The SPFL are reported to be planning the first Glasgow derby to be played at the end of the first batch of matches in the 20/21 season.
With a date likely to be late October it increases the likelihood of fans being allowed in with Celtic Park staging the first derby of the season.
Over the last four seasons the first Derby has been played in September, the 1st, 2nd, 23rd and 10th in the but for the 2020/21 season it looks like both clubs will have played 9 or 10 matches before they lock horns.
The Sun reports:
THE first Old Firm derby of the new season will be staged at Celtic Park before the end of October. It’s understood the SPFL plan to release the 2020-21 Premiership and Championship fixtures next Friday.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon indicated a fortnight ago he’d like the opening home clash against the Gers – normally watched by nearly 60,000 fans – pushed back as long as possible to at least ensure it’s not behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 situation.
But, it’s now believed that won’t happen and it will be fixed for a date no later than October. Sky Sports’ five-year broadcasting deal kicks off on August 1 and it’s thought they want the first derby to be pencilled in for the end of the month.
The recent pattern has been for early September, end of December, March and then a post-split clash.
Celtic will be hoping to pick up on their early 2020 form which saw them pick up 28 points out of 30 on route to being declared champions based on an average points score of 2.67 per match.
With fans expected to be allowed back there is the possibility of the Scottish Cup and League Cup being completed before Christmas in a packed calendar.
