NafisaPre-season anticipation in Scottish football always brings a familiar sense of tension, with fans and pundits already scanning the fixture list for early clues about how the title race might unfold.
Before a ball is even kicked, narratives begin forming around momentum, home advantage, and those all-important early-season clashes that can shape everything that follows.
There is also the psychological side of the rivalry that often gets overlooked. Both clubs know that even in August or September, a single result can swing confidence dramatically. That’s why the fixture computer never goes unnoticed when the calendar drops, especially when it throws up an Old Firm meeting before the season has fully settled.
Kris Boyd believes Celtic have a slight advantage for the new season.
The former Rangers player pointed out that the first Old Firm match of the 2026/27 season will be at Parkhead.
He was speaking on Sky Sports after the season schedule was unveiled.
Rangers will open their campaign away against Dundee United on July 31, while Celtic will begin with a home fixture on Monday night.
Boyd doesn’t believe either team has an advantage based on their opening fixtures.
However, he feels the first derby could be decisive.
The Light Blues will meet their city rivals at Parkhead on September 20.
Boyd said: “For me, the first Old Firm game is always key, and Celtic have got home advantage this year.”
He acknowledges Celtic’s tricky start to the campaign, playing Kilmarnock and St Johnstone away after their opening home match.
However, Boyd believes the home advantage in the derby could prove crucial for the Hoops.
He said: “There’s an opportunity there for Celtic.
“They’re the champions, they’ll be at home in the first game.
“Then they’ve got two away games.
“Kilmarnock will be tough, who are returning to grass this season as well.
“And then they’ve got St Johnstone – promoted from the Championship – away from home as well.
“They’re all difficult games in their own right.”
He feels that the outcome of the first Old Firm game could set the tone for the season.
He said: “If Rangers don’t go into that level or above Celtic and then all of a sudden you lose that, the pressure then starts to mount on the managers.”
The first Old Firm game will kick off at noon.
Nafisa
