Aberdeen

The 2021/22 season was a disaster for the Dons. An experimental but unsuccessful Stephen Glass tenure led the way to a horrible tenth place finish; their worst league performance in just under twenty years. It will take an almighty rebuild to get Aberdeen back into the higher reaches of the table, but with Jim Goodwin at the helm I believe it is possible over time. The sale of Calvin Ramsey to Liverpool has provided the club with a record sale which the fans will hope to see reinvested into the playing squad. I don’t believe Aberdeen have what it takes to break into the European spots again, but they will certainly run it close. 

Prediction – 6th

Celtic

The champions will expect to kick on from a successful and regenerative 2021/22. Ange Postecoglou has sparked a fresh breath of optimism for supporters; the battle cry of “We never stop” still rings through Hooped eardrums. Attacking football, impressive signings and a genuine good feel around Celtic indicate another exciting domestic season for the club. I cannot see past them for the league title.

Prediction – 1st

Dundee United

An impressive fourth placed finish in last season’s Premiership gives hope that the Tangerines can keep the level of consistency high. With European football secured for the first time since 2013, new boss Jack Ross will be looking to push forward and deliver another successful season. In the long run, I think Ross will be a very good appointment but it will take a while to put his own spin into the team. I believe they will push for top six but struggle to maintain the momentum they need to achieve it. 

Prediction – 7th

Hearts

Runaway ‘best of the rest’ Hearts will no doubt be looking to cement their place as Scotland’s third team in the coming season. Robbie Nielson seems to have ironed out most of the kinks from his first spell in charge and looks to be getting the best out of his players. With group stage European football guaranteed, this season is undoubtedly huge; fighting on four fronts till at least Christmas. With a few impressive signings in the summer transfer window and the other ‘bigger’ clubs in much needed transition, another third place finish looks inevitable. 

Prediction – 3rd

Hibernian

Hibs are an interesting one. Having sacked two managers on their way to a dismal eighth place in 2021/22, lessons need to have been learned by the Easter Road hierarchy. Hibs must now do the talking on the pitch, and the backroom nonsense taking a step away from the limelight. New boss Lee Johnson must be given time to implement his own style and admits himself it will take “three or four” transfer windows to get it right. Whether Ron Gordon gives him it remains to be seen. I believe Hibs will achieve a top six finish and potentially bring European football back to Easter Road, but won’t challenge too hard for third. 

Prediction – 5th

Kilmarnock

After bouncing straight back up from the Championship, Killie will look to build upon a mostly successful promotion campaign. Derek McInnes has proven his worth in the Premiership over a number of years and knows the type of player required to succeed. While I don’t believe they will push for a top six finish, Rugby Park could prove to be an important fortress for Ayrshire’s top club. Impressive goalkeeper Zach Hemming also provides Killie with the best chance possible to escape any real courtship with relegation. 

Prediction – 9th

Livingston

After missing out on the top six by the slimmest of margins, David Martindale and co will be looking to build on yet another prediction-defying season. I, however, am potentially falling into this trap. Under Martindale, Livingston have never really flirted too much with relegation. With teams around them strengthening though, I believe Livi’s underdog status will prove too much for them. I’ll probably be proved wrong but I think they’ll finish in the relegation play-off in 2023. 

Prediction – 11th

Motherwell

Off the park, Motherwell have proved time and time again to be one of the most transparent and honest clubs in Scotland. After pulling Livingston back to secure a top six finish in 2021/22, Motherwell now embark on a European journey of their own. Looking to build on another positive season, Graham Alexander’s squad are competing against plenty of clubs for the top six. However, I don’t believe they have enough firepower to elevate themselves into the European mix next season.

Prediction – 8th

Rangers

Last season’s league runners-up, Scottish Cup winners and Europa League finalists Rangers have more than enough to challenge for the Scottish crown once more. Giovani Van Bronckhorst’s squad will need to be at their very best to get anywhere near Celtic though. The usual topsy-turvy battle for the championship will be intense, exhausting but also a potential financial windfall. However, I just can’t see them coming out on top despite their obvious strength and depth. 

Prediction – 2nd

Ross County

The Staggies were everyone’s surprise package last season. Even after no wins in their first ten, the Premiership’s Highland club found themselves in the top six come the season’s conclusion. Ross County have made a few very positive signings as well as important contract extensions for key first-team players. Even without last season’s top-scorer Regan Charles-Cook, I believe Ross County will go one step further and bring European football to the Highlands. 

Prediction – 4th

St Mirren

In a weird season where a wild number of clubs were competing for a few top six places, St Mirren were in the running for a long time. In the end, a disappointing run of results damaged their prospects of the top half, and I predict the same scenario for 2022/23. Despite a good collective squad, I cannot see them achieving any more than a bottom half finish but safe from relegation.

Prediction – 10th

St Johnstone

The Perth Saints’ fall from grace has been anything but spectacular. From a cup double in 2020/21 to a relegation playoff last season, Callum Davidson has a lot to do to secure their Premiership status in this coming year. Having lost first-team regulars Shaun Rooney and Callum Hendry on free transfers, it will be difficult to replace them with similar/better quality players. Unfortunately, I predict automatic relegation for the Perth side.

Predication – 12th 

Prediction	Club
1st (UCL Group Stage)	Celtic
2nd (UCL 3rd Qualifying Round)	Rangers
3rd (UECL 3rd Qualifying Round)*	Hearts
4th (UECL 2nd Qualifying Round)*	Ross County
5th (UECL 1st Qualifying Round)*	Hibernian
6th	Aberdeen
7th	Dundee United
8th	Motherwell
9th	Kilmarnock
10th	St Mirren
11th	Livingston
12th	St Johnstone

* Depending on Scottish Cup winners.