Spfl Fixtures: 10 Games To Watch Out For As 2026-27 Season Schedule Released

The 2026-27 William Hill Premiership fixtures have been officially released, promising a season rich with drama, intense rivalries, and significant managerial debuts from the outset.

The Press Association has highlighted ten pivotal early-season encounters poised to ignite the league.

Dundee United vs Rangers (31 July)

The season’s curtain-raiser is set for Friday, 31 July, at Tannadice, where Dundee United host Rangers.

This match marks Derek McInnes’s first game in charge of Rangers, returning to a club he spent three years at as a player. It promises a tough start for the 54-year-old.

Aberdeen vs Hearts (1 August)

On Saturday, 1 August, Aberdeen, under new boss Stephen Robinson, will aim to show they mean business against Hearts at Pittodrie.

Hearts, under new management after McInnes’ departure, will seek to kick-start another strong campaign in an appetising 5.30pm kick-off.

St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock (2 August)

St Johnstone return to the top flight after a one-season absence, welcoming Kilmarnock. Simo Valakari’s Championship winners will be confident, but Neil McCann’s side will be buoyed by a strong finish last term.

Hibernian vs Motherwell (2 August)

Also on Sunday, Hibernian and Motherwell, both fresh from Conference League action the previous Thursday after top-five finishes, will clash.

Hibs hope for more consistency, while Motherwell aim to progress under new management after losing Jens Berthel Askou.

Dundee United vs Dundee (22 August)

The first Dundee derby takes place on 22 August at Tannadice. United, who shaded last season’s derbies, including a 3-0 home win in April, will host their city rivals.

Aberdeen vs Rangers (29 August)

Later that month, on 29 August, the intense rivalry between Aberdeen and Rangers gains extra charge as new Gers boss McInnes returns to Pittodrie, where he spent eight years managing the Dons.

A feisty encounter beckons on matchday four.

Hibernian vs Hearts (2 September)

September opens with the first Edinburgh derby, a midweek showdown at Easter Road on 2 September.

Hearts won three of their four meetings with Hibernian last season, though often requiring late winners.

Celtic vs Rangers (20 September)

The season’s first Old Firm derby is scheduled for 20 September at Celtic Park. This will be McInnes’s inaugural derby as Rangers boss, bringing him back to the scene of his Hearts side’s devastating final-day defeat last month.

The 54-year-old must outfox Martin O’Neill, who was unbeaten in his four derbies against previous Gers boss Danny Rohl last term.

Celtic vs Hearts (17 October)

A rematch of last season’s title decider sees Celtic host Hearts on 17 October at Celtic Park on match-week nine.

Significant fall-out has occurred over the past month, given the contentious way Celtic pipped Hearts to the title and the subsequent pitch invasion. This ensures no shortage of tension when the teams reconvene.

Hearts vs Rangers (28 October)

The month concludes with a highly charged fixture on 28 October, as Hearts welcome Rangers to Tynecastle.

Striker Lawrence Shankland and manager McInnes, both having moved to Rangers after helping the Jambos challenge for the title, can expect a hostile reception upon their return for this midweek showdown.