Murdo MacLeod's SPL predictions

Murdo believes Celtic will again be the team to catch

BBC Sport Online pundit Murdo MacLeod evaluates the chances of all 12 SPL teams ahead of Saturday's big kick-off.

Aberdeen: I expect Aberdeen to be a bit stronger this season. They put together a strong finish last term, although it was against other teams in the bottom six.

The youngsters at Pittodrie have had time to establish themselves in the first team and, if they show the maturity and promise that we've seen glimpses of, then the safety of mid-table should be guaranteed.

Celtic: I fancy Celtic to retain their league title. Martin O'Neill has installed a great team spirit at Parkhead and the players all really pull for each other.

Much has been made of the lack of new signings, but the same team should be good enough to secure another good domestic season.

Celtic look very secure at the back and, with Henrik Larsson banging in the goals, they look the best prospect.

Murdo believes both Dundee clubs can do well

Dundee: I think the Dens Park side might just lose a bit of their sheen this time out.

Although they played well at times without Claudio Caniggia last season, I think his vision and skill will be missed.

Mid-table should be achieved with relative ease, but I can't see them pushing into the top four positions.

Dundee United: I expect a huge improvement from Alex Smith's side.

The manager has had the benefit of a pre-season with his players and they will still be buoyed by the strong way they finished last term.

It's a fresh start for everyone at Tannadice and I think United could push for a top six spot.

Dunfermline and Hearts will both look to improve

Dunfermline: This is a big season for the Fifers. Jimmy Calderwood did a wonderful job last season with a freshly-promoted team and they played a lot of good football.

They fell away a bit after failing to make the top six and a good start will be crucial if they are to get the sort of momentum that propelled them last season.

Hearts: Hearts finished strongly last season and I expect them to carry on the good work and finish in the top four.

Craig Levein is another manager who came in midway through last season and there was a noticeable improvement in their fortunes as he gradually imposed his will on the side.

There will be extra incentive as they strive to emulate Hibs' recent success.

Hibs and Killie can look forward to further progress

Hibernian: I think Hibs have a good chance of establishing themselves as a real force again under Alex McLeish.

They were quite magnificent for the first six months of last season and the summer signings made at Easter Road look promising.

Hibs might not make the amazing start they did last year, but I expect them to be the Old Firm's nearest challengers again.

Kilmarnock: Killie keep on surprising us and, in Bobby Williamson, they have a shrewd and capable manager.

Although they have lost a few experienced players, they keep on finding good new recruits and I think they will do well again this time.

They don't give many goals away and, provided they can find the net regularly, a top six place should be claimed.

Livingston will look to consolidate this season

Livingston: It's very important that the SPL new boys get off to a solid start. It could be a long season if they get cast adrift at the wrong end of the table.

Livingston will be spurred on by a good home support and have a lot of players with Premier experience and they will want to prove a point. Home form should guarantee their safety.

Motherwell: I fear Motherwell could struggle this season and could be involved in the dogfight at the bottom.

The heart was ripped out of the Fir Park team last season with the departure of most of their key players and the new faces that have arrived over the summer don't look like they are of the same calibre.

Rangers and St Johnstone could have differing years

Rangers: Rangers can only improve on their disastrous performance last season but I can't see them catching Celtic.

They have lost top quality midfielders in Van Bronckhorst, Albertz and Tugay and the goals from Albertz will be sorely missed.

I fancy Tore Andre Flo to feature prominently in the scoring charts and he will be ably assisted by Caniggia and Mols.

St Johnstone: St Johnstone had a poor season last time and I reckon they could find the going difficult again.

Having done so well in recent years, the Saints appeared to stagnate a little last year and, despite having a few useful youngsters on their books, don't appear to have improved at the same rate as some of their rivals.