Champs Celtic face Kilmarnock in opener

Champions Celtic will begin the defence of their Scottish Premier League title in August with a home clash against Kilmarnock. Celtic clinched their 41st league championship last season against the same side when Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura...

Champions Celtic will begin the defence of their Scottish Premier League title in August with a home clash against Kilmarnock.

Celtic clinched their 41st league championship last season against the same side when Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura scored a fabulous stoppage time free-kick to give The Bhoys a 2-1 victory.

The first round of matches get underway on August 4. Newcomers Gretna start their first season in the top flight against Falkirk at Motherwell's Fir Park, where they will play their home games while their Raydale Park stadium is upgraded.

Last season's runners-up Rangers travel to Inverness Caledonian Thistle for their opener while Hearts have an early derby game with Hibernian.

The first Old Firm derby between bitter rivals Celtic and Rangers will take place on October 20 at Ibrox.

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