Kris Boyd has hinted that Celtic have a slight advantage heading into the new season - with the first Old Firm derby to be played at Parkhead.
The former Ibrox striker was quizzed on Sky Sports following the unveiling of the 2026/27 season calendar this afternoon.
Rangers begin their campaign away to Dundee United on Friday, July 31, while their rivals unfurl the league flag with a Monday night kick-off in Glasgow.
For Boyd, neither side have a particular edge where their first fixtures are concerned. The ex-hitman believes it's the first derby of the season that counts.
For the Light Blues that means a trip to the east end of the city on Sunday, September 20 in a 12pm kick-off.
🍀 "The first Old Firm game is always key and Celtic have got home advantage this year"
Kris Boyd on the 2026/27 fixtures for Martin O'Neill's side ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/6vDlcGMKyJ— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) June 18, 2026
And Boyd feels that gives Celtic a slight advantage as it is a "key" game. "To be honest, I'll say it again, you have to play everybody anyway. There's a lot made out about the fixtures in Scotland, especially when the split comes," he said.
"But for me, I think it's fantastic, the excitement there. If your team go and win, you don't really care. But if your team lose, then all of a sudden everybody seems to moan about the fixtures and that.
"But for me, there's an opportunity there for Celtic. They're the champions, they'll be at home in the first game. Then they've got two away games.
"Kilmarnock will be tough, who are returning to grass this season as well. And then they've got St Johnstone - promoted from the Championship - away from home as well. They're all difficult games in their own right.
"The key thing for me between the two of them is always that first home Old Firm game. Celtic have got it this season. If Rangers don't go into that level or above Celtic and then all of a sudden you lose that, the pressure then starts to mount on the managers.
"So I think for me, the first Old Firm game is always key. And Celtic have got home advantage this year."
