The new Scottish Premiership season gets underway with a mouthwatering clash at Tynecastle as Hearts, who finished third last season, host runners-up Rangers. There's a palpable sense of anticipation in the air, but a less than optimistic pre-season for Rangers has left fans questioning the extent of Philippe Clement's challenge.
Clement has been busy in the transfer market, signing nine new players this summer. While many of these acquisitions are for the medium to long term, a number of experienced players have departed, leaving a reshaped squad. The manager's contract was extended yesterday, running until 2028, and he's stressing the importance of patience. Time will tell if this message resonates with the fans.
If Rangers struggle to recapture their form, Hearts are well-positioned to challenge for a top-two spot. However, they'll be tested by a demanding European schedule, with a minimum of eight games lined up. As ever, their success will depend heavily on the prolific Lawrence Shankland, who was awarded top honours last season and has scored 24 league goals in both of his seasons at Tynecastle.
Team News
Hearts welcome three new signings to the starting XI: Yan Dhanda, Gerald Taylor, and James Penrice. Rangers, meanwhile, field new signing Connor Barron in midfield alongside Mohamed Diomande, who secured a permanent move from Nordsjælland this summer.
Hearts (4-2-3-1): Clark; Taylor, Rowles, Kent, Penrice; Grant, Devlin; Dhanda, Shankland, McKay; Vargas.
Substitutes: Gordon, Kingsley, Halkett, Oyegoke, Oda, Spittal, Forrest, Boateng, Boyce.
Rangers (4-2-3-1): Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Davies, Yilmaz; Barron, Diomande; Lawrence, Wright, Cortes; Dessers.
Substitutes: Kelly, Matondo, Cerny, Dowell, Jefte, Balogun, King, McKinnon, Danilo.
Referee: Nick Walsh
Kick-off: 12.30pm
Early Impressions
The game has begun at a good tempo, with both teams showing early season eagerness. Hearts have had the better of the opening stages, with Lawrence Shankland attempting a shot from 20 yards, but Butland made a comfortable save.
The Pre-Season Buzz
"I'm very interested to see how Rangers fare this season," writes Phil Withall. "They seem to be struggling with more financial mismanagement and overspending, in desperate need of something to change their fortunes. It's not hyperbole to call this the first 'six-pointer' of the season."
The term 'six-pointer' in August might seem strange, but with the weight of expectation, every game feels crucial.
The Season Opener: A Different Kind of Excitement
"About to head to Fir Park for the *real
season opener of Motherwell against Ross County," writes James Humphries. "The first day of the season is like Christmas morning â it's ridiculously exciting, even if it's a bit pathetic. To avoid any uncivil emails, I won't mention the Hearts and Dundee song, but here's a song instead (and yes, the band name is awful)."
Humphries shares a link to a YouTube video of a band called "The Banter Thiefs".*
Looking Ahead
The Scottish Premiership is back, with plenty of drama and excitement to come. Today's match between Hearts and Rangers is the perfect way to kick off the season, and with the transfer window still open, there's sure to be more twists and turns ahead.