2012-13 marks the sixth season of Clydesdale Bank's sponsorship of the Scottish Premier League. Despite Rangers demotion to Division Three, the scene is set for another exciting term, with Celtic aiming to win the title for the second year in a row. New boys Ross County and Rangers' replacements Dundee will be aiming to make their impressions on the top division of Scottish football.
Celtic v Aberdeen (12.45pm)
Aberdeen will have new signings Jonny Hayes from Inverness C.T. and ex-Celtic winger Niall McGinn available for the encounter at Celtic Park. Celtic's only transfer activity of the summer so far has been tying up goalkeeper Fraser Forster on a permanent deal.
Hearts v St Johnstone
Hearts defender Danny Grainger is suspended for the visit of Steve Lomas' side, who have been busy in the transfer market this summer. Defenders Tam Scobbie (Falkirk) and Gary Miller (Ross County), midfielder Paddy Cregg (Bury), and strikers Rowan Vine (QPR), Nigel Hasselbaink (St Mirren) and Gregory Tade (Inverness CT) have all joined the Perth side, as has goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey who signed from Caley Thistle.
Kilmarnock v Dundee
Kilmarnock have signed full-back Jeroen Tesselaar from St Mirren and striker Rory Boulding from Livingston. Clydesdale Bank Premier League new boys Dundee will have signings Declan Gallagher from Clyde, ex-St Johnstone striker Carl Finnigan and ex-Raith Rovers pair Iain Davidson and John Baird available.
Ross County v Motherwell
Ross County's Rocco Quinn is set to miss the start of his side's first-ever Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign after damaging ankle ligaments in the pre-season friendly against Elgin. Former Motherwell goalkeeper Michael Fraser along with Gary Glen, Paul Lawson and Steven Ross are all available for County but boss Derek Adams must wait for the referee's report to see whether Stuart Kettlewell will be suspended after his ordering-off in the pre-season friendly against Dutch side Den Bosch. Veteran Inverness C.T. defender Ross Tokely, ex-Dundee United stopper Mihael Kovacevic and Macclesfield's Jon Bateson have all joined the Staggies, while Martin Scott is back at the club on loan from Hibs. Motherwell's only pre-season addition has been Simon Ramsden from Bradford City, following the departures of defenders Tim Clancy and Stephen Craigan and midfielder Steve Jennings.
St Mirren v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Saints skipper Jim Goodwin is suspended for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League opener - as is his Caley Thistle counterpart Richie Foran. Home pair Steven Thompson and Marc McAusland also carry bans over from last season. Saints have added goalkeeper Grant Adam, midfielder Jon Robertson and strikers Lewis Guy and Sam Parkin to his squad. Inverness C.T have signed former Queen's Park Rangers and St Patrick's midfielder Conor Pepper. The 18-year-old from Dublin impressed in pre-season for the Highlanders, who have also handed Liam Polworth a professional contract as well as signing defenders Gary Warren (Newport County), Simon King (Gillingham) and David Raven (Tranmere), former Real Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Reguero from Spanish Second Division side Gandia, midfielder Ross Draper (Macclesfield Town) and former Crewe striker Jason Oswell.
Dundee United v Hibernian (Sunday 1.00pm)
Dundee United have Michael Gardyne, Mark Millar, Brian Mclean and goalkeeper Rado Cierzniak ready to make their competitive home debuts. Tannadice youngster Dale Hilson is suspended after being sent off while on loan at Forfar last season. Hibs boss Pat Fenlon has brought in goalkeeper Ben Williams, defenders Tim Clancy and James McPake and midfielder Paul Cairney as he seeks to improve on last season's performance. Frontman Leigh Griffiths has also rejoined on loan from Wolves.
By cbfootball.co.uk Last updated:
01 August 2012