Celtic, Rangers and Scotland's three other European representatives have postponed Premiership fixtures next month in accordance with SPFL rules to help clubs focus on continental qualification. The Dundee derby could be the only league fixture played on the weekend of August 22/23 if all Scottish teams remain in Europe by that stage.
Five teams seek postponements
The SPFL confirmed that all five Scottish teams involved in European competition – Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs and Motherwell – have requested postponements ahead of potential play-off ties. Celtic's trip to St Johnstone and Rangers' home clash with St Mirren will be moved to a later date, as both Old Firm sides are guaranteed to be playing in those matches.
Three other matches could also be postponed, leaving the Dundee derby as the only league game that weekend. Hearts face an uphill battle in the Champions League qualifiers after losing 4-0 to Sturm Graz, but would drop into the Europa League if eliminated. If they remain in Europe by late August, their trip to Falkirk would also be postponed.
Hibs and Motherwell await fate
Hibs are most at risk of an early European exit after losing 2-0 to Malisheva of Kosovo in the first leg of their Conference League qualifier. However, if they overturn the deficit and progress, their Premiership home match with Kilmarnock will be rearranged. Motherwell are in better shape after a 2-0 first-leg win over Torshavn. Should they reach the play-offs, their clash with Aberdeen at Fir Park will be postponed.
