Scottish Premiership: 2020-21 football season preview and free tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the Scottish Premiership 2020-21 title race.

Best bet

Aberdeen without the Old Firm
2pts 11-10 bet365, Sky Bet

Season preview

Celtic are chasing a tenth consecutive Scottish Premiership title and while Rangers suggested they were edging closer to their Old Firm rivals last season, they may not be bridging the gap at a quick enough rate to end the Bhoys’ domestic dominance.

Rangers showed marked improvement under another full campaign with Steven Gerrard in charge, but Celtic always looked in control and they were crowned champions by 13 points, albeit in a season that was cut short.

Celtic had played one more league game than their arch rivals when football came to a halt in March but Rangers were wilting under the pressure while the Hoops were thriving, and if the season was allowed to continue the gap in points may have become even more exaggerated.

Rangers trailed their Glasgow neighbours by just five points with two games in hand on January 26, but slip-ups in five of their final nine outings saw Celtic canter clear.

Neil Lennon has greater strength in depth at his disposal and he possesses a squad with a winning habit too.

Both sides were breached just 19 times last season but Lennon’s men were far more explosive, netting 89 times in 30 games compared to Rangers' 64 goals in 29 outings.

The Ibrox outfit have the talent to mix it with Celtic - they were the better side despite losing 1-0 in December’s League Cup final - but over a 38-game campaign 7-4 isn't big enough to suggest punters hold an edge.

The effects of coronavirus will hit a number of sides in Scotland hard, including Aberdeen whose players and management have agreed to take wage cuts.

However, odds-against quotes about them finishing top without the Old Firm are still worth taking.

The Dons have finished fourth or better in each of the last seven campaigns and only one point separated them and third-placed Motherwell last season, with Livingston a further six off the pace.

Derek McInnes has been in charge of Aberdeen for seven years but there were no signs that things had turned stale as they reached the semi-final of the William Hill Scottish Cup and qualified for the Europa League.

The Dons have worked hard to retain the services of 11-goal striker Sam Cosgrove, who turned down a move to Ligue 2 side Guingamp last month, saying he had unfinished business at Pittodrie.

Cosgrove’s service has been bolstered further by the return of Irish winger Jonny Hayes after a spell with Celtic and the presence of Niall McGinn, Ryan Hedges, Funso Ojo and Dylan McGeouch highlights a midfield packed with quality.

Hibernian and Motherwell are likely to pose the biggest threat to Aberdeen.

However, Hibs’ squad looks more limited than it did last season with seven recent departures and Florian Kamberi expected to follow suit, while youthful Well won only one of their final eight games last term and had a fast start to thank for their lofty finishing position.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits.

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport