Celtic will kick off their upcoming Scottish Premiership campaign on a Monday night, but attention has already turned to the first derby of the season.
After Flag Day, Celtic face back-to-back away fixtures against Kilmarnock, then St Johnstone.
But, naturally, eyes immediately turn to when the first Glasgow Derby of the season takes place.
Martin O’Neill’s side will host Rangers on Sunday, September 20, live on Sky Sports.
Kris Boyd has already spoken about the importance of that fixture and the layout of the games overall. He said (@ScotlandSky):
“There’s a lot made about the fixtures in Scotland, especially when the split comes, but for me it’s fantastic.
“If your team go and win, you don’t really care, but if your team lose then everybody seems to moan about the fixtures.
“Celtic are champions, they’ll be at home in the first game, then they’ve got two away games.”
Boyd believes that home advantage plays a massive role in kicking these types of games off and setting a standard for the rest of the season.
“I think, for Celtic, the key thing for me, there’s always that first Old Firm game,” he continued.
“Celtic have got it [at home] this season. If Rangers don’t go into it level or above Celtic, then the pressure then starts to mount on the manager.
“For me, the first Old Firm game is always key, and Celtic have got home advantage this year.”
It is the opportunity to lay down a marker early on in the campaign.
Martin O’Neill saw off Danny Röhl last term, with the Celts knocking their city rivals out of both cups and ending their title hopes as the Hoops dramatically secured a league and Scottish Cup double.
The first clash of the season will see Derek McInnes take charge of his first derby.
Celtic have a lot of work to do in the summer transfer window before even thinking about the first game of the new season.
Recruitment cannot falter, and O’Neill’s backroom staff must be finalised, especially with the window now officially opened.
Keep Reading
