Premiership set to begin with three live TV games

THE Scottish Premiership hopes to maximise exposure of the 2020/21 season kick-off with three live televised games on the opening weekend.

The entire fixture schedule for the top flight will be released tomorrow morning, in partnership with broadcasters Sky Sports who begin a new five-year deal with exclusive rights to the division.

It is understood that TV games for the first few rounds will be part of the announcement, including a triple header as a curtain-raiser over the course of the weekend.

With the English Premier League finishing the previous Sunday, the first weekend in August is free for Scotland to grab the limelight.

Celtic, as Premiership champions, are sure to have the unfurling of their ninth successive title flag at home in front of a deserted Parkhead as one of those selections, with the away game for Rangers another pick.

Championship winners Dundee United, guaranteed to host a game at an empty Tannadice on opening weekend, could also come into contention for coverage.

There will be 48 live games shown on Sky Sports throughout the campaign as Celtic go for a record 10th consecutive crown.

The first Old Firm game of the season is understood to be scheduled for later than its customary late August/early September slot.

The second clash, at Ibrox, is slated for January 2 — the 50th anniversary of the Ibrox Stadium disaster in which 66 people lost their lives.