THE start of a new top-flight campaign used to offer gaffers a clean slate with the board and fans – for 90 minutes at least.
But all that has changed with early European qualifiers and the League Cup group stage placing plenty of managers under pressure before a ball has been kicked in the league.
We even had a Fir Park farce last summer where Graham Alexander, fresh from leading Motherwell into Europe, was sacked before the Premiership kick-off after his side crashed out of the Conference League to Sligo Rovers.
That strange scenario could have been repeated this week had Hibs not turned things around against Andorran giants Inter Club d’Escaldes after losing 2-1 in the first leg.
Thursday night’s 6-1 win stopped the mood music changing from Sunshine on Leith to I’m On My Way for Lee Johnson at Easter Road but another Premiership boss could be visited by My Old Friend The Blues today.
St Johnstone were the biggest flops in the League Cup groups as they crashed to defeats against Stenny, Ayr and Stirling Albion.
That clash with the Binos last weekend was a dead rubber for Saints while Darren Young’s side needed a win to reach the knockout stages.
But that’s no excuse for the dismal display Steven MacLean’s side put in as they crashed to a 4-0 defeat against the League One new boys.
The Perth board decided to hand the reins to MacLean on a permanent basis after the former striker steered them clear of relegation in the wake of Callum Davidson’s departure.
But he always had a tough task on his hands with so many stalwarts moving on and fans are furious with only a handful of new boys coming in. Throw in some injuries to key players and St Johnstone look about as ill-equipped for the challenge ahead as a bare-chested Newcastle fan setting out on an Arctic expedition with just a few bottles of Newcy Broon for insulation.
They host Hearts on day one and the Jambos look excellent value at 5/4 with McBookie, even though they’ve only been playing pre-season friendlies so far. The managerial situation at Tynecastle seems a bit bonkers, with
Frankie McAvoy insists he calls the shots while Stevie Naismith swots up on his Geggenpressing, double pivots and inverted full-backs on Football Manager 2023 ahead of his UEFA exam.
But the same personnel were in place towards the end of last season and Hearts were in decent enough form. With Lawrence Shankland up front you always stand a chance and the striker is 11/8 at Bet365 for a goal in Perth.
Celtic start the defence of their title with a visit from Ross County and we should see plenty of goals with the Staggies four league cup games producing 19 strikes.
BTTS landed in all those matches and it might be worth a punt today at 11/10 (Quinnbet) with the Hoops still unconvincing at the back. Over 1.5 first-half goals also looks good at 10/11 with Coral.
Liel Abada wasn’t a regular last term under Ange Postecoglou but Brendan Rodgers seems to have more faith in the young Israeli. He should start today and the winger looks good at 6/4 (William Hill) for anytime scorer.
Rangers have a tricky opener on the road at Kilmarnock and it will be interesting to see how they shape up after Michael Beale’s big summer rebuild.
The Ibrox side have a lot more firepower but look a bit vulnerable in defence so going for goals here looks the best bet too. I’m going for over 1.5 first-half goals again and the odds are better at 5/4 with McBookie.
Aberdeen look in good shape but also have a tough opener on the road at Livingston. It could be a tight match so betting against BTTS appeals at 11/10 with Paddy Power.
Goals could also be hard to come by at Dens as Dundee return to the top flight with a game against Motherwell. Three of Dundee’s League Cup games ended in a 1-0 scoreline so I’m on under 2.5 goals at 10/11 (Bet365).
St Mirren head to Hibs for tomorrow’s big game and the half-time draw appeals at 6/5 (Bet365) in what should be another tight one.
Super Singles
- Hearts (5/4, McBookie)
- Abada goal (6/4, W Hill)
- Over 1.5 first half goals at Killie (5/4, McBookie)
- Under 2.5 goals at Dens (10/11, Bet365)
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