The release of the Scottish Premiership fixture list has already generated heated discussion among supporters, and former Rangers striker Kris Boyd believes Celtic may have been handed an important early advantage in the title race.
Speaking after the fixtures were announced, Boyd highlighted the significance of the opening Old Firm clash and suggested that the scheduling could play a major role in shaping the early momentum of the campaign.
“The first Old Firm game is always key and Celtic have got home advantage this year,” Boyd said during Sky Sports’ fixture analysis.
His comments came as Celtic’s opening run of fixtures was revealed, with Martin O’Neill’s side set to begin the new season with what many supporters view as a favourable schedule.
Celtic’s first six league matches are:
Dundee (H) – August 3
Kilmarnock (A) – August 9
St Johnstone (A) – August 22
Falkirk (H) – August 29
Aberdeen (H) – September 2
St Mirren (A) – September 5
Boyd expanded on his concerns during Sky Sports’ discussion of the fixture release, arguing that the opening run of matches could give Celtic the perfect platform to build momentum before the first Old Firm clash.
“The first Old Firm game is always key and Celtic have got home advantage this year. If Celtic can take advantage of these opening fixtures and build momentum, they’ll go into that derby with confidence and the chance to put immediate pressure on Rangers,” Boyd said.
The former Rangers striker also pointed to the nature of Celtic’s opening fixtures, suggesting the champions will expect to be near the top of the table by the time Rangers visit Parkhead.
“Looking at Celtic’s first six games, they’ll expect to pick up a strong points total. A good start can shape the entire title race, and having the first Old Firm at Celtic Park gives them an early edge that Rangers will have to overcome.”
Boyd then stressed the psychological importance of the season’s first meeting between the Glasgow rivals.
“Momentum is everything in a title race. If Celtic are sitting at the top and then win the first Old Firm game at home, that can create a significant psychological advantage for the rest of the season.”
Those comments immediately sparked debate among supporters, with some agreeing that Celtic’s fixture list looks favourable, while others dismissed the suggestion that the schedule could have any major impact on the destination of the title.
Supporters immediately took to social media to debate Boyd’s remarks.
The discussion quickly became one of the most talked-about topics among Scottish football supporters.
@GersVoice1872 wrote: “Boyd has a point. That run could give Celtic serious momentum before the first Old Firm.”
@IbroxInsider posted: “Three home games and a derby at Parkhead. Rangers cannot afford a slow start.”
Celtic supporters, however, were quick to dismiss suggestions of any major advantage.
@HoopsFaithful said: “Maybe just win your games instead of worrying about ours.”
@CelticCentral67 posted: “Every season someone complains about fixtures. Football is played on the pitch.”
Others took a more neutral view.
@SPFLDebates wrote: “Momentum matters. Boyd isn’t wrong about that.”
@ScottishFitbaTalk added: “The first Old Firm always feels bigger when one team starts strongly.”
Several fans pointed specifically to the Aberdeen fixture on September 2, viewing it as Celtic’s toughest early test before the derby build-up intensifies.
@NeutralFootballFan commented: “If Celtic beat Aberdeen comfortably, confidence will be sky high.”
Meanwhile, @FootballStatsUK wrote:“Dundee, Falkirk and St Johnstone in the opening weeks is about as good a start as you could ask for.”
The reaction shows just how much attention fixture lists receive before a ball has even been kicked.
For O’Neill, however, the focus will remain on results rather than predictions.
The Celtic manager knows expectations will be enormous after another successful campaign, and supporters will expect maximum points from several of those opening matches.
Rangers, meanwhile, will see Boyd’s comments as another reminder of the importance of keeping pace from day one.
The Ibrox side cannot afford to allow Celtic to establish an early advantage before the first derby arrives.
Whether Boyd is correct or not will only become clear once the season gets underway.
But his verdict has certainly sparked debate.
Looking at Celtic’s first six fixtures, many supporters can understand why he believes the champions have been handed a platform to build momentum.
If O’Neill’s side make a flying start and then defeat Rangers in the first Old Firm clash at Celtic Park, Boyd’s warning could look remarkably accurate.
For now, though, Scottish football fans are left arguing over the same question:
Has the fixture list given Celtic an early edge in the race for the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership title?