Newly-promoted Hearts host St Johnstone, Dundee Utd face Aberdeen
The Scottish Premiership season soon kicks-off, with Celtic aiming to retain their title, but Aberdeen will be hoping to mount a serious challenge, having fallen short in last campaign’s run-in.
In the opening weekend of the new Scottish term, Hearts will contest St Johnstone, while Dundee United duel with Aberdeen on home soil.
Hearts v St Johnstone
Newly-promoted Hearts will be keen to make a strong start on their return to the top-flight, as they entertain St Johnstone at Tynecastle.
The Premiership newcomers are 9/2 with Coral to secure a returning victory with both teams getting on the scoresheet, while the travelling side are 5/2 to grab three points away from home.
Edinburgh outfit Hearts comfortably romped to the Championship title last term, storming to a commanding 21-point triumph in the second tier, meaning they immediately bounced back to the top-flight after relegation.
Hearts have appointed Alim Ozturk as captain, following the loss of former skipper Danny Wilson to Rangers, while Spaniard Juanma Delgado and Queen of the South hitman Gavin Reilly have been brought in to boost the firepower of Robbie Neilson’s squad.
Delgado is 2/1 to net anytime, while Reilly is 8/1 to open proceedings against St Johnstone, though the visitors will have plenty of attacking threat themselves. Frontman John Sutton is 2/1 to strike anytime, with Graham Cummins another danger at 8/1 to score the game’s final goal.
Dundee Utd v Aberdeen
At Tannadice Park, the hosts are 11/8 to secure a home victory, with Aberdeen even-money to triumph on the road, as they aim to push on and challenge Celtic for the Premiership crown.
Henri Anier is 2/1 to strike at anytime for United, while Aberdeen’s main attacking danger will undoubtedly be Adam Rooney, with the Republic of Ireland forward 6/1 to bag a brace or more.
The Irishman netted the winner in this fixture at Pittodrie Stadium last season and the club will be hoping their star striker can continue that form this term, in what could be a surprisingly successful campaign.
Betting tip: Rooney to score two or more @ 6/1