That we have been handed a tough opening run can hardly be denied. After starting the competition with a trip to Tynecastle we then have a five match spell when we face the other five teams that finished last season in the top six.
If the SPL had deliberately set out to build a series of matches to give a team an early test then they could not improve on this opening half dozen: Hearts (a),
Of course we know that all of these teams have to be faced three times before the split and that the last five games must be considered as points gathering opportunities but it is clear that we'll need to be on top form from the first game if we are to stay in the top half of the table.
Our leader is quoted saying, "Last season we had a run of games that looked as if it gave us a chance, against the less fancied teams if you like. This season it's the reverse, it's a really difficult start." He knows the value of the old cliché which refers to playing one game at a time and perhaps that is the correct attitude.
Let's beat Hearts first then worry about the others later!
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