Exciting Showdowns Await in the 2026-27 SPFL Season Kickoff

The 2026-27 William Hill Premiership fixtures have been officially released, setting the stage for a season filled with excitement, fierce rivalries, and notable managerial debuts right from the start. The season kicks off on Friday, 31 July, at Tannadice, where Dundee United will host Rangers. This match marks Derek McInnes’s first game in charge of Rangers, returning to a club where he spent three years as a player. On Saturday, 1 August, Aberdeen, under new manager Stephen Robinson, will aim to make a statement against Hearts at Pittodrie. Hearts, now under new management after McInnes’ departure, will look to start strong in this highly anticipated 5.30pm kick-off. St Johnstone returns to the top flight after a one-season absence, welcoming Kilmarnock. Simo Valakari’s Championship winners will be confident, while Neil McCann’s side seeks to build on a strong finish last term. On Sunday, Hibernian and Motherwell, both fresh from Conference League action, will clash. Hibs aim for consistency while Motherwell looks to progress under new management after losing Jens Berthel Askou. Key fixtures to watch include: 22 August: First Dundee derby at Tannadice. 29 August: A fierce battle between Aberdeen and Rangers at Pittodrie, with McInnes returning to face his former club. 2 September: The first Edinburgh derby at Easter Road. 20 September: The first Old Firm derby at Celtic Park, McInnes’s inaugural derby as Rangers boss. 17 October: A rematch of last season’s title decider, with Celtic hosting Hearts at Celtic Park. 28 October: Hearts welcome Rangers to Tynecastle, where Lawrence Shankland and McInnes can expect a hostile reception. This season promises to deliver high-stakes drama and thrilling encounters as teams vie for supremacy.

Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-06-18