The countdown is over folks, tomorrow the flag will be unfurled as Celtic prepare to start the new campaign against Hearts of Midlothian.
It seems like a lifetime since Celtic have played in domestic competition. The hoops have a tough act to follow after their perfect unbeaten season last year but Brendan Rodgers has assured us that his team are up for the fight.
Tomorrow he will have to start the first phase of that fight without center back pairing of Erik Sviatchenko who has been ruled out for six weeks and Dedryck Boyata who will miss the next few months with a knee injury.
Moussa Dembele will also miss the game as he continues in his quest for fitness after a hamstring injury. Leigh Griffiths should be fit to start the game after his 20 minute cameo in Norway on Wednesday.
Hearts
Former Dundee United striker Jon Daly will take temporary charge of the Jambos after Ian Cathro was sacked earlier this week. The interim boss has confirmed that Jamie Walker will not be in the squad when they travel to Glasgow due to his head being turned by interest from Rangers.
Daly said:
"A club has made an offer for Jamie (Walker), it’s turned his head a bit, he’s mentally not in the right place, and the conversation I had with him was, for myself, the coaching staff, the fans, we need everybody on board, in the right place mentally and pulling in the same direction."
Fullback Liam Smith will also miss the game due to a suspension carrying over from last season.
Match Details:
Where: Celtic Park, Glasgow
When: Saturday August 5th 12:00pm BST/ 7:30am ET
How to watch/listen:
- Sky Sports Main Event (UK)
- Celtic TV (USA/International)
- Bein Sports CONNECT (International)
- BBC Radio Scotland
Need to know
Celtic are unbeaten in 17 games against the Tyncastle side with the Jambos last victory coming in October 2011. Hearts also have a terrible record when starting their season away from home, their last victory coming in 2006.
Celtic however are unbeaten on the opening day of the season for the last 9 consecutive season conceding only 3 goals in that time.
Next: Our SPFL season predictions
Celtic are overwhelming favorites for the game tomorrow and I fully expect the hoops to have a successful flag day in dispatching the Jam tarts and sending them home with nothing.