Supercomputer predicts Rangers and Celtic title chances ahead of Scottish Premiership opener
The Gers endured a massively disappointing campaign last time out, with Danny Rohl unable to fully recover from the damage done by Russell Martin.
After finishing well off Celtic and Hearts in what was a thrilling three-way battle at one point, Rangers prepare to go again this week.
After poaching Derek McInnes and Lawrence Shankland from Hearts, plus Cammy Devlin, one of last season's title challengers have been weakened.
Celtic have smashed their club record to bring in Kasper Hogh, meanwhile, but Rangers have themselves recruited wisely.
Ahead of McInnes' men getting the new season underway against Dundee United on Friday, a supercomputer has predicted how the title race will play out.
Rangers and Celtic set for renewed title battle
Hearts really did miss a massive opportunity to break the Old Firm duopoly last time out.
You now have to wonder when they - or anyone else - will get another chance to do so.
That 'duopoly' is becoming a bit of a 'monopoly' at the moment as Celtic have won five titles in a row and 14 of the past 15.
The bad news for Rangers is that Opta Analyst has predicted Celtic to come out on top once again.
Celtic are given a 55.36 per cent likelihood of finishing top, compared to 26.35 per cent for Rangers and 11.86 per cent for Hearts.
For those wondering, Motherwell (3.04 per cent) and Hibernian (2.67 per cent) are predicted to complete the top five.
The model runs 10,000 simulations to work out the chances for each side.
However, there may be one glaring caveat to factor into the equation.
Rangers' title chances could yet increase over coming weeks
Rangers chiefs have certainly backed McInnes in the transfer window and they are not finished yet.
If the Gers can bring in a couple more high-quality players, the updated supercomputer odds may well shift.
Ibrox News has reported extensively on Rangers' hopes of re-signing Vaclav Cerny.
That is exactly the type of transfer that changes title races, while others could also yet arrive.
For now, Rangers and McInnes are underdogs. But that will make title success all the sweeter 10 months from now.