DUNDEE UNITED
LAST SEASON: 4TH
NOTABLE INS: Radoslaw Ciernziak (MKS Krakow), Michael Gardyne (Ross County), Brian McLean (Preston North End), Mark Millar (Falkirk)
NOTABLE OUTS: Paul Dixon (Huddersfield), Scott Robertson (Blackpool), Danny Swanson (Peterborough), Ross Smith (Peterhead, loan), Scott Severin (retired), Garry Kenneth, Robbie Neilson, Dusan Pernis
THE SQUAD (u-21 outfield players in italics)
Goalkeepers: Steve Banks, Radoslaw Ciernziak
Defenders: Sean Dillon, Barry Douglas, Gavin Gunning, Brian McLean, Keith Watson
Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Willo Flood, Michael Gardyne, Ryan Gauld, Gary Mackay-Steven, Mark Millar, John Rankin, Richie Ryan
Forwards: Jon Daly, Ryan Dow, Dale Hilson, Milos Lacny, Johnny Russell
STAR MAN: Exciting young striker Johnny Russell was attracting interest from Celtic last season - expect plenty of suitors if United decide they have to sell up.
YOUNG GUN: Under-21 international midfielder Stuart Armstrong has the chance to establish himself as a first team regular this season.
THE SEASON AHEAD: On the one hand, the Arabs have lost several important first team players this summer as they look to cut their budget; on the other, they have brought in arguably the best player in the first division last season, Michael Gardyne, as well as a solid midfielder in Mark Millar and experienced centre-back McLean. They also have two of the most exciting players outside Celtic Park, Mackay-Steven and Russell. If they stay fit, and Jon Daly keeps scoring goals, United seem the best placed to be the closest challengers to Celtic.
THE MANAGER: Its incredible to think that there were rumours that Peter Houston was under pressure early last season - three top four finishes and a cup win should surely have earned him plenty of credit. Last summer he did an admirable job of finding new players to replace departing first-teamers - can he repeat the trick?
PREDICTION: 2ND
HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN
LAST SEASON: 5TH
NOTABLE INS: (none)
NOTABLE OUTS: Ian Black (Rangers), Stephen Elliott (Coventry), Gary Glen (Ross County), Jordan Morton (Livingston), Adrian Mrowiec (RB Leipzig), Johnny Stewart (Brechin), Suso (Tenerife), Jason Thomson (Raith), Craig Beattie, David Obua, Rudi Skacel
THE SQUAD (u-21 outfield players in italics)
Goalkeepers: Jamie MacDonald, Mark Ridgers
Defenders: Darren Barr, Danny Grainger, Jamie Hamill, Kevin McHattie, Fraser Mullen, Craig Thomson, Andy Webster, Marius Zaliukas
Midfielders: Andrew Driver, Jason Holt, Ryan McGowan, Arvydas Novikovas, Denis Prychynenko, Mehdi Taouil
Forwards: Scott Robinson, Gordon Smith, John Sutton, David Templeton
STAR MAN: Andy Webster might not be quite as impressive as in his first spell at Hearts, but the veteran centre-half was still pretty outstanding last season.
YOUNG GUN: Scott Robinson started several games last season after dropping into a deeper midfield role - expect to see the 20 year old to play even more often this season either in that position or as a striker
THE SEASON AHEAD: Hearts' response to their Scottish Cup win? Change the manager and have a clear-out of high earners in what appears to be a clear reduction in budget. It would be surprising if Vladimir Romanov didn't allow any more signings in this window, but it would also be surprising if new boss John McGlynn was given free rein. At the moment, though, the Tynecastle side look short up front and need their youngsters to step up.
THE MANAGER: McGlynn was a well respected coach at Hearts earlier in his career, and then did a very solid job at Raith Rovers. He's not managed at this level before though. Expect Romanov to pull the trigger if the team have a slow start to the season.
PREDICTION: 3RD
HIBERNIAN
LAST SEASON: 11TH
NOTABLE INS: Paul Cairney (Partick), Tim Clancy (Motherwell), Leigh Griffiths (Wolves, loan extended), James McPake (Coventry, loan made permanent), Ben Williams (Colchester)
NOTABLE OUTS: Garry O'Connor (Tom Tomsk), Isaiah Osbourne (Blackpool), Scott Taggart (Morton), Sean Welsh (Partick), Martin Scott (Ross County, loan), Matt Doherty (Wolves, end of loan), George Francomb (Norwich, end of loan), Roy O'Donovan (Coventry, end of loan), Tom Soares (Stoke, end of loan), Richie Towell (Celtic, end of loan), Mark Brown, Ian Murray, Graham Stack
THE SQUAD (u-21 outfield players in italics)
Goalkeepers: Paul Grant, Ben Williams
Defenders: Callum Booth, Tim Clancy, Paul Hanlon, Pa Kujabi, James McPake, Sean O'Hanlon, Scott Smith, David Stephens
Midfielders: Paul Cairney, Jorge Claros, Danny Galbraith, Lewis Horner, Sam Stanton, Lewis Steevenson, David Wotherspoon
Forwards: Ross Caldwell, Eoin Doyle, Leigh Griffiths, Danny Handling, Ivan Sproule
STAR MAN: It's difficult to like Leigh Griffiths, but when he's in the mood he's a problem for any defence. Hibs just have to hope that the forward has started to mature a bit.
YOUNG GUN: I saw midfielder Sam Stanton play against Inverness last season and he looked very assured with an eye for a pass - the 18 year old will fancy he can force his way into the team this season.
THE SEASON AHEAD: Last season was a horror for the Hibees - a relegation fight and then a hammering in the cup final by their deadly rivals. So it was no surprise to see a huge turnover of players this summer, getting rid of several underachievers; importantly, they kept hold of Griffiths and James McPake, who certainly showed flashes of quality during loan spells last season. Paul Cairney was superb for Partick and may prove a good signing. I'm not sure Hibs will be dramatically better than last season, but I think they may overtake a lot of cost-cutting rivals who have got weaker.
THE MANAGER: Well, Pat Fenlon's had two transfer windows to build a squad as he wants it, so no more excuses. His budget appears to be superior to many of his peers as well. Rod Petrie has shown in the last couple of seasons that he's not shy about sacking underachieving managers, so the Irishman can't afford a slow start.
PREDICTION: 5TH
L.
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