CELTIC will kick off the new season with a explosion of colour at Parkhead on flag day – but it could be another team in green and white who provide the fireworks.
My top-four prediction in the Premiership is: 1. Celtic, 2. Aberdeen, 3. Rangers and 4. Hibs.
I accept it could go either or between the Dons and Gers if Pedro Caixinha's men make a strong start and sign Jamie Walker and possibly Kenny McLean.
Under Ian Cathro Hearts would have finished outside the top six and the midweek signing of Anthony Stokes strengthens my view Hibs will have a strong season on their return to the top flight.
And here's a call Tynecastle supporters won't like – Hibs are 10-11 with bet365 to finish above Hearts and that's worth backing. And I'm told 888sport are going 3-1 which is massive.
McBookie.com are offering 12-1 Celtic will go through the season unbeaten for the second year in a row – it was 33-1 last campaign. Brendan Rodgers's men are 9-2 for the domestic treble and you should get a run for your money.
For anyone who thinks it will be a disastrous season for Celtic it is 9-1 they fail to win a domestic trophy.
Looking at the early kick-off and Celtic will be on a high after beating Rosenborg to reach the Champions League play-offs.
Last season's invincibles are still invincible having kept four clean sheets in four Champions League qualifiers. They have won eight of their last nine at home to Hearts – the other was 0-0 – and this looks a home banker.
Celtic are no bigger than 2-9 with William Hill but I'm happy to back them -2 Asian at 6-5 with Paddy Power.
Backing a first scorer should wait until line-ups are revealed since Brendan Rodgers could make a few changes from Norway.
Hibs have a home opener against Partick Thistle and tempt at 17-20 with Marathonbet. I don't judge teams on the Betfred Cup groups but they were unbeaten and scored loads of goals against lower-league teams.
Consider Hibs at 11-10 with Coral to score 2+ while Simon Murray, who hit seven goals in the cup games, is 5-1 at bet365 to break the deadlock.
Dundee v Ross County and Killie v St Johnstone aren't easy to call at this stage and could end all square.
On Sunday it's Motherwell v Rangers and Hamilton v Aberdeen. All eyes will be on the Ibrox men who need to make a winning start after their Euro nightmare.
Bruno Alves and Graham Dorrans have arrived since then and friendly results have been promising. Rangers have won on four of their last five trips to Fir Park I'm backing the away at 4-6 with William Hill and let's take Kenny Miller at 5-1 with bet365 to score first.
Aberdeen will be feeling down after their Euro flop in Cyprus but should be able to lift themselves to beat Hamilton. They have won the last five meetings at Pittodrie and are a best 1-3 at Ladbrokes. Consider the Dons to win to nil at 11-10 with Coral.
In the Championship two games stand out as the top four in the outrights face off. Relegated Inverness open at home to title favourites Dundee United and I'm backing the Tannadice men at 17-10 with bet365.
Falkirk qualified from their Betfred group while St Mirren struggled and while I like the Bairns at 19-10 with bet365 best bet could be both to score at 8-13 with William Hill as three of the past four meetings have gone this way.
For me it's between Dundee Utd and Falkirk for the title and while I said last week United looked a little short the signings of Scott McDonald and Fraser Fyvie could give them the edge. United are 2-1 at Ladbrokes and others while Falkirk are 7-2 with William Hill and McBookie.
Brechin are massive favourites at 2-5 with McBookie to finish bottom and this is a step up for them. A trip to Queen of the South should see the home men pick up a welcome three points after a disappointing cup campaign. Queens are 4-7 at McBookie and back Stephen Dobbie to score first at 4-1 with McBookie.
In League One all five home teams are odds against and that should set alarm bells ringing. It could pay to stick to goals and best bets for both to score are Albion Rovers v Ayr, Alloa v Raith and Arbroath v Queen's Park.
As far as the title goes I'm backing relegated Ayr to bounce back and win the title at 9-4 with Betfred.
Peterhead took the scalp of Hearts in the Betfred Cup and look good at 11-10 with William Hill at new-look Annan. Back them to top the table at 13-8 with Marathonbet and take the superb Rory McAllister to shine and be leading marksman at 9-4 with McBookie.
Scottish Anteposts
- Celtic to win treble
- Hibs to finish above Hearts
- Dundee Utd to win Championship
- Falkirk ew to win Championship
- Ayr to win League one
- Peterhead to win League Two
- McAllister to top score League Two
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Quick heads up for those backing Hibs to finish above Hearts…
You can currently get 3/1 with 888sport
Cheers, that’s a huge price.
I couldn’t believe the difference when you mentioned the 10/11 in your write-up!
I took the 3/1 a few days ago and was surprised it was still available