### Scottish Premiership Preview: Celtic vs St Johnstone, Matchday 1 - Opening Game Ahead

The Scottish Premiership season is about to get underway with the first match of the campaign set for Saturday, September 2nd at Ibrox Park in Glasgow. This clash between Celtic and St Johnstone will be one of the highlights of the opening weekend, as both teams look to establish their presence in the league.

#### Celtic's Opening Act

Celtic has been shaping up as one of the top clubs in Scotland this summer. Under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, they have made significant signings and improvements to their squad. The team boasts a strong defense led by midfielders Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell, who have been instrumental in Celtic's defensive solidity. In attack, striker Moussa Dembele and midfielder Ryan Christie offer a potent combination that could be difficult for any opposition to handle.

Celtic's fans are also looking forward to seeing the return of some key players from previous seasons. Players like Kevin Cresswell, Stuart Armstrong, and Sami Khedira are expected to add depth and experience to the side.

#### St Johnstone's New Beginning

St Johnstone, on the other hand, have had a challenging start to the season. They lost their opener against Rangers and have not yet won a game since then. However, under new manager Dave Mackay, the club is showing signs of improvement. Mackay's tactical changes have helped the team to gain control of matches and improve their overall performance.

St Johnstone's strength lies in their attacking prowess. Players like Jamie Langley, Steven Fletcher, and Chris Martin are known for their ability to create chances and score goals. The team's defensive line, though still young, has shown promise and should be able to provide a solid foundation.

#### Head-to-Head History

Both Celtic and St Johnstone have a rich history in Scottish football. They have faced each other many times over the years, and the rivalry between them is well-known throughout the country. The last meeting between these two sides was in 2019, when Celtic secured a comfortable victory at home.

#### Key Factors to Watch

1. **Form**: Both teams are coming into the match in different states. Celtic is fresh off a win, while St Johnstone needs to bounce back from their recent losses.

2. **Tactical Changes**: The shift in tactics by Brendan Rodgers and Dave Mackay could lead to different strategies and outcomes. It will be interesting to see how these changes affect the game.

3. **Player Performance**: The performances of individual players can make or break the match. Both teams have star players who need to step up if they want to secure a positive result.

4. **Home Advantage**: Given that Celtic plays at home, there might be an advantage in terms of crowd support and familiarity with the venue.

In conclusion, the match between Celtic and St Johnstone on Matchday 1 promises to be an exciting affair. Both teams are ready to put on a show, and it will be fascinating to see how they perform against each other. With their strengths and weaknesses clearly defined, both clubs will be eager to prove themselves as leaders in the Scottish Premiership.