The television state of play ahead of Celtic’s return as Sky Sports prepare to up their game

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You may be aware, but the Celtic first-team are back this weekend with Ange Postecoglou’s side taking on Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

And the good news is that, once we return, we’ll be hard at it until the next international break at the end of March.

At the moment we have 16 games pencilled in over the course of 91 frantic days, although there is the potential for more should we advance in the cup competitions.

And the good news for Celtic fans is that the majority of the early matches have been confirmed for live TV coverage.

Already this season, we have been asked to pay money directly to the likes of Ross County and Motherwell for pay-per-view coverage, with Sky Sports not televising games.

But the broadcaster are starting strong after the break, with some major Celtic matches to come.

Our 12:30 trip to Aberdeen on Saturday will be shown by Sky, as will our visits to Hibernian and Rangers.

Further into the New Year, our trip to Dundee United will also be broadcast live.

That Tannadice clash is actually the 11th Premiership fixture Sky will show before the end of January – from just seven fixture rounds.

Given that they’ve only shown 15 matches from 15 rounds so far this season (SPFL Mediawatch spreadsheet) that is an encouraging increase.

With two blockbuster Sundays – back to back matches at 13:30 and 16:00 – included, it does seem pretty clear that the broadcaster is upping its game. Time will tell whether it lasts.

Our cup semi-final against Kilmarnock will be shown on Viaplay Sports, while the Scottish Cup clash against Greenock Morton will almost certainly be televised too.

In other news, Celtic fans will find out more about recent signing Alistair Johnston later today