When SPFL fixtures will be released as Celtic look to retain title over rivals Rangers

The new season is closing in even if the previous campaign feels like it only just ended.

Rangers' stars are already back in training for pre-season under Philippe Clement while the friendly fixtures have begun for clubs in the Premiership and further down the divisions. Brendan Rodgers will demand Celtic retain their crown next term while down the table Hearts will hope for another third spot at least as Aberdeen and Hibs focus on improvement.

Now we'll discover the new fixtures and the dates for the diary in the coming days as those clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two also await their schedules. Football Scotland has you covered.

When are the fixtures to be announced?

The SPFL will unveil their schedules for the four professional leagues in Scottish football on Thursday, June 27. We expect official confirmation at around 9am.

When does the season start and end?

The 2024-25 SPFL season will start on the weekend of August 3 and 4. There will be no winter break in the Premiership for the first time in four years.

The league's final games will be on May 17 and 18, with the Championship and Leagues One and Two ending on May 2/3 before promotion play-offs take place. The Premiership play-off final will be played over May 22 and 25.

What are the key fixtures to look out for?

There are, of course, the obvious ones involving Celtic vs Rangers as well as Hearts vs Hibs.

The expectations are also for the likes of Aberdeen, Hibs, Kilmarnock and St Mirren to be scrapping it out amongst each other for third spot and then top six so as these sides face off against each other they should be thoroughly entertaining fixtures. With Dundee United also returning to the top flight, their derby vs Dundee will also be back on the table as well as the 'New Firm' between the Terrors and Dons.