Clydesdale Bank Premier League 2008/09 preview

The new Clydesdale Bank Premier League season begins today, with another thrilling campaign in prospect.

Champions Celtic are seeking their fourth title in succession under manager Gordon Strachan, having secured their latest crown on a dramatic last night on May 22.

The Parkhead club begin their title defence at home to Gus MacPherson’s St Mirren on Sunday and also have the group stage of the Champions League to look forward to.

Rangers have already endured disappointment in Europe but Walter Smith’s men will hope to impress on the domestic stage and start away to a Falkirk side who have finished seventh in each of the last two seasons.

John Hughes’ men have played some great football since their elevation to the SPL and came within minutes of making the top six in 2007/08.

Mark McGhee’s Motherwell took third spot last term and a UEFA Cup place was the reward for the Steelmen, who face Hearts in a fascinating opening-day clash at Tynecastle where Csaba Laszlo takes charge for the first time.

Aberdeen finished strongly to claim fourth spot last time round and Jimmy Calderwood’s troops begin at home to an Inverness CT outfit who have never beaten the Dons in the league.

Craig Levein did a great job to lead Dundee United to the CIS Cup final and the verge of a European place and Francesco Sandaza has been brought in to add some threat after the loss of leading scorer Noel Hunt to Reading.

United begin their campaign away to Hamilton Accies, who are back in the top flight after an absence of almost 20 years. Billy Reid has a number of talented youngsters at his disposal and the Lanarkshire club are confident of doing well in their first SPL season.

It has been a difficult pre-season for Hibernian but Mixu Paatelainen will hope everything comes together when the real action begins against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Killie found the going tough in 2007/08 after suffering a number of injuries but they have been in the top flight since 1993.