There are still three Scottish teams in Europe ahead of the group stages of the three continental competitions. Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Hibs both failed to make it through qualifying in the Europa Conference League but Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen continue to fly the flag for Scotland.
Celtic have announced the return of Brendan Rodgers as manager on a three-year contract. Rodgers replaces Ange Postecoglou four years and four months after his sudden departure to Leicester after winning seven out of seven domestic trophies with the Hoops.
Ange Postecoglou has swapped Celtic for Tottenham as the north London club’s permanent successor to former head coach Antonio Conte. Here we look at the most recent top-flight managers to move from Scotland to England and how they fared.
Manchester City are bidding to become only the 10th Treble winners in football history by securing league, cup and European Cup triumphs in the same season. We have delved into the history books to compare Pep Guardiola’s side to past all-conquering teams.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are on the verge of winning the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in one season. Conquering Europe has been the one achievement missing from Guardiola’s record during his time at the Etihad Stadium and Champions League glory would mean he can undoubtedly be classed as one of the greatest managers in British football.
Celtic are aiming to complete an unbeaten season against Rangers when they travel to Ibrox on Saturday. The Hoops have twice beaten their Glasgow rivals at Hampden this term and have collected seven points from three meetings in the league.
Aberdeen celebrate the 40th anniversary of their European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph over Real Madrid on Thursday. The club and city council are honouring the players, who will be awarded the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen in a ceremony on Friday.
Rangers will finish the season trophy-less following Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic at Hampden Park. The Light Blues fans were again left frustrated after coming up short against their Old Firm rivals and Gers boss Michael Beale admitted there will be “the biggest rebuild this club has seen in a number of years”.
Glasgow is geared up for a lively lunchtime on Saturday when Celtic and Rangers meet in the first of three Old Firm clashes in the space of a few weeks. This will be the third of four league encounters of the campaign – there is a Scottish Cup semi-final to come later this month – and with the Hoops nine points clear of their fierce rivals in the title race it will be celebration time in the east end if they win.
With 23,000 fans allowed into Ibrox, Rangers can begin the new Scottish Premiership campaign by again celebrating last season’s stunning title triumph. Steven Gerrard’s side ended Celtic’s dominance north of the border when topping the table by 25 points.
Celtic can put a heart-breaking Champions League exit behind them to start their Scottish Premiership campaign with a win at Hearts. The Jambos easily earned promotion from the Championship and have done well in the Premier Sports Cup but now step up in class.
Aberdeen’s players appear to have come together through adversity and we’re backing them to battle for a draw at high-flying Hibernian. The hosts have only dropped two points from five Scottish Premiership matches but recent evidence suggests they may be flattered by a lofty position.
Hamilton ended a run of seven straight losses to Rangers when securing a surprise 1-0 Scottish Premiership success at Ibrox in March. In fact, the Accies have managed to score in three consecutive encounters with the Light Blues and are rated a value bet to keep that run going.
Celtic enjoyed a fine Champions League victory over KR Reykjavik in midweek and are also expected to ease past Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership. The Terrors have shown great spirit since returning to the top flight but we fear this clash may provide them with a reality check.