ABERDEEN
I have a funny feeling about Aberdeen this season. They have made some good signings in Jonny Hayes, pictured, Niall McGinn and Russell Anderson, who returned in January, and if they could seal a deal for Gary Naysmith he would be an excellent addition as well. Aberdeen are a huge club but the thing they have lacked in recent seasons is leaders. Too often they have had the look of a rabbit caught in the headlights but I think they will do well this season.
Position: 5th
CELTIC
It goes without saying that Celtic are going to win the league. They'll romp it and the only question is whether the lack of a competitive edge domestically will affect them should they qualify for either the Champions League or the Europa League. They've secured Fraser Forster but do they really need to make any signings now? Neil Lennon would probably fancy a commanding centre-half, especially if they make it through in Europe – which I will be rooting for all the way. Scottish football desperately needs a boost and Celtic are capable of providing that this season.
Position: 1st
DUNDEE
I know I was scathing about the manner in which Dundee have returned to the SPL, but I think they will survive in the top flight. They have a big squad up there at Dens Park but although they have the numbers the question will be whether they have the quality. The lad John Baird who they have brought in from Raith Rovers has a good reputation but it remains to be seen if he can produce the goods in the SPL.
Position: 11th
DUNDEE UNITED
This is who I am going to tip for second. Peter Houston has lost players again this season, with Paul Dixon, Danny Swanson, Scott Robertson and Garry Kenneth all moving on. But I like the look of Michael Gardyne (pictured), Brian McLean could be more commanding in the centre of defence but has a lot of potential, and Barry Douglas will slot into Dixon's place. I think Peter always has his teams playing decent football and I think this is the season in which they'll grasp the chance to show they are the second force.
Position: 2nd
INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE
They struggled badly last season and had it not been for Dunfermline being so inconsistent and Hibernian's dreadful season, they would have been down for sure. But I don't think they'll escape it this term. Inverness always have a strong team spirit and a good work ethic but there just seemed to be something missing last year. They've lost a few players – including Jonny Tuffey and Jonny Hayes – while Jason Oswell, David Raven and Antonio Reguero have joined. I like Inverness as a club, they play in a beautiful part of the country, but I cannot see them surviving this year.
Position: 12th
HEARTS
Hearts have had to cut their cloth this summer and have allowed all the big earners to leave the club. Ian Black and Craig Beattie will be massive losses but I don't think they have any option, especially given what we have witnessed this summer with Rangers. But I just cannot see this term being anything other than a struggle under new manager John McGlynn because they will be going into a long season with such an inexperienced squad. The likes of Darren Barr, who I like as a defender, will be one of the experienced heads in the dressing room now and it will fall to the likes of him to try to show the way.
Position: 7th
HIBERNIAN
I think Hibs have really struggled this summer with budget restrictions as they have tried to add to their squad, although they have brought in a number of reinforcements. Leigh Griffiths is one who you would always expect to be in there among the goals and I'll be interested to see how James McPake fares as he continues with the captain's armband. Eoin Doyle will be required to fill the hole left by Garry O'Connor's departure and while I don't think Hibs will be in the same dogfight at the bottom as last time, I don't think they'll see a top-six finish.
Position: 8th
KILMARNOCK
Dean Shiels is a monumental loss for Kilmarnock and that is two successive summers in which they have lost creative midfielders. Last year it was Craig Bryson, this term it's Shiels, who will leave a big void. However, I really do like the look of the lad Rory Boulding who they have signed – I saw him play last year when he was at Livingston and he really impressed me. Kilmarnock always try to play nice football and there's no danger of relegation for them.
Position: 6th
MOTHERWELL
Stuart McCall's side had a great season last year but I don't know that they will be quite so lucky with injuries for a second successive term. Shaun Hutchinson is a player who I really like because I think he is quick, dominant and strong, and can also play a bit. Keeping him fit could be significant. Motherwell are strong in the middle of the park with Keith Lasley, and I would expect this to be a big season for Nicky Law, with Steve Jennings away. I'm not sure they can quite live up to the heights of last term but it will be a strong campaign for them.
Position: 3rd
ROSS COUNTY
Mihael Kovacevic could be a big signing for Ross County and I felt as though the defender was really unlucky during his time at Dundee United. He is strong, quick, aggressive and the type of player who could be vital for them as they try to stay up. Colin McMenamin is also one of the fittest players I have ever known – he is an absolute workaholic. It is a big season for him but he is one who I would expect to be in among the goals and I fancy the Highlanders to stay up.
Position: 10th
ST JOHNSTONE
They'll be smarting from their early European exit but I think St Johnstone will take heart from the way they played, and I fancy them to have a decent domestic season. They will see this year as a great opportunity for them and I can see them enjoying a decent finish – and maybe grabbing a European place again next season. I like Steve Lomas, I think he is an impressive young manager, and I am also a fan of Chris Millar, who has agreed a new deal with the club, while Gregory Tade (pictured) is someone who you would expect to get a few goals, something that'll be really important with Francisco Sandaza away.
Position: 4th
ST MIRREN
They are a decent team who do well considering they have such a small squad but they need to mix it up a little bit sometimes. Steven Thompson is a smashing big target man and sometimes I think they could get the ball up to him more quickly and take a bit of pressure off themselves in games. Paul McGowan is also a very capable player, while the return of Darren McGregor with a full pre-season under his belt after a cruciate injury is a massive boost for Danny Lennon.
Position: 9th
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