### Celtic Set to Face St. Johnstone in Opening Match of New Scottish Premiership Season

The opening match of the 2023-24 Scottish Premiership season will be a high-stakes affair as Celtic Football Club takes on St. Johnstone at Hampden Park.

#### Celtic's Expectations

Celtic, one of the most successful clubs in Scottish football history, is eager to kick off their campaign with a strong performance against St. Johnstone. The team has been rebuilding under new manager Brendan Rodgers since the summer transfer window, and they aim to establish themselves as a force in the league once again.

#### St. Johnstone's Challenge

St. Johnstone, while not as dominant as Celtic in recent years, have shown signs of improvement under the guidance of manager Mark Warburton. They finished third in last season's Championship, demonstrating that they still possess the potential to challenge for promotion to the top tier of Scottish football.

#### Key Players

Both teams will rely heavily on key players to perform well in this opener. Celtic's star forward Moussa Dembele is expected to lead the attack, while St. Johnstone's striker Will Grigg is likely to be a threat from the front. In midfield, Celtic's young talent such as Callum McGregor and James Forrest could provide valuable contributions, while St. Johnstone's veteran players like Jamie Walker and Kyle Lafferty could help maintain possession.

#### Spectators' Expectations

With both sides looking to make a strong start to the season, there is a high level of anticipation among fans across Scotland. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for control of the game.

#### Historical Context

This match marks the return of Celtic to home soil after a long absence due to the pandemic. It also represents the first time in many years that Celtic will face a team from outside their domestic league, adding another layer of excitement to the fixture.

#### Conclusion

As Celtic look to build momentum for the rest of the season, they must focus on delivering a solid performance against St. Johnstone. Both teams will need to play with determination and adaptability to overcome any challenges that may arise during the match. With the stakes so high, it will be fascinating to see how these two teams fare against each other in what promises to be an exciting opening day for the Scottish Premiership.