Celtic begin Scottish Premiership campaign against Hearts

Brendan Rodgers manager of Liverpool looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 4, 2015 in Liverpool, England.
© Getty Images
Celtic begin the defence of their Scottish Premiership title with a home game versus Hearts, while Rangers travel to Motherwell.

Celtic have been handed a home fixture against Hearts on the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership.

Last season, Brendan Rodgers's side went through their entire league campaign without losing a match, and they will begin their attempt to replicate that achievement against Edinburgh-based Hearts, who finished in fifth place.

Rangers have been handed a trip to Motherwell as they look to close the gap on their Old Firm rivals, while Aberdeen play host to Hamilton Academical.

Hibernian will mark their return to Scotland's top flight at home to Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock face St Johnstone and Ross County travel to Dundee.

The opening weekend will take place on August 5 and August 6, with the league campaign currently scheduled to come to a close on May 12.

The first Old Firm fixture of the season will take place on September 23 when Celtic make the short trip across Glasgow to play Rangers at Ibrox, with the return match being staged on December 30.

Brendan Rodgers manager of Liverpool looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 4, 2015 in Liverpool, England.
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Aberdeen4400105512
2Celtic431082610
3St Johnstone431083510
4Hamilton AcademicalHamilton42118537
5RangersRangers42117527
6Hibernian42118717
7Motherwell420267-16
8Hearts411236-34
9Ross County410348-43
10Kilmarnock401337-41
11Dundee401338-51
12Partick Thistle400449-50