For so long, the top of the Scottish Premier League has been made up of the Old Firm duo of Rangers and Celtic but, with the former demoted to the Third Division after their liquidation and subsequent reformation, there will be a new look and fresh feel about the table in 2012-13.

Rangers’ absence offers the likes of Dundee United, Hearts and Aberdeen the chance to push Celtic, while Dundee, who have finally been given the go-ahead to replace Rangers, join their city rivals in the division and are already looking forward to the renewal of the Dundee derby on August 19.

Saturday sees five games taking place with defending champions Celtic’s hosting of Aberdeen in the lunchtime kick-off the highlight.

Celtic v Aberdeen

Neil Lennon, like many SPL managers this summer, has had to work prudently in the transfer market and has only added goalkeeper Fraser Forster to his squad, while several squad players have been moved on.

However, the Bhoys are expected to get off to a perfect start (Celtic 1/4, Aberdeen 10/1, draw 5/1 – 90 minutes betting) and are likely to have too much for  the Dons in the season’s opener. A correct score bet of 2-0 looks tasty in this at 11/2.

Prediction: Home win.

Hearts v St Johnstone

The Tynecastle clash between these two, in contrast, is less clear-cut although the Jambos are favourites to come out on top (Hearts EVS, draw 5/2, St Johnstone 13/5 – 90 minutes odds) and get their campaign off to a winning start.

Last season Hearts finished just two points ahead of the Perth-based club with the duo fifth and sixth in the final standings, so there was little to choose between them across the campaign. Expect this game to be tight as well with a draw at 5/2 worth backing.

Prediction: Draw.

Kilmarnock v Dundee

Dundee (3/1 – 90 minutes betting) have been hoping to get the nod to replace Rangers all summer but the late confirmation of their place in the top flight has meant a few months of uncertainty for boss Barry Smith. He says his side are relishing a tilt at the SPL this season even though he admits it has been difficult strengthening his squad.

Killie (10/11, draw 12/5) finished a respectable seventh last term and will hope for something similar in 2012-13. Only Jeroen Tesselaar and Rory Boulding have been recruited so far and their opposition, as SPL newcomers, will be up for the challenge at Rugby Park but a narrow home win still looks on the cards here.

Prediction: Home win.

Ross County v Motherwell

This is one of the stand-out opening-day games with many predicting County will put on a good show in the SPL following their impressive title-winning campaign in Division One last term.

Boss Derek Adams has been one of the busier managers over the summer and the signings of Ross Tokely, Gary Glen, and Martin Scott look astue buys.

Motherwell finished third, though, last season and will be difficult first opponents for County (17/10, draw 9/4). Stuart McCall is another manager who has had to shed several players from his squad but there is still enough quality there to ensure they claim the three points. Back an away win at a tempting 8/5.

Prediction: Away win.

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