THE new football season kicks off in style this weekend with action from Scotland and England as Dundee United host Rangers in the Scottish Premier League opener on Friday, before Spanish champions Barcelona visit Birmingham for an international friendly on Saturday. With domestic form and pre-season momentum on the line, both matches offer intriguing storylines, while JUSTBET has released odds giving punters plenty to consider ahead of the first whistle.

Event #1 – Scottish Premier League

Dundee United vs Rangers

Friday, 2:00 PM

Dundee United open the new league season at home, where they have been difficult to beat in recent months. Their unbeaten home run since January suggests they can make life uncomfortable for visiting teams, although they have generally found it difficult to earn positive results against Scotland’s top clubs.

Rangers begin the campaign looking to improve on an inconsistent finish to last season. While their attack remains capable of scoring multiple goals, defensive lapses were a recurring issue. Their recent goalless friendly against West Ham may indicate improved defensive organisation, but it also leaves questions about their attacking sharpness heading into the opener.

The head-to-head record strongly favours Rangers, who are unbeaten in the last 13 meetings with Dundee United and won the most recent encounter 4-2. Despite a relatively modest away record recently, Rangers still possess superior squad quality and are expected to control much of the match.

Key Stats

• Dundee United is unbeaten at home since January.

• Rangers have won only three of their last nine away matches.

Players react after the final whistle in the Scottish Premiership football match between Hearts and Rangers at Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh on May 4, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

• Rangers are unbeaten in the last 13 meetings with Dundee United.

• Rangers won the last meeting 4-2.

Betting Tips

• Primary Pick: Rangers to Win

• Alternative: Rangers Draw No Bet (safer option)

• Value Bet: Both teams to score – Yes (given Rangers’ recent defensive record and Dundee United’s home form)

Event #2 – International Friendly

Birmingham vs Barcelona

Saturday, 6:30 PM

Spanish champions Barcelona continue their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign with a pre-season friendly against Birmingham at St. Andrew’s.

Birmingham began their preseason with an impressive 3-1 victory over Huddersfield on July 10 and have since extended their winning run to four consecutive matches. Confidence is high heading into this fixture, but the Championship side will face a significant step up in quality against one of the world’s elite clubs. Birmingham, who finished 10th in the Championship last season, will begin their new league campaign against Sheffield United on August 15.

Barcelona opted against a traditional preseason tour of the United States or Asia following the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, choosing instead to prepare in England with two friendly matches. After winning the LaLiga title last season, Barcelona once again enters the new campaign among the favorites, despite Real Madrid’s ambitious summer recruitment, including the return of José Mourinho. Barcelona closed last season in outstanding form, remaining unbeaten in 15 of their final 19 matches, winning 14. Confidence within the squad is further boosted by the presence of four players who were part of Spain’s victorious 2026 FIFA World Cup team.

Key Stats

• Birmingham has seen over 2.5 goals in five of their last seven matches.

• Barcelona has won eight of their last 10 matches.

• Over 3.5 goals have been scored in each of Barcelona’s last three matches.

• Birmingham is on a five-match winning streak and are unbeaten in their last 10 matches.

• Barcelona has lost their last two away matches dating back to last season.

Recommended Bet

• Barcelona to win