The new campaign arrives with noise on every front

Here we go again. The Scottish Premiership returns this weekend alongside the preliminary round of the Carabao Cup, where Tranmere and Rochdale already delivered a thrilling shootout. Yet as the domestic engine restarts, football remains entangled in administrative crossfire and emotional farewells.

Off the pitch, Gianni Infantino and FIFA remain locked in controversy following scrapped proposals and statement wars that continue to divide the global game. Meanwhile, grounds across the UK prepare to pay respect to one of English football's true icons.

Honoring Kevin Keegan after a heavy loss

The footballing community continues to mourn Kevin Keegan, who passed away on July 20 following a brave battle with stomach cancer. His family released a heartfelt statement expressing how completely overwhelmed they have been by the outpouring of love and tributes from around the world.

Details for Keegan's funeral and memorial plans have been confirmed, alongside a charity fundraiser set up in his honor. When the whistle blows across Scottish grounds and EFL venues this weekend, the minute's applause will serve as a poignant reminder of a legend whose energy defined an era.

What to expect on the pitch

With domestic fixtures officially under way, managers face immediate pressure to settle early-season nerves. Early Carabao Cup ties have already shown that tactical discipline is lacking in early August, opening the door for chaos.

Expect high-intensity pressing and physical encounters as squads adjust to competitive tempo. Celtic and Rangers face immediate scrutiny in Scotland, while lower-league clubs fight for early momentum.

Prediction

Opening weekends rarely follow the script, but expectation will carry Celtic through a tense opener. Expect a 2-1 victory sealed in the second half as squad depth makes the ultimate difference.