MAKING predictions for the Premiership with a month of the transfer window to go isn’t easy.
There have been massive changes across the league already this summer but the Old Firm especially still have major business to do.
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The outcome of a close title race could be influenced by what happens with signings over the next four weeks.
But I’ll stick my neck on the line right now and say Rangers will win the Premiership.
My Celtic friends out there will say I’m bound to get it right one day if I keep tipping my old club!
Yet this properly feels like a new era at Rangers — with fresh ideas under the American owners and Russell Martin.
It’s going to be tough and you can’t argue with Celtic starting the season as favourites to win a fifth successive title.
But right now, they are weaker than they were last season and while you could say the same about Rangers, Martin’s squad is getting stronger all the time.
Mikey Moore was the latest arrival on Friday.
I wouldn’t expect too much too soon from the Spurs kid, but it’s another attacking option.
With Djeidi Gassama hitting the ground running and Thelo Aasgaard arriving with a big reputation, Rangers will be strong offensively.
Yes, Hamza Igamane looks to be heading out and there is uncertainty over the future of Cyriel Dessers but Martin — backed by Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers — will not be left short if one or two do go.
Across the city, Brendan Rodgers is now at the stage of the transfer window where he’s making a public appeal for players.
In Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren, Celtic have made two top signings.
But the manager wants more and you can sense a bit of concern among the fanbase.
With Jota injured, Nicolas Kuhn gone and Rodgers still asking for a Kyogo Furuhashi replacement, Celtic look short in attack.
The uncertainty over the manager’s future won’t help matters as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
Then you have the Daizen Maeda situation, with that new contract still not signed months after it was put on the table.
There is no doubt the Japanese striker will be a target for English and European clubs.
At 27, he is at the stage where his next deal will be the biggest of his career.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Celtic got a massive bid for Maeda before the window shuts and I’m not sure they would turn it down.
The same goes for Rangers and Nico Raskin, another player who will be attracting major interest.
Cavenagh and the Ibrox board have made it clear a strong player-trading model is at the core of their plan.
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That might mean cashing in on Raskin this summer and while he would be a loss, Celtic would miss Maeda a whole lot more.
Whatever happens, I can’t see Rodgers’ side running away with the title like they have in the recent past.
Martin hasn’t wasted time in building foundations and with a few more additions Rangers will be strong title contenders.
Below the Old Firm, I don’t see anyone beating Hearts to third place under Derek McInnes.
With Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics on board, the Tynecastle club have long-term ambitions of winning the league.
That won’t happen this season but they could surprise a lot of people after a summer of shrewd recruitment.
From Stuart Findlay to Claudio Braga, Hearts’ signings have been excellent. Keeping Lawrence Shankland was also crucial.
In McInnes, they also have a manager who knows Scottish football inside out and they will finish third.
Hibs will be up there battling with their Edinburgh rivals and I would expect another strong season from David Gray’s men as they continue to progress.
Then come Aberdeen and it will be fascinating to see if Jimmy Thelin can build on the Scottish Cup win.
I have been critical of the Dons’ signing policy and with European football to deal with, they still look a bit short.
St Mirren have been top-six regulars in recent years and I don’t see that changing.
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Keeping hold of boss Stephen Robinson amid all the interest in him was a major coup and I fully expect them to have another strong season.
Dundee United produced two solid European performances as they booked a Conference League tie with Rapid Vienna.
Jim Goodwin clearly believes that you get better value signing players from outwith Scotland and I find that alarming.
But he is doing a good job at Tannadice and you would expect them to battle St Mirren for that sixth place.
Then there is a pack of four clubs who probably won’t bother the top six — but should be safe of automatic relegation.
Kilmarnock are among them. They have lost key players but Stuart Kettlewell is a sensible appointment and they will be fine.
Falkirk have momentum after back-to-back promotions and are good to watch.
They will find it much tougher, but they should have enough to steer clear of danger.
The same goes for Livingston but I would have more concerns over Motherwell and the potential for them to get dragged into the play-off.
As for relegation, I can’t see past Dundee as things stand.
I didn’t agree with the sacking of Tony Docherty and they have since lost an entire team.
They should have obliterated their League Cup group but instead failed to qualify.
Docherty’s replacement Steven Pressley is already under pressure from the Dundee fans and I fear things won’t get much better for them.
It all starts this weekend, with four games live on Sky Sports and all the best coverage in The Scottish Sun.
As usual, there will be drama and chaos — and I can’t wait for it.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
