Celtic launch the defence of their Scottish Premiership crown on Monday evening when Dundee make the trip to Celtic Park, where the champions will be expected to begin the new campaign with three points.

The Hoops needed a dramatic finish to last season to wrestle the title away from Hearts, completing one of the most memorable championship comebacks in recent Scottish football. That success ensured Martin O’Neill’s side claimed a fourth consecutive Premiership title, and attention has already shifted towards extending their domestic dominance once again.

Dundee, meanwhile, arrive with quiet optimism. Steven Pressley’s side ended last season strongly, negotiated the League Cup group stage successfully, and believe they are in a far healthier position than the team that spent much of recent years battling relegation.

Celtic begin from a position of strength

Winning titles creates expectation, and Celtic know anything less than another championship challenge will be viewed as disappointment.

Last season demonstrated both the quality and resilience within O’Neill’s squad. Chasing Hearts throughout much of the run-in, Celtic produced their best football when the pressure was greatest, overturning the deficit to lift yet another league trophy on the final day.

Preparation for the new season has been mixed rather than spectacular. Draws against Shelbourne, Middlesbrough and AC Milan showed encouraging attacking signs, but the heavy defeat to Sporting Lisbon also highlighted areas still requiring attention before competitive football resumes.

The biggest talking point surrounds the arrival of Kasper Høgh. Celtic invested heavily to secure the Danish striker, but after Camilo Durán impressed throughout pre-season, O’Neill may prefer to ease his record signing into Scottish football rather than hand him an immediate start.

Whatever the selection, Celtic possess more than enough attacking depth. Playing at Celtic Park, where Dundee have endured years of frustration, the champions will expect to dictate possession and force the visitors onto the defensive for long periods.

Dundee look better equipped than previous seasons

Dundee’s ambitions are naturally more modest, but there are genuine reasons for encouragement.

The club finished last season playing some of its best football, comfortably securing another year in the Premiership after pulling clear of trouble during the closing weeks. That momentum has carried into the summer, where progression from the League Cup group stage has provided valuable competitive minutes before the league opener.

Unlike Celtic, Pressley’s players have already experienced meaningful fixtures, and that sharpness could help them remain competitive during the opening exchanges.

The manager has also added useful depth without disrupting the balance of the squad. Idris Odutayo, Ryan Finnigan and Alan Forrest have all settled quickly, while experienced figures such as Simon Murray and Ethan Hamilton continue to provide leadership through the spine of the team.

Dundee’s challenge is obvious. They must remain organised without the ball, survive the inevitable spells of sustained pressure and take advantage of the limited attacking opportunities that come their way. They managed to beat Celtic last season, proving the champions are not untouchable, but repeating that feat at Celtic Park represents an altogether greater task.

Verdict

Opening nights can occasionally produce awkward performances, particularly when expectations are so high, but Celtic rarely need a second invitation to impose themselves at home.

Dundee should arrive with confidence after an encouraging summer and may prove more competitive than many expect, especially during the first hour. Over the course of the match, though, Celtic’s superior quality, depth and attacking options are likely to tell.

The champions may not be at full rhythm just yet, but they have enough firepower to begin another title defence with a victory.

Tip

Celtic to win.