Scottish Premiership: Celtic aim for fifth successive title

Celtic are 1-50 odds-on favourites to win their 11th league title of the millennium as the Scottish Premiership gets under way on Saturday.

Ronny Deila's side, who won their fourth successive title by 17 points from Aberdeen last season, kick off their defence at home to Ross County.

The Dons have a tricky opening test at Dundee United, who finished fifth during the 2014-15 campaign.

Inverness, third last season, are home to Motherwell on Saturday.

Celtic's Norwegian manager Deila is hoping that his team reproduce the type of performance that saw them thump the Terrors in his first home game in charge last season.

"It is going to be a nice day and hopefully we can do the same as we did last year when we beat Dundee United 6-1," he said.

"It is going to be tough this season but I think we are a better football team than we were at the same time last year and hopefully that will give us more points."

The Hoops, priced from 1-20 to 1-50 with bookmakers, strengthened their squad in the summer with the signings of Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci and Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata.

Saturday's other fixtures sees Hamilton at home to Partick Thistle, while Kilmarnock face Dundee. Promoted Hearts feature in the early game on Sunday against St Johnstone.

"We want to get to the top six and I think we've got a squad capable of getting there and hopefully get a decent cup run," said Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson.

"I think we're prepared. We've got a good squad in."