The 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season is in full swing, with top teams like Celtic, Rangers, and Aberdeen vying for the title. This season is shaping up to be an exciting one for fans, with intense rivalries and critical matches set to impact the standings. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the key fixtures, format, and ways to follow the action.
Key Fixtures and Standout Games
The season kicked off on August 4 with an electrifying match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. The schedule is packed with high-stakes games, with two of the most anticipated clashes being the Old Firm derbies between Celtic and Rangers on October 19 and December 4. These iconic matches draw huge fan attention not just in Scotland but globally. Other standout fixtures include Aberdeen vs. Hibernian, Dundee United hosting Hearts, and St Johnstone facing off against Motherwell—all of which could heavily influence the standings.
As the season progresses, the January fixtures will be a major test of endurance, especially for teams like Rangers, who will face Motherwell, and Celtic, who will go head-to-head with Hibernian. Moving into March and April, each game becomes increasingly critical as teams push for Championship group spots, aiming for either European qualifications or survival from relegation.
Fixture Structure and League Format
The Scottish Premiership comprises 12 teams, each of which plays 33 games before the league divides into two groups: the Championship group and the Relegation group. This split format, unique to the Premiership, adds suspense as teams in each group compete for either European spots or to avoid relegation. After the split, each team plays five additional games within their respective group, making the season’s total 38 matches per team.
Changes and New Faces
The 2024-25 season has also brought some exciting managerial changes. Aberdeen has appointed Jimmy Thelin as their new manager, while St Johnstone brought in Simo Valakari to lead their side. These changes are expected to introduce fresh tactics and strategies as the teams adapt to new leadership. Additionally, new player signings across the league are stirring up interest, with talent eager to make an impact in Scotland’s top division.
Watching Scottish Premiership Games
In the UK, Sky Sports broadcasts most Scottish Premiership matches live. Many games are also accessible via online streaming platforms, providing fans from all over the world with a chance to follow the league. For those looking to attend in person, tickets are available through each club’s official website, often with hospitality packages for an enhanced matchday experience.
FAQs:-
1. What is the Scottish Premiership, and how many teams are in it?
The Scottish Premiership is the top tier of professional football in Scotland. It consists of 12 teams that compete in a season running from August to May, with each team playing 38 matches. The league operates on a split format, with teams facing each other three times in the regular season before being divided into the top six and bottom six for the final five games.
2. Where can I find the latest Scottish Premiership fixture list?
You can access the latest fixture list on the official Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) website, various sports news outlets, or through dedicated sports apps like BBC Sport, Sky Sports, and FotMob. These sources provide updated schedules, results, and match timings.
3. How does the Scottish Premiership split format work?
In the Scottish Premiership, after 33 matches, the league is divided into two sections: the top six and the bottom six. Each team then plays five more matches within its section, competing against teams of similar standing. This format determines final league positions and relegation outcomes for the season.
4. How often do Scottish Premiership teams play against each other?
During the regular season, each team plays against every other team three times. In the post-split format, teams play an additional match against others in their group, which means each team plays a total of 38 games in the season.
5. When are the key fixtures, like the Old Firm derby, scheduled?
Key fixtures like the Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers are usually scheduled several times throughout the season due to high fan interest. The exact dates are announced before the season starts and can be subject to change due to broadcasting schedules or other considerations.
6. How are Scottish Premiership fixture dates determined?
Fixture dates are set by the SPFL based on various factors, including team availability, stadium scheduling, and broadcasting rights. Some matches may be rescheduled or moved to different times or days to accommodate TV broadcast agreements and European competitions.
7. Can I watch Scottish Premiership fixtures on TV or online?
Yes, Scottish Premiership games are broadcast by several networks, primarily Sky Sports, which holds the main broadcasting rights. Some matches are also available on club-specific streaming services or on-demand platforms like NOW TV. International viewers may have access to local broadcasters or streaming services with rights to the games.
8. How does the Scottish Premiership season affect relegation and promotion?
At the end of the season, the team finishing last in the Scottish Premiership is relegated to the Scottish Championship, while the top team from the Championship is promoted. The second-bottom Premiership team enters a play-off against the second, third, and fourth teams from the Championship to determine the final spot for the next season.
9. How can I stay updated with Scottish Premiership fixture changes or postponements?
To stay updated on fixture changes or postponements, follow the SPFL’s official channels, sign up for notifications from sports apps like BBC Sport, and check club social media profiles. Changes can happen due to weather, rescheduling for televised matches, or other logistical reasons.
10. Which teams are expected to be strong contenders this season?
Celtic and Rangers traditionally lead the Scottish Premiership and are strong title contenders each season. Other teams like Aberdeen, Hearts, and Hibernian often compete for high standings and European qualification spots, adding to the competitiveness of the league.
To read more, Click Here