We are back, and this time with more consistency! We have two new teams and a whole host of different ways to score points this season.
New Points System
Bonus Points are awarded to the best three players in the game in a 3,2,1 format.
Goalkeepers earn 1 point for every three saves they make
All players earn 1 point for every 3 interceptions they make
All players earn 1 point for every 3 tackles they make
Midfielders earn 1 point for every 40 successful passes they complete
All Players earn 1 point for every 3 shots on target they have.
* has to be achieved in the one game
Gameweek 1 Fixtures
Saturday 31st July
Rangers v Livingston
Dundee v St. Mirren
Ross County v St. Johnstone
Hearts v Celtic
Sunday 1st August
Aberdeen v Dundee United
Motherwell v Hibernian
Gameweek 1 Scout XI
Goalkeeper - Alan McGregor
McGregor is the most expensive keeper in the game for good reason. He kept the joint most clean sheets last season with 17. Livingston ended the season on a very poor run of form, picking up only one point post split, that has carried over to this season failing to beat either League One Alloa or Championship side Raith Rovers in the League Cup. This should be an easy day at the office for McGregor.
Defenders - Calvin Ramsey, James Tavernier, Jamie McCart, Connor Goldson
Aberdeen's Calvin Ramsey has the potential to be this season's Josh Doig, starting in both legs of their Europa Conference League tie against BK Hacken, grabbing an assist in the first leg drubbing.
Do I even need to explain picking James Tavernier, if he stays fit and healthy he will be the highest scoring player this season, probably closely followed by compatriot Connor Goldson.
Shaun Rooney seems to be the favourite pick of the St. Johnstone back five, however Jamie McCart provides the value, the cheapest of the four who are nailed on, expect Callum Booth and Reece Devine to be rotated at left wing back, McCart intercepted 65 passes last season, second most of any player still in the league, and the Perth side have already recorded a couple clean sheets.
Midfielders - Callum McGregor, Martin Boyle, David Wotherspoon, Michael O'Halloran
With the introduction of bonus points for passing Callum McGregor should be a name on every managers transfer list, completing 78.4 passes per game on average last season, he can also contribute going forwards already scoring a peach in the Champions League.
Martin Boyle was a late season favourite and should remain in people's teams as he appears to be continuing in the same form, already bagging two in two in Europe, and is still on penalties, which is always a bonus.
Unlike Boyle, Wotherspoon won't be on penalties after sending one into orbit against Preston. Despite that the Canadian international has still found the back of the net three times in preseason. Last season he averaged 1.6 key passes per game, third most of any non-old firm player.
Callum Davidson's side have looked their best during preseason whenever Michael O'Halloran has been on the pitch. He has bulked up for the new season and provides a fresh spark upfront. Don't be surprised to see him start upfront alongside Callum Hendry or Stevie May tomorrow as the Perth side look to put in an confidence boosting display before travelling to Turkey.
Attackers - Christian Ramirez, Jason Cummings
The Dons new signing has hit the ground running, and facing a Dundee United side that is predicted to be scrapping for relegation. New manager Tam Courts is off to a rough start with rumours of discontent amongst his backroom staff.
Both teams have scored in the eight out of the last 10 games between Dundee and St. Mirren. If anyone is to find the back of the net for the newly promoted Dundee side it has to be Cummings, who has three goals and two assists already in this campaign.
Captaincy Picks
James Tavernier is the obvious and safest pick. Doubling up on two of the same team can be dangerous so Martin Boyle gets my pick. He faces a Motherwell team that have conceded two or more goals twice in their four league cup group stage matches.
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