Bhoys ready to reign again

Celtic FC start the 2007/08 season as favourites to make it a hat-trick of Scottish Premier League titles, but expect an improved challenge from city rivals Rangers FC, who have been revitalised following Walter Smith's return to Ibrox.

Healthy margin
A twelve-point margin separated the clubs last term, and Gordon Strachan is bidding to become the first Celtic manager since the Jock Stein era to lift three consecutive titles. Just as they did last season, the champions kick-off their campaign at home to Kilmarnock FC on Sunday. With the departure of former captain Neil Lennon, much of Strachan's transfer activity has focussed on central midfield, spending €4.5m on AC Milan's Massimo Donati and a domestic transfer record of €6.5m to take Scott Brown from Hibernian FC. Those signings should give Celtic more vibrancy in midfield while up front Strachan also has a plethora of options to partner Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. New arrivals Scott McDonald and Chris Killen are vying for starting places with the likes of Kenny Miller, Maciej Żurawski and Derek Riordan.

Rangers efforts
However, Smith has been by far the busier of the two during the summer, spending the best part of €15m as he overhauls the squad bequeathed to him by Paul Le Guen. Carlos Cuellar, Lee McCulloch and Jean-Claude Darcheville are just three of the nine signings made so far and their physical presence alone should ensure Rangers are not the soft touches they were at times last season. Reaching the group stages of the UEFA Champions League is a priority if Rangers are not to fall further behind Celtic financially, but first and foremost Smith - who led the club to nine consecutive titles from 1989 to 1997 - will want to end the trophy famine of the past two seasons.

Hearts hopeful
Aberdeen FC, who finished third last term to earn a UEFA Cup slot, will struggle to replicate that success following the departure of captain Russell Anderson to Sunderland AFC, with Heart of Midlothian FC the likely beneficiaries. Under the guidance of controversial main investor Vladimir Romanov it is always difficult to second-guess the fortunes of the Tynecastle club, but they have made notable acquisitions in Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston and Ruben Palazuelos and could threaten the Old Firm monopoly provided they can retain the services of Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Elsewhere, newly promoted Gretna FC are the bookies favourites for a swift return to the first division, especially as the Borders club are playing their 'home' matches 80 miles away at Motherwell FC's Fir Park.