Andy Walker reckons Celtic have a title defence advantage before a Premiership ball is even kicked thanks to the Hoops sidestepping European qualifiers.
But the former Parkhead striker has no doubt the biggest factor in the destination of the league crown will arrive in the four Old Firm derbies.
Walker has already pinpointed three of the four most important dates on next season’s top flight calendar and insists the significance of those results has never been higher.
Last season’s title race swung in Celtic ’s favour on the back of a 3-0 Hoops hammering of Rangers at Parkhead on February 2. That saw a gap that had been six points wide in Gers’ favour just a month earlier turn into a single point lead for Ange Postecoglou ’s side.
Of the four league encounters Celtic took seven points to Rangers four. And he is adamant the derby clashes next season will be every bit as pivotal.
The first instalment arrives on matchday six with a September 3 showdown at Parkhead before the New Year derby at Ibrox on January 2 is followed by the third meeting of the Glasgow giants back in the east end on April 8.
Walker said: “I think they’re getting bigger and bigger. Rangers only lost three games last season but two of them were to Celtic.
“I think that turned the title in Celtic’s favour. Every one of those games is hugely important.
“Celtic didn’t drop many points at home, so those Celtic v Rangers are games are proving to be more and more crucial.
“I think the turnaround in Celtic’s fortunes over the last 12 months has been remarkable.
“Ange Postecoglou has done a terrific job. When you see the success in his recruitment, I think that took everyone by surprise.
“Everyone has bought into what Ange is going to do. Clearly, he’s going to bring in some fresh players and try and make some sort of impact on the Champions League.
“I know that’s going to be really difficult but I think the big bonus for Celtic is that they don’t have to come through those qualifiers.
“The players might get a bit of extra rest and that’s important for all the challenges ahead.
“Winning the title was a huge boost for everyone but you see what Rangers have done on the European stage. I think Celtic’s European results have been really poor.
“Clearly, that’s where they want to improve. It’s very difficult at Champions League level but if it doesn’t go well you can drop into the Europa League.
“So Celtic on the European stage need to improve. That’s fair enough. That’s a good a target for everyone”
Postecoglou was hailed for his recruitment in his first season in charge and the arrival of Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Carl Starfelt as well as the loan signings of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota was key to grabbing the title back from their rivals.
Walker reckons freshening up the menu for supporters every summer is important - but so is tying down the key men who brought the glory back.
Carter-Vickers has already made his switch permanent after agreeing a four-year deal in a £6m switch from Spurs.
Jota is expected to be next although terms have still to be finalised with Benfica.
“You want to get all the players who were a big success last season tied down,” Walker told Sky Sports.
“I think the players themselves want the challenge of Champions League football, playing at the highest level.
“That’s a big bonus. I think there are other players who have to be in the pipeline. And you want to tie down someone like Jota as well. He was a big success.
“It’s going to be a big fee to get him but I think Celtic have the money to spend.
“It’s important here that you change the menu every season and give the supporters some fresh faces, some exciting new talent.
“I think that’s what Ange Postecoglou has done. He’s ahead of the game.
“No-one really expected him to get the title last season given the massive turnaround so I think that’s why everyone is on board with what he’s trying to do.”
