The Big Kick Off

It seems to have come round awfully soon, but it's back to SPL action today.
The referees have negotiated themselves a pretty decent pay rise (no wonder some of those 'fat cats' are looking slightly overweight!)
Regular readers will know that I'm an ace tipster so you'll be desperate to hear my predictions for the new season! Here goes:

RANGERS will win the SPL. Yes, I have been drinking, but I think their (entirely merited) early exit from Europe could prove to be a blessing in disguise as far as their League challenge is concerned - although they'll certainly miss the £8 - £10 million they've lost as a result of their defeat by Lithuanian giants Kaunas. If they can keep their squad together - some of the ambitious Europeans may try to get a move to enjoy European football - I reckon they can be a match for Celtic, who will be embarking on a European campaign and won't be able to concentrate solely on the League.
As ever, the title will hinge on who comes out best in the four Old Firm games. My mates think I'm mad, but I reckon Rangers will do it.
As to the annual question - who'll finish third? I'm going for Dundee United, despite their poor finish last season. Craig Levein is a talented manager and I think he'll get the best out of his squad. They have also signed Sandaza,a new striker who is apparently red hot. So it's United for me for third spot.
I expect both Falkirk and Motherwell to have decent seasons, Kilmarnock to finish around mid-table with Aberdeen, and St Mirren and Hamilton to struggle and fight it out to avoid the drop.
And the Edinburgh teams? If there is no interference and Hearts' new manager is allowed to get on with the job of picking the team, I could see a big improvement in Hearts this year. It is a big 'if', though, and you can't predict Hearts' fortunes with any confidence.
Hibs' pre-season has been pretty dire and the squad is not a patch on previous years. The club was fortunate to have a particularly good start last season, and they will need that again this term. I expect a bottom six finish (I expected that last season but was pleasantly surprised to find Hibs almost in the running for a European spot near the season's end). I just can't see that this time round, but if there is one ray of hope it is the signing of former Gretna player Fabian Yantorno. If this guy can stay injury free he will be a real asset to the club - I'm looking forward to seeing him get an extended run in the side.
So here's how I see things shaping up:

1. Rangers
2. Celtic
3. Dundee United
4. Motherwell
5. Falkirk
6. Hearts
7. Aberdeen
8. Kilmarnock
9. Hibs
10. Inverness CT
11. St Mirren
12. Hamilton

Here goes for another season of false hopes and misery!

Incidentally, my Jinglin Geordie Fantasy Football selection is:

Olejnik (Falkirk)
Whittaker (Rangers)
Considine (Aberdeen)
Craigan (Motherwell)
Hogg (Hibs)
Hughes (Motherwell)
Stewart (Hearts)
Murray (Hibs)
Vennegoor (Celtic)
Boyd (Rangers)
Lee Miller (Aberdeen)

What can possibly go wrong now? I'm counting my winnings already!