs Hearts confirmed
- October 17: Hearts (H)
- November 28: Hearts (A)
- February 13: Hearts (H)
The fixture list has already highlighted where the title race may be decided
The most demanding period of Celtic’s schedule appears to stretch from late November into early January.
During that run, O’Neill’s side face Hearts away, Aberdeen away, Motherwell, Dundee United away and Rangers away. It is a sequence packed with difficult assignments and very little margin for error.
The fixture computer has also handed Celtic a potentially favourable start. Home matches against Dundee, Falkirk and Aberdeen should provide an opportunity to build momentum before the first Glasgow Derby arrives.
Ultimately, fixture lists never win titles. Teams do. However, the placement of the biggest matches often shapes the narrative of a season.
Looking at the schedule as a whole, the Glasgow Derby dates remain the standout feature. If Celtic emerge strongly from those three encounters, there is every chance the fixture list will be remembered as one that helped pave the way towards another Scottish Premiership crown.
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