Hearts vs. Rangers (Saturday, 12.30pm)
© Imago
In the first game of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership, Hearts are set to host Rangers at Tynecastle Park and both will hope Saturday's match can be the start of a sustained title charge.
The home side finished third last term with 68 points from 38 games, while the visitors finished second with 85 points, eight behind eventual champions Celtic.
We say: Hearts 1-2 Rangers
Both sides have struggled for form in their pre-season friendlies, but given Rangers' strong record in the opening matchweek of the top flight, they could edge proceedings.
However, Hearts were very competitive against Rangers last season, and Saturday's clash could once again be a close encounter.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Motherwell vs. Ross County (Saturday, 3.00pm)
![Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell during the Premier Sports Cup Group G match at Fir Park against Partick Thistle on 28/07/2024[on August 1, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/31/stuart-kettlewell.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell during the Premier Sports Cup Group G match at Fir Park against Partick Thistle on 28/07/2024[on August 1, 2024]")
© Imago
In their first game of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season, Motherwell are set to host Ross County at Fir Park, and both will hope Saturday can be the start of a more positive season in which they can avoid being drawn into the relegation playoff group.
The home side finished ninth last term with 43 points from 38 games, while the visitors finished 11th with 35 points and only stayed in the top flight thanks to their 6-1 aggregate victory against Championship side Raith Rovers in a two-legged playoff tie.
We say: Motherwell 2-0 Ross County
Although Ross County come into Saturday's clash in good form, it is difficult to ignore their league struggles in recent seasons.
Motherwell's record at Fir Park could give the visitors some cause for optimism, but Ross County's abysmal away record makes the hosts favourites.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Ben Knapton
