Dundee fans will be feeling a bit of deja vu after being paired for the second-season running with Ross County on the opening day of the Premiership season.
This time, though, the Staggies will be heading down the A9 rather than the Dee heading north.
A similar result, a 3-1 win, at Dens wouldn’t go amiss for the Dark Blues.
September and October both start off with trips to face the Old Firm while Celtic at home will be Dundee’s post-Christmas cracker.
December 30 sees a Tayside Derby at St Johnstone but it’s the end of the season that looks trickiest.
After last season’s all-too-close flirt with relegation, new boss Neil McCann has his sights set on getting his side into the top six in his debut season as a manager.
He has not outright stated that aim but, with the budget at his disposal compared with other clubs, it is where the club’s hierarchy want to be.
And doing so will be tough as they finish up the pre-split fixtures with a last five of Celtic away, St Johnstone at home, Aberdeen away, Hearts at Dens and then Rangers at Ibrox — possibly the top five.
The top three most probably choose themselves with Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen set to battle it out at the top.
Below that, however, things are up for grabs. So who is likely to be their main challengers this coming season?
Hearts
Normally the Jambos would be a stick on for the top four but their gamble on Dundonian Ian Cathro didn’t pay off last season as they dropped to a disappointing fifth.
That may well change this time around as he puts his stamp on the team but the pressure will be on Hearts if things don’t get off to a good start.
Hibs
Fancied by many to go straight into a top-half finish under Neil Lennon despite only being promoted last season.
Their budget and quality of player they are aiming for, though, means they’ll be in amongst it further up the table.
St Johnstone
Relentless consistency continues at McDiarmid Park under manager Tommy Wright and you wouldn’t bet against them repeating another finish in the European spots.
One question will be if they can hang on to Wright this season — some time soon another club will come to their senses and steal him away.
Partick Thistle
Another side whose manager may not be sticking around after being linked with Oxford United.
Alan Archibald did a fantastic job last campaign to get the Jags into the top half.
If they can keep their momentum going, they’ll be desperate for a similar finish.
Ross County
The Staggies under-performed last season but it might be even harder for manager Jim McIntyre with top scorer Liam Boyce heading to the English Championship with Burton Albion.
Replacing his goals will be nigh on impossible but, if they can click, they’ll be a force.
Motherwell
New manager Stephen Robinson has been quick to plunge into the transfer market to improve his squad.
Shoring up their defensive issues from last season will be key but so will be keeping hold of striker Louis Moult.
A year’s more experience for a few talented youngsters could help them, too.
