**New Scottish Premiership Season: Celtic vs St Johnstone Openers**
The start of the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season is just around the corner, and fans across the country are eagerly anticipating the first match of the campaign. With Celtic and St Johnstone set to clash in the opener, the stage is perfectly poised for a thrilling encounter. Both teams will be looking to make a strong statement as they aim for success this season.
### Celtic: The Defending Champions
Celtic go into the new season as defending champions, and they’ll be hoping to extend their dominance. Under manager Brendan Rodgers, Celtic have consistently been one of the most formidable sides in Scotland. Their squad is packed with talent, including the likes of James Forrest, Alim Ozil, and the ever-reliable goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas. Celtic’s attacking options are second to none, and their midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Izzy Law, and Ryan Christie will once again be pivotal to their success. The Bhoys will be looking to build on their recent history and retain their title.
### St Johnstone: The Underdogs with Potential
St Johnstone, on the other hand, will be aiming to cause an upset. The Saints have had inconsistent form in recent seasons, but they have a solid squad capable of challenging anyone. Key players like Murray Davidson, Ali Al-Hassan, and goalkeeper Carl Stark are crucial to their hopes. Manager Tommy Wright has been working tirelessly to build a team that can compete with the biggest names in the league. St Johnstone will be looking to use their defensive strength and counter-attacking prowess to their advantage.
### The Match-Up: Expectation vs. Reality
When the two teams take to the pitch, expect a clash of styles. Celtic will look to control the game with their possession-based approach, while St Johnstone will rely on set-pieces, defensive organization, and quick counter-attacks. The match could be a classic goal-scoring spectacle, with both teams likely to create chances. Fans can expect a high-energy contest, with neither side willing to back down.
### Key Players to Watch
- For Celtic, the spotlight will be on James Forrest, who has been in excellent form recently. His pace and creativity will be key to breaking down St Johnstone’s defense.
- For St Johnstone, Murray Davidson’s leadership at the back and Ali Al-Hassan’s threat on the counter-attack will be crucial.
### The Aftermath
The result of this match will set the tone for both teams’ seasons. A win for Celtic would boost their confidence and keep the pressure on their rivals, while a victory for St Johnstone would send shockwaves through the league. Either way, this is a must-watch game for any Scottish football fan.
The 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season is here, and the action is about to begin. Celtic vs St Johnstone promises to be a thrilling opener, with both teams ready to make their mark. Let the games begin!