Kris Boyd reckons Celtic 'balancing act' will scupper title bid while Andy Walker shrugs off Rangers transfer drive

Confident Kris Boyd has backed Rangers to reclaim the Scottish Premiership trophy this season as he insists Celtic will struggle to handle both domestic and Champions League action.

However, fellow pundit Andy Walker has named Ange Postecoglou's side firm favourites as he played down the seven new additions at Ibrox following the departure of key men Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey. The Glasgow giants are set to battle it out for the league title once against when the action gets underway this weekend with both sides coming into the campaign full of confidence.

Rangers impressed as they reached the Europa League Final and Gio van Bronckhorst ended the season with his first piece of silverware as Ibrox boss lifting the Scottish Cup at Hampden. Celtic boss Postecoglou enjoyed a dream debut season in Glasgow's east end as he dragged the Parkhead side from a season of turmoil to becoming Scottish champions once again, while picking up the Premier Sports Cup along the way.

The title success means the Hoops go straight into the Champions League group stage this season, and Boyd reckons that could be a major issue for the club this season. The Ibrox hero told Sky Sports : "There was not much between Rangers and Celtic last season and it will be another close-run title race this time around.

"Ange Postecoglou has added to his squad and secured the permanent signings of Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers, who were excellent last season. However, being champions brings added pressure and every team will be out to frustrate Celtic.

"Nobody expected Celtic to hit the levels we saw last year. It was a fantastic turnaround from where they found themselves - but the fans will demand they perform in Europe too.

"It's a balancing act