WE stand on the cusp of a new era in Scottish football as the SPFL kicks off with a bang when Partick Thistle and Dundee United collide in tonight's opener.

There is no lack of intrigue as Jags return to the top flight, Celtic adjust to life without Gary Hooper and Victor Wanyama and James McFadden joins up again with first club Motherwell.

Over in Paisley, League Cup winners St Mirren will bid for the top six, while Kilmarnock will look to emerge from a troubled period.

Celtic legend and BBC pundit Murdo MacLeod gives his thoughts on the new campaign.

The curtain comes up this evening as the SPFL season gets under way - but it's fair to say there will be few punters betting against this season being anything other than a stroll in the park for champions Celtic.

The real intrigue will come with just who is capable of providing the consistency and quality that will enable them to land a runners-up spot and with it the chance of securing some kind of European football.

While many have tipped Derek McInnes to make the difference at Pittodrie this season and give Aberdeen a much-needed kick up the backside, BBC Radio Scotland pundit Murdo MacLeod has backed Motherwell to build on the season they enjoyed last year under Stuart McCall, despite the fact the Fir Park boss has lost a clutch of his first-team stars.

"There is no debate about Celtic winning the league, we would all accept that is a foregone conclusion," said MacLeod.

"I've heard a lot of people talking about Aberdeen, the signings they have made and what potential they have and I don't think there is any doubt that they have the capabilities of being something of a surprise package.

"They are a big club and should be up there pushing - as should Dundee United - but it just doesn't always transpire like that.

"But I just wouldn't bet on Motherwell not being up there again at the end of the season.

"I am sure it wasn't just the supporters who were delighted to see Stuart stay this summer because his achievements with the club have been remarkable. He has a knack of finding good players from out of nowhere and I think he has made some good signings.

"Nicky Law will be a big miss but I really like Ian Vigurs and Paul Lawson, and you can't underestimate what James McFadden is capable of when he is on top of his game.

"Stephen McManus also gives them a good wee bit of experience at the back."

Tonight opens with one of MacLeod's former teams, Partick Thistle, coming up against Dundee United.

There is a bit of spice added to the game with the return of Jackie McNamara to Firhill, but there will be a feeling among the Thistle support this term that the situation with Hearts and the fact the Tynecastle side will start the season with a 15-point deduction will give them a cushion that could keep them in the top flight this season.

MacLeod, though, believes that if the SPFL new boys want to remain in the league then they would be best advised to avoid reading too much into Hearts' predicament.

"Sometimes when a club is mired in trouble like that there is a feeling of togetherness than can manifest itself on the park - and these are guys who are fighting for their livelihoods.

"So although Hearts are going to kick off the season well adrift from everyone else, that is a gap that could diminish as the season gets going.

"I'd love to see Thistle do well and stay up. I'm a big fan of Alan Archibald and it would be great to see him get some good results under his belt - and a good start is probably the most important thing for Partick. The only thing is that I would expect there to be a few teams down there in trouble this season. Hibs will struggle I think and I don't know that it will be anything but a struggle for St Mirren."

Before kicking a ball in the league this season St Johnstone have already found themselves with a host of admirers for the manner in which they have gone about their European adventure.

The Perthshire side have already put Rosenborg out, while their result against Minsk in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round also raised a few eyebrows.

And MacLeod fully expects they will carry on that form in the league.

"What a boost they have given themselves," said MacLeod. "No-one would have thought that they would have been anywhere near the top last season but they had a great campaign. The challenge for them now is to sustain that."

The other area of will be the Highlands. Both Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County impressed last season, and although both teams have lost players, MacLeod expects they will both be a force to be reckoned with again this season.

"It always amazes me how guys like Terry Butcher are able to rebuild a side every other season," he said.

"This time last year Inverness lost almost a whole team yet were able to rebuild and go again. It is the same again this season for both Inverness and Ross County, who have lost important players. On their own turf they will be capable of taking points from anyone."

Kilmarnock have had changes this summer with Allan Johnston taking over from the colourful Kenny Shiels.

"I think they'll manage mid-table," said MacLeod. "They are a team that work hard, are well-drilled.

"I'm just looking forward to a cracking season. I'd love to have some European football because those Celtic games in the Champions League last year are the ones we all remember.

"If we can get some European involvement to compliment the season then I think it benefits everyone."