Looking to the top half now, who will take the Conference League Qualifying spots that are now up for grabs? Once again, it should be tight and here are the clubs who will just edge it :
6) Hibernian
The shambles that saw Hibs knocked out of the Premier Sports Cup due to fielding the ineligible Rocky Bushirir, a third manager in less than a year combined with a long-term Aiden Mcgeady injury just being revealed, the early signs are far from positive. Have a long hard look at the club hierarchy, and the problems become apparent. 2021/22 was a season optimism as a third-place finish and a Scottish Cup final had been a solid foundation for Jack Ross the season beforehand. Despite this, he wasn’t backed financially and after a poor league start was sacked the week before a cup final. Bringing in Shaun Maloney was the move next, one which excited. Having lost Martin Boyle in the transfer window and Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge to injury, some leniency could’ve been afforded. After all, the former Celtic man was trying to change the Hibs’ identity, playing an expansive style of football that was unprecedented outwith the big two of Glasgow. After a Hampden semi-final loss to Hearts though, he was relieved from his duties. In came Lee Johnson, who by no means is a terrible manager but let’s face it, won’t be given much time as history has shown. So, why a top-six finish? Easter Road will still be a tough place to go and when Aiden Mcgeady returns to fitness they will be a real threat. Although, a European place will escape them.
5) Dundee United
A new manager in Jack Ross, and about to commence in continental qualifiers, a scenario few would have guessed off last season. The question is can they repeat this feat? For me, there is no reason as to why not. Despite the loss of Seigrist and Neilson, the tangerines have brought in highly-rated Levitt from Manchester United and a solid striker in Steven Fletcher. The general buzz around the club is apparent as a new era begins. Ross often played a front-two at Hibernian to great effect, with Tony Watt, Nicky Clark and Steven Fletcher available goals should not be a problem.
There will be a different style than last season of course. Often a sit-in and hit on the counter would prove effective against Celtic and Rangers although less so against weaker opposition. Expect this campaign to be a more controlled possession-based style similar to what we saw under the Hibernian of old. A top four will be too much to ask though, as the competition around has improved substantially.
4) Aberdeen
Coming off their worst finish in a league season for eighteen long seasons, you would have forgiven the dons faithful for not being full of optimism coming into this campaign. Too many winless runs and wasteful performances meant a relegation battle was breathing down their neck. Although, this is their first full season under Jim Goodwin, a manager who proved himself astute at a minimal budget at St Mirren. Often he utilized his Irish connections and has already done so by getting Liam Scales on loan from Celtic. With Clavin Ramsey and Lewis Ferguson heading for the exit door at a combined price of around £8 million, and a spend of only £1 million, a gain of £7 million could mean gains in the future. Two strikers in Miovski and Duk being brought in to assist Ramirez is clever business as the American was left to do it all alone too often last campaign. Despite the opposition, the dons looked really strong in the Premier Sports Cup and this season a step back towards their usual standards looks very likely.
Beyond The Score 
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