Sunday's Scottish football as it happened

1. FT: Dundee Utd 0-1 Aberdeen
2. McLean scores late winner for Dons with header
3. FT: Hearts 4-3 St Johnstone
4. Nicholson scores winner in Tynecastle thriller
5. FT: Rangers 3-0 Peterhead

I'll sign off now. Many thanks for your company throughout the day. Hearts and St Johnstone served up seven goals at Tynecastle, with the Jambos scoring one more than the team from Perth. The second act was a bit of a damp squib by comparison but Aberdeen fans won't care one jot after picking up a 1-0 victory at Tannadice. There was also a comfortable 3-0 win for Rangers against Peterhead in the League Cup.

Enjoy what's left of your Sunday...

We'll be back for that game from Pittodrie but before that there's Celtic's trip to Baku on Wednesday. Ronny Deila's men take a 1-0 lead with them as they bid to reach the Champions League play-off round. Make sure you join us for that one.

More from Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes

Looking ahead to Thursday night's second leg against Kairat Almaty in Europa League qualifying. The Dons trail 2-1...

"I said to the players the other night that if we win the second half, I believe we'll win the tie. We need to get the crowd involved and make it one of those nights.

"It's a great challenge for us and one we want to meet head on."

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes on BBC Radio Scotland

"We had loads of control in the game and I'm delighted to come here as the away team and pick up three points. Once we scored the experience and maturity of the team was there for all to see.

"We had the luxury of mixing it up from middle to front and that gave us the energy that we needed."

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara

"We were a bit unfortunate with the goal. I thought over the 90 minutes we had the best chance. It was a good opportunity for Mario (Bilate) and I don't recall our keeper having too much to do. I don't think we deserved to lose the game, there was not a lot it in.

"I thought our defenders coped well with crosses and set-pieces, which is a strength for Aberdeen."

Aberdeen goalscorer Kenny McLean on BBC Radio Scotland

"There was a wee bit of luck with the goal but we deserved it with a good second half display. We can take confidence from that for Thursday's game (against Kairat Almaty) at Pittodrie."

Former Dundee Utd defender Mark Wilson on BBC Radio Scotland

"Dundee United didn't really create anything. When is the last time we said that? It looked shabby going forward today."

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Here's the view Luis Zwick had of Kenny McLean's remarkable header. The young United keeper had a couple of wobbles but could do nothing to stop the winning goal.

As the dust settles on the opening weekend of the new Premiership season, Dundee sit proudly at the top of the pile after a fantastic 4-0 victory at Kilmarnock yesterday. Hearts and Aberdeen won today, while Celtic and Motherwell also picked up maximum points on Saturday.

There will, of course, be online highlights too. All of Saturday's games will be available from 18:00 tonight, with today's action arriving at midnight.

FULL-TIME

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You would not have guessed that Aberdeen were the team playing in Kazakhstan on Thursday since they finished strongly to open the season with a welcome three points.

The only goal of a forgettable game came from the head of Kenny McLean and it is well worth tuning into Sportscene tonight to check out its remarkable trajectory.

You can see all of the action at 22:30 on BBC One Scotland.

YELLOW CARD

Halfway into the four minutes of stoppage-time, United defender Mark Durnan goes right through David Goodwillie near the halfway line to pick up a yellow card.

As we approach the 90th minute, Aberdeen are stroking the ball around confidently. Dundee United appear to have run out of puff and ideas.

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller

"Aberdeen had started to take a grip of the game with the quality of players brought on from the bench. They have dominated the last 10 minutes and got their reward with that goal."

GOAL

Out of nowhere Kenny Mclean produces something special to break the deadlock. David Goodwillie scuffs a poor cross in his direction and the midfielder drops to his knees beyond the front post and somehow sends a header looping in at the far post.

BBC Radio Scotland commentator Liam McLeod informs listeners that there hasn't been a goalless draw between these sides since 1998.

SUBSTITUTION

Dons skipper Ryan Jack is on for the final 10 minutes, with Andrew Considine trudging down the tunnel thinking 'how did I miss that one?'

CLOSE!

Aberdeen should score as United keeper Luis Zwick is beaten to a cross by Ash Taylor and the ball falls to Andrew Considine but the defender's shot is feeble and allows Ryan McGowan to make a goal-line clearance.

SUBSTITUTION

John Rankin is off, with Rodney Sneijder on for his United debut. Can the Dutchman with the famous name provide a spark of magic?

Aberdeen claim weakly for a penalty as Ryan McGowan gives David Goodwillie a wee nudge under a high ball. Referee Kevin Clancy just shakes his head.

Paul Quinn fluffs a pass out of defence and suddenly United enjoy a three v two advantage but John Rankin quickly gifts the ball straight back. It's been one of those games, I'm afraid.

SUBSTITUTION

Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes makes way for David Goodwillie just a few moments after some sterling defensive work to shut down Chris Erskine's probing run.

FULL-TIME

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Rangers ease into the second round of the League Cup thanks to goals from David Templeton, Kenny Miller and James Tavernier.

GREAT SAVE!

Mark Durnan is a big unit and the Dundee United defender gets a touch on Blair Spittal's free-kick to send Danny Ward scrambling low to push the ball round the post.

SUBSTITUTION

Dundee United introduce another forward as Simon Murray comes on for Charlie Telfer. The visitors also make a change as Niall McGinn takes over from Cammy Smith.

Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes motors forward from the left and gets into a great position for a shot or a cross inside the penalty box only to skew the ball horribly wide.

Former Dundee United defender Mark Wilson on BBC Radio Scotland

"It's like a pre-season friendly at the moment, no one is really pressing and the centre-halves have so much time on the ball. It's strange for an opening game of the season."

GOAL

Full-back James Tavernier makes it two goals in two games as he shoots home from a Nicky Clark pass.

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It's rather flat at Tannadice right now as the local gull population swoop low on the scrounge for discarded pie crusts.

GOAL

Kenny Miller settles any nerves there might have been at Ibrox, tucking away a cut-back from James Tavernier. Soon after, Martyn Waghorn hits the woodwork.

First corner of the second half and it's worked out for Paul Dixon to have a shot. Andrew Considine sticks his head where it hurts, sending the ball spinning high into the air and Danny Ward has an anxious flap at it before the clearance is completed.

KICK-OFF

Dundee United summer signing Darko Bodul is indeed stripped and ready to go as we get the second half up and running at Tanandice.

Our man on the spot at Tannadice Brian McLauchlin says we won't see Mario Bilate in the second half, with substitute Darko Bodul going through a vigorous work-out.

We're close to the 65-minute mark at Ibrox and Rangers have not managed to add to David Templeton's first-half strike.

HALF-TIME

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It's been lively in patches without ever catching fire. The best chance fell to Mario Bilate just before the interval but the Dundee United striker could not lift his shot beyond Danny Ward.

Both managers will be appalled by the standard of corners and free-kicks.

Big chance for United as the ball falls for Mario Bilate near the penalty spot. With Danny Ward advancing, the striker tries to lift a shot over the goalkeeper but can't manage to squeeze the ball past the on-loan Liverpool man. It's a good save but he should be tucking that one away...

Cammy Smith is involved again for Aberdeen as a promising attack ends with Kenny McLean's shot deflected wide. United then break and Blair Spittal's strike suffers a similar fate.

YELLOW CARD

Coll Donaldson is cautioned for grabbing a fistful of Cammy Smith's shirt after another good burst of pace from the Aberdeen midfielder.

It's all gone a bit scruffy again, with far too many passes going astray.

After a sequence of disappointing corners from Aberdeen, this one is better as Ash Taylor gets his head on it at the back post. The ball drops to Adam Rooney but the striker can only scoop a shot over under pressure in a congested six yard box.

Aberdeen's Jonny Hayes scampers down the left to deliver a lovely cross - right down the corridor of uncertainty - but Adam Rooney can't quite get there and Mark Durnan does well to kick the ball clear near his own goal.

Former Dundee Utd defender Mark Wilson on BBC Radio Scotland

"Mario Bilate has pace to burn but it looks like he is lacking in confidence."

The Dundee United striker is doing a lot of head-shaking and has hardly touched the ball...

Now Aberdeen come forward and Cammy Smith surges through the middle after a nice turn but his shot is too close to Luis Zwick, who gives the home fans a scare by fumbling before gathering at the second attempt.

United are building up a nice head of steam here as John Souttar heads wide from a neat Chris Erskine pass, then Blair Spittal leaves two opponents for dead with some lovely footwork only to see his low cross cut out.

Chris Erskine shimmies one way then another to make room for a shot 20 yards out but his powerful effort flies straight at Dons goalkeeper Danny Ward, who parries and is relieved to see a team-mate hack the loose ball clear.

HALF-TIME

It's been one-way traffic, with David Templeton the man to finally stick the ball in the net for Rangers.

Some uncertainty in the United defence and the ball falls to Graeme Shinnie at the edge of the box but his fizzing shot is rising all the way and clears the crossbar by some distance.

Kenny McLean bamboozles Mark Durnan with a lovely turn and is clattered for his troubles, the Dundee United defender perhaps fortunate to avoid a booking.

GOAL

Rangers make the breakthrough at Ibrox, with David Templeton finishing off a low cross from Barrie McKay.

It's all a bit tame at Tannadice after that seven-goal thriller at Tynecastle. That said, it was only 1-0 at half-time between Hearts and St Johnstone but we'd had a goal by this stage.

Aberdeen win their first corner but they don't take the opportunity to test young goalkeeper Luis Zwick, who simply plucks the ball out of the air under no pressure.

Rangers 0-0 Peterhead

Still no goals at Ibrox in the League Cup, with the hosts going close on several occasions.

KICK-OFF

We're off at Tannadice, the last leg of this Scottish Premiership opening gala.

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Woody, Ellon: "Despite the resting of 3 or 4 normal starters Dons still strong enough to win by a goal or two."

Fergie, Aberdeen: "Its a disgrace that we are having to play today after travelling through FIVE timezones! If this was celtic they would have been given more time!! I think we will be sluggish today and really worry we will get a thumping!!"

It's not THE Fergie is it?

The teams emerge from the Tannadice tunnel, with a few pyrotechnics going off in the stands. Will we get fireworks on the pitch?

There are two former Ajax trainees on the United bench today; Darko Bodul and Rodney Sneijder. The name Sneijder on the back of an orange shirt is certainly familiar, with the midfielder's older brother Wesley having won more than 100 caps for the Netherlands.

Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball

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These Aberdeen supporters certainly look in confident mood. Do you think the Dons are ready for another good season? Will they be Celtic's closest challengers?

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara on BBC Radio Scotland

"We are always looking to progress. Last season we got to a cup final and won more league matches than we did the season before.

"We need to start with a good intensity and match Aberdeen for effort. They are a good side and everyone is tipping them for second place again."

Midfielder John Rankin is the only player in the Dundee United side who started in last season's opener against Aberdeen. It looks like he may well be joined in the middle of the park by John Souttar, who has played most of his games in central defence.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes on BBC Radio Scotland

"There's been a lot made about our long journey but we're hoping that being game ready will help us and this is a brilliant game to be involved in at any time.

"We'll be looking to better our points tally this season, we want to improve year on year. I'm fully aware of the demands of our supporters and we want to meet that head on."

While Aberdeen gave champions Celtic a wee fright before running out of puff last time round, the wheels came of United's season in dramatic fashion following the January sales of Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong.

Top scorer Nadir Ciftci has followed those two to Celtic Park, so who will get the goals this time round? Mario Bilate, who had his first season at Tannadice marred by injury, leads the line today.

Luis Zwick, Coll Donaldon and Mark Durnan make their league debuts for Dundee United, while Aberdeen make four changes from Thursday's Europa League trip to Almaty.

Ryan Jack, Peter Pawlett, Niall McGinn and David Goodwillie are rested ahead of next week's second leg at Pittodrie.

LINE-UPS AT TANNADICE

Dundee United: Zwick, Dixon, Donaldson, Durnan, McGowan, Souttar, Rankin, Erskine, Spittal, Telfer, Bilate. Subs: McCallum, Dillon, Sneijder, Bodul, Fraser, Muirhead, Murray.

Aberdeen: Ward, Logan, Taylor, Quinn, Considine, Shinnie, McLean, Flood, Hayes, Smith, Rooney. Subs: Brown, McGinn, Robson, Pawlett, Goodwillie, Jack, Wright.

Dundee United and Aberdeen met on the opening day last season, with Jackie McNamara's side turning in an impressive display of counter-attacking to leave Pittodrie with a 3-0 win.

However, the Dons recovered from that sticky start to finish 19 points ahead of their east coast rivals.

Hearts owner Ann Budge on BBC Radio Scotland

"To see the stadium so full is fantastic. I'm not sure my heart will take it if it's like this every week!

"Hopefully, we can fight strongly for the top-six, that's our objective. There is a real spirit around the place.

"We can probably increase the capacity here to around 21,000 and we need to move fast because there's a lot of people who want to come and watch us."

LINE-UPS AT IBROX

Rangers: Foderingham, Tavernier, Kiernan, Danny Wilson, Wallace, Shiels, Halliday, Law, McKay, Waghorn, Templeton. Subs: Aird, Clark, Miller, Holt, Zaliukas, Kelly, Walsh.

Peterhead: Smith, Blockley, Ross, Strachan, Noble, Stevenson, Brown, Redman, Sutherland, Dzierzawski, McAllister. Subs: Jarvie, Adams, Lawrence, McIntosh, Ferries, Rodgers, Baptie.

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson

"We created a lot of chances but we are disappointed to lose three goals because we pride ourselves in our defensive abilities.

"We had three or four guys out there with hardly any pre-season under their belts and fatigue was a factor.

"But they showed character to keep winning tackles and winning headers and we're delighted to start with three points."

Partick Thistle midfielder Ryan Stevenson on BBC Radio Scotland

"Robbie Neilson will soon lose all of that nice long hair if it's like this every week! It's massive to get three points on the board straight away."

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright on BBC Radio Scotland

"I'm really pleased with some of the play I saw going forward but we need to tighten up at the back. To score three at Tynecastle, you expect to get something."

Rangers started their season in fine style; hammering Hibs 6-2 in the Petrofac Training Cup last weekend. Today they're at Ibrox, with Peterhead the visitors in the League Cup.

The teams met four times in 2012-13, with the Blue Toon managing a 2-1 win in Glasgow and a 2-2 draw at home.

Peterhead finished mid-table in League One last season and also enjoyed a good away win in the Challenge Cup, winning 3-0 at Brechin.

FULL-TIME

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Well, if it's going to be like this every week. Welcome back Hearts... The Edinburgh side mark their return to the top flight by prevailing in a seven-goal thriller.

Tam Scobbie floats the ball into the Hearts penalty area and there is mighty pile-up of bodies, with players going down like skittles. Eventually, goalkeeper Neil Alexander flops on to the ball. That could be it...

SUBSTITUTION

Hearts eat up a few seconds as we enter stoppage-time, with Gavin Reilly getting a brief run out, taking the place of Osman Sow up front.

YELLOW CARD

Another yellow card for a Hearts defender as Callum Paterson takes out Liam Craig with a body check that would be the envy of many an ice hockey player.

SUBSTITUTION

St Johnstone bring on a third striker as Chris Kane replaces David Wotherspoon and Jamie Walker gets a warm round of applause from the home fans as he makes way for Jordan McGhee.

David Wotherspoon sets his sights on the far top corner but the set-piece flies far too wide of the target...

YELLOW CARD

Referee Steven McLean gets a mouthful of Polish from Blazej Augustyn after booking the Hearts defender and Saints have a free-kick in a dangerous spot.

GOAL

It's raining goals at Tynecastle! Hearts show no signs of feeling sorry for themselves after losing a two-goal lead and take the lead once more as Sam Nicholson drifts across the Saints defence to divert in a great cross from Calum Paterson.

GOAL

All of a sudden, it's all square. Scott Brown has a pop with a low shot and it's deflected off a defender into the path of Graham Cummins, who almost stumbles on to the ball to poke it past Neil Alexander.

GOAL

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David Wotherspoon glides forward on the right and cuts on to his left to deliver a nice, flat cross for John Sutton to steer into the far corner of the net with a deft header.

There is a lengthy break in play as Hearts captain Alim Ozturk gets some attention for a knee injury. He's a big lad and he'll be fine.

SUBSTITUTION

Saints throw on a extra striker as Graham Cummins replaces midfielder Simon Lappin for the final 20 minutes at Tynecastle.

YELLOW CARD

Not for the first time, Hearts midfielder Morgaro Gomis is late with a tackle and he goes into Steven McLean's little black book after catching the ankle of Simon Lappin.

St Johnstone are leaving big gaps at the back now and Sam Nicholson pops up on the right edge of the box to slash a wild shot wide.

GOAL

Callum Paterson heads on a long kick out from keeper Neil Alexander and then continues his run to gather a pass from Jamie Walker, who had held the ball up well at the edge of the box. The full-back takes the ball in his stride and shoots low past keeper Alan Mannus.

St Johnstone are cut wide open as Morgaro Gomis threads a pass through to Jamie Walker but the buzz of anticipation from home fans soon turns to groans of frustration as the midfielder screws a shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.

GOAL

St Johnstone are right back in it and it's no surprise that the goal comes from a Joe Shaughnessy throw-in. Neil Alexander is all over the place as he tries to gather and his weak touch falls perfectly for Simon Lappin to prod in from close range.

GOAL

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Alan Mannus, shown a yellow card for the challenge, is able to stop a dreadful spot-kick from Osman Sow but Jamie Walker is first to the loose ball and hammers it home.

PENALTY

Hearts win a penalty as Juanma breaks from his own half to release Sam Nicholson who skips over goalkeeper Alan Mannus before falling to the turf.

CLOSE!

Hearts goalscorer Juanma shows good strength to turn his man on the edge of the penalty area but can only send his angled shot wide of the far post.

A strange jumping challenge from Callum Paterson allows Michael O'Halloran time to turn and drive the ball across goal but there is no blue-shirted player taking a gamble with a run inside the penalty area and Hearts survive.

KICK-OFF

St Johnstone get the action back up and running at Tynecastle and within seconds play is stopped as Liam Craig gets clattered in the middle of the park.

If Hearts can preserve their lead, they will join yesterday's winners Dundee, Celtic and Motherwell at the top of the pile, with Dundee United v Aberdeen to finalise the opening weekend card at 15:30.

Partick Thistle midfielder Ryan Stevenson on BBC Radio Scotland

"St Johnstone are the better side by a country mile. Manager Tommy Wright will be saying same again lads, because the chances will come."

St Johnstone are making decent progress out wide and are more comfortable in possession but they have yet to really test Hearts keeper Neil Alexander. When John Sutton did direct a header on target, Sam Nicholson was in the right place to clear near the goal-line.

A lot of aimless, long balls out of defence has been a feature of Hearts' play. Surely head coach Robbie Neilson will want to stamp that out. Wide midfielders Sam Nicholson and Jamie Walker have been starved of service and the full-backs are hemmed in.

HALF-TIME

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It's been a bit of an odd first 45 minutes at Tynecastle, with Juanma capitalising on Brad McKay's stumble to give Hearts an early lead. Since then, most of the good play has come from St Johnstone but that has been pretty scarce.

CLOSE!

Hearts midfielder Sam Nicholson pops up at the back post to make a goal-line clearance from John Sutton's looping header.

St Johnstone advance after a sequence of neat, first-time passes but a promising move is halted as Simon Lappin strays offside wide on the left.

Juanma is down again and this time it looks like a proper sore one as he lands awkwardly on his hip. The Spaniard hobbles to the sideline to get his breath back and is soon in the thick of it again.

The game is very disjointed with referee Steven McLean stopping play far too often for minor infringements. Hearts goalscorer Juanma is the latest player to go down screaming in pain after a gentle collision with an opponent.

Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball

Grant Reid: "@BBCSportScot where has the Tynecastle atmosphere of old gone? The stadium is silent! #bbcscotfootball"

Hearts skipper Alim Ozturk shoots high over the crossbar from the edge of the box after Saints keeper Alan Mannus punches away a free-kick.

Another long throw-in from Joe Shaughnessy is allowed to bounce in the Hearts penalty box and goalie Neil Alexander is able to flap the ball away on his line under pressure from Liam Craig.

YELLOW CARD

The first caution of the day goes to David Wotherspoon for a late, sliding challenge on Hearts defender Igor Rossi Branco. As a former Hibs player, the Saints midfielder gets some extra stick from the home fans.

That will do Brad McKay's confidence the world of good. The Saints defender, who gifted the opening goal to his former club, does well to hook clear from Callum Paterson's dangerous cross.

SUBSTITUTION

St Johnstone are forced into an early change as captain Chris Millar trudges down the tunnel, with Scott Brown on as his replacement.

BBC Sportsound pundit Allan Preston

"The goal was a gift and St Johnstone have been the better side for me. Hearts just can't get Jamie Walker on the ball and he was outstanding last season."

A long throw-in from Shaughnessy causes all sorts of consternation in the Hearts penalty box, with John Sutton and Liam Craig after it. The ball eventually loops up nicely for goalkeeper Neil Alexander, with the last touch coming off a defender in maroon.

Simon Lappin whips a good free-kick into the mixer and Joe Shaughnessy gets his head on it but the angle is awkward and the ball corkscrews over the top of Neil Alexander's crossbar.

It might be a long 90 minutes for Brad McKay, who looks a bundle of nerves after gifting Hearts the opening goal.

Saints are looking much livelier after losing that goal, using the flanks well and testing the home defence with a few useful deliveries from out wide.

St Johnstone respond and it needs a brave block from Callum Paterson to stop a shot from Simon Lappin.

GOAL

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Oh dear. What a terrible blunder from former Hearts defender Brad McKay, who stumbles on the ball under little pressure and ends up on the turf. Juanma Delgado, making his first Hearts start, strides forward to slip a shot through the legs of exposed goalkeeper Allan Mannus.

Hearts waste no time getting forward and win a corner inside the opening minute after a darting run from Sam Nicholson. The home side have a lot of big lads but Saints repel the set-piece without much fuss.

KICK-OFF

And we're off...

Hearts owner Ann Budge gets a huge cheer from the fans at Tynecastle for the flag ceremony, while SPFL chief executive plays the role of pantomime villain, getting a good old booing.

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Hearts are unfurling the Championship winners' flag before kick-off with some help from former captain Freddie Glidden.

The 87-year-old led Hearts to the title in 1958 and also won the Scottish Cup and League Cup during his 11 years with the club.

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright on BBC Radio Scotland

"What we have achieved in recent years is nothing short of magnificent.

"The extra finances that come from success doesn't necessarily go back into the team - that's not how it works here.

"But budgets are not the be-all and end-all in football. We have a squad that can compete and enjoy their football.

"Was Europe worth it? Of course, we'll be looking to get there again, even if it means another trip to Armenia"

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson on BBC Radio Scotland

"We need to concentrate on starting well and winning the game. The players we have brought in have raised the bar and they have all fitted in well.

"The aim is to get top six but we need to respect the other teams and work hard for it.

"The new pitch is looking phenomenal and we can't wait to get started."

Partick Thistle midfielder Ryan Stevenson on BBC Radio Scotland

"I played with John Sutton at Hearts and he can cause big problems for the home defence today. He's always a real handful."

The goals dried up for Saints last season, with just 34 goals in 38 league games but their defensive resolve made up for that deficiency. Michael O'Halloran was the club's top Premiership scorer last term, with nine goals, along with Brian Graham, who is with Ross County now.

John Sutton, who counts Hearts among his long list of former clubs, and Graham Cummins have been brought in to bolster the attacking line. Can either man manage the magic 20-goal mark? Sutton leads the line for the visitors today.

Today will certainly be a good gauge of how Hearts are shaping up because St Johnstone rarely give away cheap points. The Perth side have four consecutive top-six finishes under their belts and Tommy Wright has assembled a tight-knit squad, who fight hard for each other.

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St Johnstone have also been in competitive action already but their Europa League exit to Alashkert seems like a long time ago now. The Perth side beat the Armenians 2-1 at McDiarmid Park but went out on away goals.

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Hearts were in action on Thursday evening, coming from behind to secure a 4-2 win over Arbroath in the League Cup. Osman Sow tucked away two goals, including this penalty kick.

There are six changes to the Hearts starting line-up today, including a return for veteran goalkeeper Neil Alexander.

Blazej Augustyn, Igor Rossi Branco and Juanma Delgado all make their league debuts for the Jambos, with just four Scots in the home starting XI.

Brad McKay returns to face his old club and partners Joe Shaughnessy in a new-look central defensive partnership for Saints. Old warhorses Dave Mackay and Steven Anderson are missing through injury and Frazer Wright makes the bench.

LINE-UPS FROM TYNECASTLE

Hearts: Alexander, Paterson, Ozturk, Augustyn, Rossi, Nicholson, Buaben, Gomis, Walker, Sow, Juanma. Subs: Hamilton, McGhee, McHattie, McKirdy, King, Oliver, Reilly.

St Johnstone: Mannus, Scobbie, McKay, Shaughnessy, Easton, Lappin, Millar, Craig, Wotherspoon, O'Halloran, Sutton, Subs: Clark, Wright, Caddis, Cummins, Brown, Rodger, Johnstone.

Hearts steamrollered their way to the Championship title last season, losing just three matches and finishing a whopping 21 points ahead of Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.

Head coach Robbie Neilson has his sights set firmly on a top-six place and has done some good business over the summer, including the capture of Nigeria left-back Juwon Oshaniwa.

Can they make an impact in the top flight this season? A few of my colleagues certainly think so, with four out of the five questioned here tipping them for a third place finish.

Good morning and welcome to the second instalment of the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership season. Hearts are back in the top flight and kick-off at home to St Johnstone, while old rivals Dundee United and Aberdeen go head-to-head at Tannadice.

We also have Rangers versus Peterhead in the League Cup to keep us ticking along.