Scottish Premiership clubs face a packed schedule as they race toward the end of 2024. With only five weeks left in the year, top clubs Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts each have 10 matches to play, with European commitments intensifying the pressure on their squads. Meanwhile, other teams will play between seven and eight fixtures, and with no winter break scheduled, the challenges are mounting for teams across the league.
Aberdeen, currently second in the league, will be looking to maintain their strong position without the distraction of European football. They have a busy month ahead, including a key match against Celtic on December 4. With a postponed trip to Ibrox giving them a brief respite, Aberdeen’s focus will remain firmly on securing league points.
Celtic, led by Brendan Rodgers, are well-equipped to manage their hectic schedule. With their strength in depth, they aim to hold onto their nine-point lead over Rangers while also making progress in Europe. The Hoops have a crucial Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers and two Champions League fixtures that could see them push for a knockout stage spot.
Dundee, benefitting from a break due to the postponed fixture against Celtic, will look to make the most of their upcoming fixtures, with four matches against teams lower in the table. Meanwhile, Dundee United face a difficult run with matches against top-six sides, starting with a tough visit to Ibrox to face Rangers.
Hearts have shown improved performances under Neil Critchley, and with the addition of Tony Bloom’s analytics deal, there is hope they can rise up the table. However, with European matches and a full league schedule, including a Boxing Day Edinburgh derby, the squad will face a stern test in the coming weeks.
Hibernian find themselves in a precarious position, with manager David Gray under pressure as the team struggles to climb out of the bottom half. With a crucial stretch of fixtures ahead, including matchups against fellow relegation contenders, Hibs’ fortunes may well determine the future of their coach.
Kilmarnock, while showing resilience against Rangers and Celtic, have struggled with discipline, reflected in their high number of red cards. They’ll need to improve in this area to keep their season on track as they face a challenging list of fixtures.
Motherwell are looking strong for a top-six finish, with a favorable run of matches ahead. If they can secure points against teams lower in the table, they’ll have a strong chance to cement their position in the upper half.
Rangers face a defining period, with a packed schedule of 10 games in just 36 days. Their ambitions are high, but with tough matches ahead, including the Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic, they need to stay competitive in both domestic and European campaigns.
Ross County have struggled with scoring but have been tough to beat, drawing six matches so far. Their upcoming fixtures against teams like Hibs and Hearts will be critical in their bid to maintain their position in the mid-table.
St Johnstone’s defensive woes have been their biggest concern this season, and with a new manager in charge, they will look to improve their form, especially at home, to climb out of the lower half of the table.
St Mirren have shown flashes of form and will look to continue their momentum with several winnable matches on the horizon. A strong finish to the year could see them move up the league, with key fixtures against Aberdeen, Rangers, and Dundee among those to watch.
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