Brendan Rodgers has an open mind about Celtic’s title challengers with expects Aberdeen to lead the pack.
The hoops boss starts his third SPFL campaign on Saturday at home to Livingston with his side heavy odds on to make it eight-in-a-row.
Aberdeen have provided the main challenge over the last two seasons with Derek McInnes’ side again expected to run the hoops closest once the latest Ibrox Revolution discovers reality.
Whatever the critics from south of the border say the SPFL has a strong group of managers, three of whom could manage in the EPL without any difficulty.
Neil Lennon and Steve Clarke were new to the top flight last season with Rodgers fully expecting Hibs and Kilmarnock to pose questions of his side in the 38 match marathon that starts on Saturday.
Asked the inevitable question by the Daily Record, Rodgers said: “I haven’t seen Rangers yet under Stevie but I know the league will be strong this year.
“Aberdeen always do well. Hibs, Hearts and Kilmarnock under Stevie Clarke – you can’t speak in isolation about a challenge.
“I expect it to be really competitive and every team will be hard to beat.”
Celtic’s first match against Aberdeen is at home on September 29.