Scottish Premiership returns: Rangers & Celtic set for a thrilling start
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Motherwell vs. Rangers FC: The Gers ready for title challenge
- Date: August 2, 2025
- Time: 17:30 (BST)
- Venue: Fir Park
Rangers FC are under new management as they start the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season with Russell Martin at the helm.
Martin impressed in his first competitive match in charge as he guided the team to a 3-1 aggregate win over Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League qualifying.
He will be out to prove that triumph wasn't a fluke as he aims to lead Rangers FC to their first league win over Motherwell. The result at the end of the day will determine whether they'll be worthy title contenders or play second fiddle. For more insights on this match, head on to our Motherwell vs Rangers FC prediction.
Celtic FC vs. St. Mirren: Title defense on the line
- Date: August 3, 2025
- Time: 16:30 (BST)
- Venue: Celtic Park
Celtic FC are still under the management of Brendan Rodgers, who is now 2 years in his second spell at Celtic Park after being appointed in June 2023. Rodgers' first competitive game in charge sees his charges face St. Mirren. On paper, they are the dominant side, and this should be a walk in the park to kickstart their title defense in fashionable style.
The Old Firm derby is just around the corner
The Old Firm derby is a fixture that's eagerly anticipated among football fanatics this season. A rival that dates back to the millennial era, Celtic FC, is out to exact revenge on rivals Rangers FC.
In the previous season, Rangers FC won two of their last four meetings against Celtic FC (W1, D1). Their previous meeting ended in a 1-1 draw, denying them a third straight victory.
They also hold a slight record in head-to-head meetings, recording 171 wins, while Celtic FC boasts 170 wins, with 105 matches ending level.
On August 31, 2025, they are set to renew acquaintances again as they lock horns in the fourth round of the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership . The match is expected to take place at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow.
New faces in the squad
Celtic FC have seen as many as nine players head out the door, but that shouldn't be cause for concern as they have made some notable signings to bolster their squad.
They have acquired the services of Kieran Tierney from Arsenal on a free transfer, including Callum Osmand from Fulham. Other signings include Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren, Hayato Inamura, and Shin Yamada.
Rangers FC, on the other hand, have been a busy bee in the transfer window. They have signed nine players, with their most notable signing being young talent Mikey Moore from Tottenham Hotspur on loan.
