Premiership takes familiar shape with a green exception

It was good to get our business out of the way on Friday night before what turned out to be an interesting weekend, as the Scottish Premiership adopted a familiar look. Aberdeen did well to come from behind away to Ross County. They will not challenge for top spot, but their grip on second place looks to be in rude health.

The major questions is, is there a genuine challenge from Hibs for the remaining European spots? Their win at Ibrox, also coming from behind, suggests Neil Lennon has instilled an important ingredient of success: attitude. Not every opponent will be as defensively porous as Newco. Nor will they always face a self-defeating pantomime of a stadium.

The test for Neil will come when his team faces disciplined defensive formations – like Ross County, the only side who have prevented Hibs from scoring this season.

St Johnstone are the only other team on full points, however, they have the benefit of starting the season earlier than those who didn’t have European football, so I wouldn’t read too much into their wins against Motherwell and Kilmarnock. Their 0-3 League Cup tanking at home to Partick Thistle may be more indicative of the season ahead.

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* The quest for 7-in-a-row begins;
* Jozo Šimunović: Made of Stone;
* The Champions League – Astana preview;
* James Forrest: The enigma;
* Nir Bitton – Case for the defence.

This week’s big interview is with legendary Scottish football broadcaster, Archie Macpherson, who speaks about Jock Stein, Neilly Mochan, Charlie Tully and John McPhail, as we approach the 60th anniversary of the 7-1 game.

50,000 Celtic fans can’t be wrong…

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