Charlie Christie – Challenge for the bottom half to break top six
Looking at the Scottish Premier League table after only three matches played it is perhaps an early indication of how the table might pan out this season.
The possibility is that the current top six clubs could still be occupying those valuable top six berths just prior to the split in April.
Our top five largest clubs are all in there and it will be a challenge for the so-called smaller sides to break into that group.
Although St Johnstone replacing Dundee United would surprise nobody.
The thrill and excitement of European football has no doubt been a breath of fresh air for the McDiarmid Park faithful.
But their midweek travels coupled with really testing matches will take its toll on a relatively tight squad and could well play a part in their ability to achieve a spot in the top half of the table.
At the ‘wrong’ end of the league Livingston are the only club yet to register a point and, with a weekend trip to Easter Road to face high-flying Hibs, will likely have to wait until after the international break before getting some credit on the board.
Second bottom St Mirren welcome St Johnstone to Paisley on Sunday and will be hoping to take advantage of any potential fatigue in the Perth side following their midweek European test against LASK of Austria allowing the ‘Buddies’ to register that crucial first win.
Also sitting on one point after three matches Ross County have suffered two consecutive defeats and Sunday’s trip to Pittodrie will not offer much respite for Malky Mackay’s team.
After the break the Dingwall side then face a trip to Celtic Park and, whilst the opening fixtures were always going to be a stern test for Malky’s new look squad, they need to start winning games soon in order not to become detached at the bottom.
Of course, the main event on Sunday is the first Old Firm match at Ibrox.
Rangers have not started the season in the same form as the last but, for long periods of the game in Dingwall, looked more like themselves and could have won by a greater margin.
Their presence and height advantage at set play situations could play a part this Sunday.
Celtic have been breath-taking at home with Ange Postecoglou’s system obviously suiting his players and their movement has been in total contrast to the slow and predictable build up play seen for much of last season. His new signings have made significant contributions which bodes well, but Ibrox offers up a far greater test than that which they have faced so far and there is still question marks over their defensive unit as a group.