Celtic have a fantastic chance to set their stall out as favourites to lift the Scottish Premiership on Sunday in the opening match of the campaign at home to Kilmarnock.
Killie were difficult opponents last season so a confident and comprehensive win would show that the Bhoys are ready to improve upon their performance levels of last term.
With Rangers dropping points against Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday, Celtic can also land an early blow on the Ibrox side who have lurched from crisis to crisis throughout the summer.
For pro-Rangers pundits like Kris Boyd, it’s all getting too much already. He can’t see past the Bhoys making it four-in-a-row over his old team, making a ‘painful’ prediction before a ball is even kicked.
Kris Boyd on Celtic Rangers title race
He said in his newspaper column this weekend [Scottish Sun]: “It breaks my heart to say this, but I think it’s certain Celtic will be champions again this season. Rangers are facing too much chaos at Ibrox right now to make me think they can win the league.
“Who knows? I’ve been wrong before and maybe I’ll be wrong again. No one expected Ange Postecoglou to roll into town and win the title in his first season in Scotland. Yet he was able to turn things around quickly. The difference is that Philippe Clement doesn’t have the kind of money required to transform Rangers overnight.
“Despite the manager signing a new deal, there still seems to be too much chaos around Ibrox right now. At least Clement will be around to see the transformation the club needs.
“But let’s not get caught up in things. The only thing that matters for Rangers is winning games of football, not long-term visions. So I still see this as being a hugely painful season for the club’s supporters.
“There are always going to be twists and turns throughout the season, as there always are. But Rangers will definitely need to bring in more quality to even compete. I just can’t see past Celtic being crowned champs again, as much as it pains me to say it.”
Celtic have never settled for being champions-elect
The Lennoxtown camp won’t be paying too much attention to pre-season predictions and proclamations.
Yes, they’re in good shape – and could get stronger before the end of the transfer window – but within the coaching staff and playing squad, nobody has ever been complacent about winning trophies.
Hard work and dedication will deliver any silverware this season. The players won’t be taking their eyes off of that or resting on their many laurels.
Ultimately it’s up to them to prove themselves again. A new campaign brings new challenges, different circumstances and no doubt a roadblock or two. Celtic are favourites, no doubt, but let’s see it on the pitch.
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